Short answer:
You can distribute cover songs to streaming platforms and online radio with Random Sounds by crediting the original song’s composers in the song credits.
📌 To distribute covers to download and UGC platforms, it’s necessary to obtain a license. You can do this through our partners: Easy Song and Affordable Song Licensing.
In which cases do I need licenses?
Licenses depend on the type of sales each digital platform offers. Below you’ll find an explanation of each platform according to its type of sale:
Platform Type | Do you need to acquire a license? | Can covers be distributed? |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | |
❌ No | ✅ Yes | |
❌ No | ✅ Yes | |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
It’s important to clarify that you cannot distribute covers that sound very similar to the original version. This is known as a sound-alike cover and is prohibited.
Download
Downloads platforms allow purchasing copies of songs for download.
Examples: iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp.
Streaming (Interactive)
Interactive streaming platforms allow you to play any song online by paying a subscription.
Examples: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal.
Online Radio (Non-interactive Streaming)
Online radio or non-interactive streaming platforms allow online playback of radio stations without the ability to choose any song at any time.
Examples: Pandora, Amp.
UGC
UGC platforms allow the use of songs in other content, such as videos or photos, through catalog selection or audio recognition in that content.
Examples: YouTube Content ID, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Distribution
Can I download a track from the Internet, use it in my recording, and distribute a cover?
Generally no. You may only use an original recorded by you; a cover means you’re not using the original artist’s recording.
Can I change the lyrics of a song in a cover?
If you modify the lyrics, legally it is no longer a cover but a derivative work. Standard licenses do not apply to derivative works, as these require private negotiation.
Can I change the musical genre of a song in a cover?
Yes, that’s one of the main creative aspects of covers.
Do I need written permission to record a cover?
No. But you do need a license for certain uses, like downloads, UGC, or synchronization.
How do licenses work for compositions that are in the public domain?
If a song is in the public domain, you can create a cover or derivative work without buying a license.
📌 Important:
Even if a song is in the public domain, this does not authorize the distribution of third-party recordings without permission.
Even if a song is in the public domain, this does not authorize the use of samples from recordings of that song without permission.
Most UGC platforms don't allow the distribution of songs in public domain.