How to Record a Cover Song and Publish It Online Legally

Cover songs are a powerful way to grow your audience, showcase your skills, and honor the music you love. But to do it right—and keep your content online—you need solid production, smart metadata, and the correct licenses. This tutorial walks you step-by-step from idea to legal release on major platforms, with practical guidance for both audio and video covers.

Key concepts and rights you must understand

• Two copyrights: composition and master
  • Composition: melody/lyrics owned by the songwriters and publishers.
  • Master: the specific sound recording. For a cover, you own your recording, not the composition.
• Mechanical license: needed to reproduce/distribute the composition as audio (CDs, vinyl, permanent downloads, and often required for Bandcamp sales). For interactive streaming, services like Spotify/Apple generally secure mechanicals via blanket licenses.
• Synchronization (sync) license: needed to pair the composition with video (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, music videos). This must come from the publisher(s). Platforms may have deals that allow uploads but can still block, mute, or monetize your video.
• Performance rights: when your audio is played publicly. Streaming services and venues pay PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SOCAN, etc.), not you.
• Derivative works: substantial changes to lyrics/melody require publisher approval beyond a standard cover license.

Tip: You can legally make your own sound recording without using the original master. Do not sample the original recording unless you also clear the master rights.

Plan your release: destination determines your licenses

Before you arrange or hit record, decide where and how you’ll release:

• Audio-only streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer): generally no action needed by you for mechanicals; DSPs handle it via The MLC (U.S.) and publisher partners. Your distributor may still ask you to confirm it’s a cover.
• Permanent downloads (iTunes Store, Bandcamp), physical (CD/vinyl): you must secure mechanical licenses and pay mechanical royalties per unit sold.
• Video platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch): you legally need a sync license from the publisher(s). In practice, platforms have arrangements allowing uploads of many covers; rights owners may monetize, mute, or block. If you want guaranteed monetization and zero risk of takedowns, obtain sync permissions.
• Live streams: often treated like video—expect publisher control via platform deals; monetization may be claimed.

Best practice: Map each destination to its legal need. If any path requires mechanicals or syncs, secure those before release day.

Step 1: Pick the right song and verify ownership

• Select a song available in your market. International catalogs can involve multiple publishers.
• Look up songwriters/publishers:
  • U.S.: search by title at PRO databases (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and Music Reports or The MLC.
  • U.K./EU/CA: PRS, GEMA, SACEM, SOCAN, etc.
• Confirm there isn’t a “No cover” restriction (rare) or special conditions. If publishers are unknown/unlisted, licensing may take longer.

Pitfall: Don’t rely solely on who performed the song. You license from the publishers who control the composition, not the artist (unless the artist is also the publisher).

Step 2: Secure the necessary licenses

Audio releases

• Interactive streaming (Spotify/Apple/Deezer): Services have blanket mechanical licenses; you generally don’t need to buy a mechanical license yourself.
• Permanent downloads (iTunes Store, Bandcamp) and physical media: Obtain mechanical licenses in advance and pay per-unit royalties.
  • U.S. statutory mechanical rate for permanent downloads/physical increased to 12¢ per song per copy (as of 2023+, subject to CPI adjustments).
  • Where to license:
    • Easy Song Licensing (U.S. and some international support).
    • Publisher direct if needed.
• Reporting: Keep accurate sales/download counts to pay ongoing mechanicals on time.

Video releases

• To legally pair a cover with video, obtain a sync license from each publisher controlling the composition. Contact details are in PRO databases or via licensing services.
• Without sync, you may still upload to YouTube/TikTok/Instagram and rely on platform deals, but:
  • The video can be claimed by Content ID; revenue may go to rights holders.
  • It may be muted or blocked in some territories.
  • You generally can’t monetize unless granted by the rights owner.

Tip: If you need guaranteed monetization (sponsors, ads), secure a sync license in writing.

Step 3: Arrange respectfully and avoid derivative-work traps

• You can change key, tempo, groove, and style (e.g., rock-to-bossa). Keep the melody and lyrics recognizably the same.
• Translating lyrics, altering melody/lyrics, or substantial rearrangements likely require publisher approval for a derivative work—don’t assume a mechanical license covers it.
• Do not use or sell karaoke/instrumental tracks you don’t own; those are someone else’s master recordings.

Pro move: If you want a unique twist, change instrumentation and harmony texture rather than melody/lyric content to stay within typical cover allowances.

Step 4: Pre-production and recording workflow

Pre-production checklist

• Choose key and tempo based on your vocal range and mood.
• Create a simple demo (piano/guitar + voice) to test arrangement and pacing.
• Set a reference track for tonal balance and loudness targets.
• Prepare a click track and markers for intros/verses/choruses.

Recording tips

• Vocals: Use a pop filter, record 15–20 cm from the mic, track multiple takes (lead, doubles, harmonies). Aim for consistent level; light compression on the way in (2–4 dB GR) if you know your chain well.
• Instruments: Prioritize tight timing and clean DI/amp tones. Quantize sparingly—feel matters.
• Virtual instruments: Humanize timing/velocity; layer complementary sounds rather than stacking similar patches.
• Rooms: Treat reflections (blankets, panels) to reduce flutter echo and comb filtering.

Editing and comping

• Comp best phrases, crossfade edits, and tune tastefully. Keep breaths and consonants natural.
• Clean noise between phrases; avoid dead silence—use low noise gates or clip gain.

