Background music is a common feature in live streaming, yet it presents a significant copyright trap for streamers. Twitch, one of the largest platforms for live content, has provided guidance on this issue, emphasizing the importance of understanding music rights to avoid potential penalties.
The Risks of Playing Recorded Music
Twitch has stated that streamers should not play recorded music in their streams unless they own the rights or have obtained explicit permission from the rights holders. This caution arises from the platform's experience with copyright claims, which have surged in recent years.
In a 2020 post, Twitch reported receiving thousands of DMCA notifications each week, primarily targeting snippets of background music. This influx of claims has led to Twitch implementing stricter measures to protect copyright holders and their content.
Consequences of Copyright Infringement
Twitch tracks copyright strikes and may ban accounts that repeatedly infringe on the copyrights of others. This enforcement is part of a broader effort to maintain a fair environment for content creators and protect the rights of music creators.
To navigate these challenges, Twitch suggests using fully licensed alternatives such as Soundtrack by Twitch or other rights-cleared music libraries. For games that include music, streamers are advised to check the game's End User License Agreement (EULA) for specific streaming terms, mute the game audio, or disable VODs and Clips.
