Does TuneCore manage copyright for TikTok songs?

With the rise of digital content platforms like TikTok, musicians and content creators are finding new avenues for making and sharing their music. TikTok has become a popular platform for new artists to showcase their talent, leading many to wonder about the legal aspects of the music they create. One major question is whether TuneCore manages copyright for songs that are created and shared on TikTok. This article will explore that question in depth and provide guidance on how artists can effectively manage their music rights and distribution.

The Role of TuneCore in Music Distribution

TuneCore is a widely known music distribution service that helps artists get their music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. While TuneCore excels in music distribution, it's important to understand its role in copyright management.

Does TuneCore Manage Copyright?

TuneCore does offer some services related to copyright. They provide a service called TuneCore Publishing Administration, which assists artists with the registration of their music compositions and works to collect royalties from various sources worldwide. However, TuneCore does not automatically manage copyright for every song an artist distributes through the platform. Artists must opt into their Publishing Administration service and are encouraged to handle their own copyright registrations through the United States Copyright Office or relevant entities in other countries.

TikTok as a Music Creation Platform

TikTok has uniquely positioned itself as a platform where music creation and social media converge. Many songs have gone viral on TikTok, propelling relatively unknown artists into the spotlight. The app's features allow users to create and share short video clips, often synchronized with music. This ease of use enables a wide range of creative possibilities, including original compositions.

Copyright Issues on TikTok

While TikTok provides an incredible platform for creativity, it also brings up questions about copyright. When users create music on TikTok, they often use existing tracks, which may already have copyright protection. This can lead to complex scenarios, especially if the new content becomes popular.

Certainly, TikTok has licenses in place with major record labels and many independent distributors, which allows users to legally use many commercial tracks in their videos. However, if you are creating original music on TikTok, you are responsible for managing your own copyright. This means registering your original works and ensuring you have the necessary rights to distribute and monetize them.

Managing Your Music Rights

If you are creating original music on TikTok or any other platform, it's essential to take steps to protect your work. Here are a few tips:

• Register Your Work: Ensure you register your music with the relevant copyright office. In the US, you can do this through the United States Copyright Office.
• Consider Publishing Administration: Services like TuneCore’s Publishing Administration can assist in ensuring all correct royalties are collected from various revenue streams.
• Monitor Your Music: Use tools and services that help you track where and how your music is being used.
• Stay Educated: Keep yourself updated with the latest in music copyright laws and how they may apply to new platforms.

SoundOn: A Comprehensive Solution

If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to manage your music rights and distribution, it's worth considering SoundOn. SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners like CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms worldwide.

With SoundOn, you have the advantage of leveraging TikTok's massive user base to promote your music, while also ensuring your rights are managed correctly through their global distribution services. By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can take advantage of these resources to boost your career and reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

TuneCore provides valuable services in music distribution and offers publishing administration for managing rights and royalties. However, it does not automatically handle copyright management for every song. On the other hand, TikTok serves as an excellent platform for music creation but also necessitates that artists take proactive steps to manage their own copyrights.

For those serious about their music careers, integrating these services with a comprehensive platform like SoundOn can help bridge the gap between creativity and copyright management. By doing so, artists can focus on what they do best—creating music—while ensuring their rights and potential earnings are well protected.

If you’re looking to streamline your music distribution and rights management, consider registering as a SoundOn artist here.