In the world of Reels, Shorts, TikToks, and Stories, music has become an integral part of storytelling. It’s often the sound that sets the mood, drives the rhythm, and determines a piece of content’s viral potential. For influencers, it’s a powerful tool – but also a legal minefield. So how can content creators legally use music in their social media posts?
Music on Social Media – What’s Allowed and What’s Not?
Social platforms offer built-in music libraries that users can draw from without fearing copyright infringement. However, there’s a catch: music availability depends on the type of account, region, and the intended use of the content. Often, songs available to private users are not licensed for commercial use – meaning you can’t use them in content that promotes a product, brand, or service.
If an influencer, for example, posts a reel promoting a skincare brand using a trending TikTok song, they might unknowingly violate licensing terms – and expose both themselves and their sponsor to consequences like muted audio, video removal, or legal claims.
Music Licenses Every Creator Should Know
- Royalty-Free – music available under a one-time license, with no ongoing royalty payments required.
- Creative Commons – some tracks are free to use, but may require crediting the creator or may only be used for non-commercial purposes.
- Commercial Licenses – music created specifically for creators and businesses, with full usage rights for social media and advertising.
When working with brands, it’s critical to use music with a clear and safe commercial license – this is the foundation of professional, legally secure content creation.
Where to Find Legal Music for Content?
More and more professional creators are turning to dedicated platforms offering legally licensed music for social media, advertising, and video production. One example is Closer Music – a platform with a curated catalog of tracks designed specifically for influencers, brands, and creative agencies.
With clear licensing and search options based on mood, style, and tempo, influencers can quickly find the perfect soundtrack for any video – without the risk of copyright issues.
Common Mistakes Creators Make
- Using trending commercial tracks in sponsored content without proper rights
- Downloading music from YouTube or Spotify without a license, assuming it’s public domain
- Ignoring Creative Commons terms, such as attribution requirements or limitations on modifications
Trend Alert: Building a Personal Sonic Identity
More influencers are beginning to develop their own sound branding – signature intros, outros, and recurring audio themes. This boosts recognition and helps establish a unique content style. Legally licensed, personalized music is the key to building a strong and professional personal brand.
Conclusion
Being a modern influencer is about more than staying on top of trends – it’s also about being legally and ethically aware. Using music legally on social media is essential, especially in branded collaborations. With tools like Closer Music, creators can work confidently and safely – focusing on what matters most: original, engaging content.