I want to upload replayed songs (covers) online, for example on YouTube, Instagram or my website. Do I need a licence?

If you offer music for streaming or downloading on your website, our tariff VR-OD 10 (II.2.b.2 licensing package Music on Demand Streaming resp. II.2.b.2 licensing package Music on Demand Download) is applicable. This is used for pure music (audios) as well as music videos. You can register this type of use of music content in our Online Portal. A precise definition and more information on the retrieval numbers and prices are located on our tariff page for Online uses on a small scale.

The following applies for streaming: If the use exceeds the thresholds set by the VR-OD 10 tariff (retrieval threshold: 364,500 p.a.; income threshold: EUR 24,000 net p.a.), our tariff VR-OD 9 is applicable.

The following applies for downloads: If the use exceeds the threshold values of the VR-OD 10 (Retrieval threshold :15,000 p.a.; income threshold: EUR 24,000 net p.a.), our tariff VR-OD 7 is applicable. In addition to the licence for music on demand download, you can acquire another, cheaper licence for audio samples of up to 90 seconds duration (€180 net/year). This reduced licence only takes effect in connection with the offers of music on demand downloads. Further information on the retrieval numbers and prices are located here.

Please note in general that – irrespective of the licensing process we exercise – you still may have to acquire additional rights directly from the rightsholders. By way of example, we want to mention neighbouring rights/master rights (label) when you use original master recordings and   film synchronisation rights/adaptation rights  (usually the music publisher) at this point.