As the risk of using unlicensed music continues to grow, it’s important for us to become diligent about making sure we have the proper permission to use copyrighted music in our videos. You probably have figured out that any additional music that you use in the final edit of your video needs copyright clearance. However, music copyright laws go much further.

As a videographer at a wedding reception, there is no question that you will be capturing the the couples’ first dance. Along with their dance, your video will also capture the copyrighted song they chose to dance to. To make sure your production stays within the guidelines of copyright, you will need to acquire a music synchronization license, or sync license. A sync license allows you to sychronize music to your video. Generally, a sync license will cost a one-time flat fee and will cover a specific period of time.

When working with musical compositions, it’s important not to infringe on copyright protection. Failure to acknowledge copyright laws can cost you a significant chunk of change and put your wedding videography business on the line. Taking the time to acquire the proper licensing can help ensure the first dance, isn’t your last.

For more advice on music licensing check out What’s Legal: When Are Backgroud Sound Wth A Copyright In Video Clips OK?

Interested in more tips on Wedding Videography? Sign up for Videomaker’s free Wedding Videography Course. This free tip series is designed to help you improve your video production skills, fast. Learn More.



I’ve been having an interesting conversation with school instructor Dylan Bennett over a blog post I made on Monday about a viral video on YouTube.

The video is a well choreographed piece by film students in Montreal using a popular song.

Mr. Bennett was commenting about how, as a video production instructor, he strives to teach his students not only the video producing skills and techniques but also the rules and ethics that go along with being a video producer.

We often write in Videomaker about how legally and ethically one shouldn’t use copyright music without permission,  and how, even recently, YouTube has taken down people’s fun videos because they used 10-seconds of a song without permission from the copyright holder.  But, apparently, the rules are changing.

Mr. Bennett sent me this blog post that Google put up this week, saying it’s OK to use copyright music, TV shows, or other approved media on YouTube… “if”… and it’s a big IF.  If the record company/TV network/copyright holder sees a financial benefit to them.

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