Music can make or break your live broadcast, whether it's a podcast, a webinar, a video game stream, or a virtual event. But how do you choose the right music for your audience, your mood, and your message without violating copyright?
Before you start browsing for music, you need to understand some basic terms and concepts related to copyright and licensing. Copyright is the legal right of the creator or owner of a work to control how it is used, reproduced, distributed, performed, or displayed. Licensing is the process of granting permission to use a work under certain conditions and terms, usually for a fee or royalty. There are different types of licenses, such as exclusive, non-exclusive, perpetual, or limited, and they may vary depending on the platform, the territory, the duration, and the purpose of your use.
When broadcasting live, there are various sources of music to choose from, though not all are legal, ethical, or suitable. Public domain works are not protected by copyright or have expired and can be used freely. Creative Commons works are licensed by their creators under certain conditions, such as attribution or non-commercial use. Royalty-free works are licensed for a one-time fee or subscription and can be used multiple times without paying royalties; however, their terms and conditions should still be checked. Lastly, original works are those you create yourself or commission from someone else – giving you full control and ownership; yet you must still respect the rights of others if using samples, loops, or influences.
Once you have a source of music, you need to match it with your theme. Your theme is the overall concept, topic, or message of your live broadcast. It can be influenced by your genre, your niche, your audience, your tone, and your goal. For example, if you are hosting a live broadcast about health and wellness, you might want to choose music that is soothing, relaxing, or uplifting. If you are hosting a live broadcast about gaming, you might want to choose music that is energetic, dynamic, or suspenseful. You can also use music to create contrast, transition, or emphasis, depending on your content and structure.
Before you go live, you need to test your sound quality and compatibility. You need to make sure that your music is clear, balanced, and audible, but not overpowering or distracting from your voice or other sounds. You also need to make sure that your music is compatible with your platform, your device, and your software. Some platforms may have rules or restrictions on the use of music, such as Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch. Some devices may have limitations or issues with the sound output or input. Some software may have features or settings that affect the sound quality or performance. You can use tools like sound checkers, mixers, or editors to test and adjust your sound before and during your live broadcast.
Finally, you need to respect your audience and their preferences, feedback, and rights. You need to choose music that is appropriate, relevant, and respectful for your audience, and avoid music that is offensive, insensitive, or controversial. You also need to listen to your audience and their reactions, comments, or suggestions, and adjust your music accordingly. You can also interact with your audience and ask them what they think of your music, what they want to hear more or less of, or what they recommend. You also need to respect their rights and privacy, and avoid playing music that may expose them to unwanted ads, tracking, or malware.