Step 5: Mix and master for platforms

• Balance: Start with faders; carve space with subtractive EQ before boosting.
• Compression: Glue buses lightly (1–2 dB GR). Avoid pumping on vocals.
• Space: Short plates/rooms for intimate covers; longer halls for ballads. Keep low end mono.
• Referencing: Level-match your mix to the reference to prevent loudness bias.

Mastering targets (general streaming):

• Loudness: around -14 LUFS integrated; dynamic styles can be quieter.
• True peak: -1.0 dBTP or lower to prevent codec clipping.
• High-pass inaudible sub rumble (<25–30 Hz) if appropriate.

Deliverables:

• WAV 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for distributors; keep a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz version for CDs.
• Instrumental and performance mixes (no lead vocal) if you plan remixes or sync requests.

Step 6: Metadata, credits, and identifiers

• Title: Use the original song title only. Do not add “(Cover)” to the track title unless your distributor specifically requires it.
• Artist name: Your performer name only. Do not include the original artist in the “artist” field.
• Songwriters: Credit the original composers in the “songwriter/composer” fields where provided.
• ISRC: Unique code for your new recording. Your distributor can assign one, or get your own from your country’s ISRC agency.
• UPC/EAN: Needed for albums/EPs; distributors can assign.
• Language, genre, release date, explicit flag: Fill accurately.
• Liner notes/description (where supported): “Written by [writers], published by [publishers]. Originally performed by [artist]” is fine here (not in the track title).

Pitfall: Mislabeling the original artist in your “artist” field can cause takedowns or metadata conflicts.

Step 7: Artwork and branding

• Specs: 3000×3000 px, JPG/PNG, RGB, no borders.
• Avoid: Logos you don’t own, “Parental Advisory” unless justified, URLs, claims like “Official.”
• Naming: Use your branding; do not mimic the original artist’s trademarks or trade dress.

Step 8: Distribute to platforms

Through a distributor to DSPs

• Choose an aggregator: DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Stem, Amuse, RouteNote.
• Mark the track as a cover if asked; some distributors collect extra data for publishing pipelines.
• Delivery time: 3–14 days for most stores; schedule releases at least 3–4 weeks out to allow playlist pitching.

Bandcamp and downloads

• Bandcamp does not obtain mechanical licenses for you. Secure a mechanical license before selling downloads of your cover and maintain sales reports to pay royalties.

YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

• Titles and descriptions: Use “Cover of [Song] by [Artist]” in your video title to avoid confusion; add songwriter/publisher credits in the description.
• Claims: Expect Content ID claims on YouTube; if you have a sync license, keep documentation to dispute wrongful blocks.
• Shorts/Reels: Platform deals often allow use but may mute or limit territories; re-uploading after a block rarely helps.

SoundCloud

• SoundCloud may auto-block unlicensed covers. Monetization typically flows to rights holders if enabled in your territory.

Step 9: Promote ethically and transparently

• Be clear it’s a cover in social captions and thumbnails.
• Tag original artists and songwriters respectfully; avoid implying endorsement.
• Pitch user-generated playlists that accept covers; submit early via distributor portals for editorial consideration if eligible.

Compliance snapshots by scenario

• Spotify/Apple single (audio-only): Distribute via aggregator; no separate mechanical license typically required by you for streams. Ensure accurate songwriter credits.
• iTunes Store download: Obtain mechanical license for expected sales; top up as needed.
• Bandcamp download: Mechanical license required; keep records and pay based on units sold.
• YouTube music video: Get sync license for full control and monetization; otherwise, upload knowing it may be claimed/blocked.
• TikTok/Instagram: Allowed in many cases under platform deals; monetization and availability subject to publisher control.

Budget and timeline

• Licensing: Mechanical (for downloads/physical) via licensing service; fees include statutory royalties plus admin. Sync quotes vary widely—budget from a few hundred to thousands depending on song/publisher and usage.
• Production: Factor in session players, mixing, and mastering if outsourcing.
• Timeline: 4–6 weeks is comfortable—1 week for licensing requests, 1–2 weeks production, 1 week distribution lead time, plus promo setup.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Using the original master or karaoke tracks you don’t own.
• Changing lyrics/melody without publisher approval.
• Releasing downloads on Bandcamp or your website without a mechanical license.
• Mislabeling metadata (e.g., “Artist: YourName feat. OriginalArtist”).
• Skipping mastering loudness/true-peak checks, leading to distortion after encoding.
• Artwork that infringes trademarks or misleads fans.

Quick checklist before you hit publish

• Confirm songwriters and publishers.
• Decide destinations; secure mechanicals (downloads/physical) and sync (video) if needed.
• Record, mix, and master to streaming-safe specs.
• Prepare compliant artwork and correct metadata.
• Get ISRC/UPC from your distributor.
• Schedule release and set up pre-save or premiere.
• Add clear credits in descriptions; keep licenses/contracts on file.

FAQs

• Can I monetize a cover on YouTube? Only if the publisher allows it or you have a sync license. Otherwise, monetization may be claimed by rights holders.
• Do I need a mechanical license for Spotify? Generally no—Spotify handles mechanicals via blanket licenses; your distributor may still require you to mark it as a cover.
• What about live performance videos? Treated as sync when posted online; the same publisher control applies.
• What if there are multiple publishers? You need clearance from all of them for sync; mechanicals are split among them automatically when properly licensed.

Final thoughts

Covers can grow your fanbase and lead listeners to your original music—as long as you respect the rights involved. Decide your platforms, get the proper licenses, produce a faithful arrangement, and package it professionally. With a clean legal trail and polished sound, your cover stands the best chance of staying live, getting recommended, and earning fairly for everyone involved.