If you’re an aspiring artist looking to buy beats online, navigating this process might seem tricky at first. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding free beats to choosing the right license for your needs and avoiding common pitfalls.
Free Beats: What You Need to Know
The Catch with “Free Beats”
Free beats can be misleading. While many producers label their beats as “free” or “free download” on platforms like YouTube, they don’t mean you can use them for commercial purposes without restrictions. In fact, these free beats are often offered as a way for artists to:
- Try out the beat before buying it.
- Record a demo and get feedback.
- Test if their vocals match the beat’s key.
However, you are NOT allowed to make money from these beats. Posting a track using a free beat on Facebook, YouTube, or SoundCloud can be considered commercial use since these platforms allow monetization.
The Dangers of Free Beats
If you use a free beat without proper authorization (i.e., no license agreement), the producer can take legal action or demand that you take down your song at any time. Essentially, there’s no such thing as a truly free beat.
To avoid legal trouble, you should request a “free license” from the producer if you plan to use a beat for anything beyond personal enjoyment.
Buying Beats: How It Works
When you buy a beat, you’re essentially purchasing the right to use a copyrighted piece of music. The producer remains the owner of the beat, but in exchange for payment, you get certain rights, defined in a license agreement.
Types of Licenses
- Non-exclusive licenses: These are sold to multiple artists, meaning you and others can use the same beat. This is the most common and affordable option.
- Exclusive licenses: This is sold to only one artist. Once an exclusive license is sold, the producer can no longer license the beat to anyone else.
Most producers focus on non-exclusive licenses when selling online, offering different tiers of rights depending on the price.
Licensing Options: What to Choose
Online producers typically offer a variety of licensing options. The more you pay, the more rights you get. For example, some common licensing options include:
- MP3 License: Basic, often the cheapest option with limited rights.
- Premium or WAV License: Higher quality audio files and more user rights.
- Unlimited License: No limitations on sales or streams.
The more expensive the license, the more rights you gain, such as higher quality audio files (e.g., WAV or Tracked Out Files) or unlimited streaming and sales rights.
What’s the Best License to Buy?
If you’re serious about producing high-quality music, aim for a license that includes Tracked Out Files—separate audio tracks for each instrument. This allows better control over mixing and mastering, leading to a more polished final product.
Can You Upgrade Your License Later?
In some cases, yes! Some producers (though not all) allow you to upgrade your license after the initial purchase. For example, if you start with a Basic License but later want more rights, you can often pay the difference and upgrade. However, always check with the producer before assuming this option is available.
Copyright and Ownership
When you buy a beat and write lyrics to it, you own the copyright to your lyrics, but the producer still owns the beat. Together, you and the producer will share the rights to the finished song, which is known as a Derivative Work.
Typically, the copyright is split 50/50:
- You (the artist): Own the lyrics and 50% of the song’s “Writer’s Share.”
- The producer: Owns the beat and the other 50% of the “Writer’s Share.”
This means that while you can use the beat commercially, you don’t own it outright unless you purchase exclusive rights.
What If Someone Else Buys Exclusive Rights?
If you’ve purchased a non-exclusive license and someone else buys the exclusive rights to the beat, your license will remain valid until it expires. Most non-exclusive licenses last for several years, depending on the producer’s terms. After your license expires, you won’t be able to renew it if the exclusive rights have been sold.
Always make sure to check the expiration terms of your license before purchasing.
Is It Safe to Buy Beats Online?
Yes, buying beats online can be safe if you follow these precautions:
- Buy from reputable platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, or Soundee. These platforms offer buyer protection and instant file delivery.
- Pay with secure methods such as PayPal or Stripe to ensure your purchase is protected.
- Check the producer’s license agreements before buying. Don’t just rely on flashy pricing tables—read the full terms.
If the producer is selling outside of a platform, reach out to them directly if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of their business or the terms of their license.
Tips for Buying Beats Online
Here are some additional tips to make sure your experience buying beats online goes smoothly:
- Pay with PayPal or Stripe for buyer protection.
- Check if the producer sells through a reputable platform like BeatStars, Airbit, or Soundee.
- Read the full license agreement before buying.
- Reach out to the producer with any questions or concerns, but check their FAQ first.