With the rising popularity of Instagram reels, the Instagram reels music copyright has also gained prominence. It is because Instagram follows a strict policy for copyright infringement through an automated copyright detecting system and takes down videos, reels, and posts that infringe the copyright of other users. However, because this process is automated, your videos could be flagged as infringing copyright. They may be taken down from Instagram even when you have the requisite permission to use it or haven't really used anyone else's intellectual property. So, let us dig deeper into the issue of Instagram reels music copyright and find ways how to avoid copyright on Instagram reels.

Know what Instagram Reels are:

To begin with, the understanding of Instagram reels music copyright is, it is first significant to understand what Instagram reels are. 

Instagram reels have emerged as a new way to create and share short, entertaining and fun videos with your followers or other users on Instagram. The time limit Instagram reels are capped at 15 seconds. Still, the app also allows multi-clip videos with various editing and creative tools, including AR effects, timer and countdown, audio, align, trim, speed and many more. The app allows its users to share reels with their followers on the feed and also make them available to a broader Instagram community through a new space in 'Explore' and become a part of the trending culture on Instagram. With this new space, Instagram offers an opportunity to every creator to reach significant audiences at the global level.

Know what copyright infringement is:

Copyright refers to the right in rem that the owner enjoys for their intellectual property. Intellectual property may be some piece of music, art, literature, creative work etc.

The term copyright infringement refers to a violation of the owner's right by any other person. Such a violation occurs when some unauthorized person uses the owner's intellectual property without permission.

What is Instagram Reels music copyright?

Copyright on Instagram reels refers to the creators' copyright on the music they use. With the large user interface of Instagram and the vast number of Instagram reels being posted every minute, detecting copyright on music used was a primary concern with Instagram reels. Presently, Instagram ensures its users' copyright through an automated system that detects the copyright music. Accordingly, a warning pops up when certain music is another creator's copyright and cannot be used without requisite permissions. 

Here is what Instagram does when your reels violate the copyright of another creator:

Suppose your Instagram reels violate the copyright of another creator. In that case, you are likely to receive a warning or alert stating that the music you are using is the copyright of another user. If you still choose to post Instagram reels using copyrighted music and the owner reports the same, Instagram reserves the right to take down your reels/ posts or mute your video. Instagram follows a strict policy for Instagram to reel music copyright to protect its users against copyright infringement. The terms of use and community guidelines on Instagram state that the users can only post content that does not violate someone else's intellectual property right.

Also, though the content you post on Instagram is your copyright, it is worth noting that Instagram can use your content. This is because while signing into Instagram, every user agrees upon and enters into a term with Instagram that states that the app reserves the right to use, sublicense, post, share any content available on the app and enjoys a nonexclusive, royalty-free, fully paid, license worldwide.

How to avoid copyright on Instagram reels:

Creating an Instagram reel takes a lot of effort, patience, time and creativity. To protect the interest of its users, Instagram terms of use do not allow creators to use copyright music of other artists. This is monitored and detected through an automated system. As a result, users and creators often find themselves accused of infringing the copyright of other users. In such a case, Instagram may take down your videos reels, and all your invested time, efforts and creativity go in vain. So, to get away with this problem entirely, here are a few expert tips on how to avoid copyright on Instagram reels.

• Use your original music: Using your original music while creating an Instagram reel is the best thing you can do. Yes, it will take a lot more effort to create your music, but creativity is what makes one's Instagram reel go trending.

• Collaborate with other artists: Can't create original music from scratch? Well, collaborating with other artists is something that you can try upon. Not only will you be safe from copyright claims of other artists, but you will also have your copyrighted music.

• Modify or change the copyright music: y or blend copyrighted music: To protect your Instagram reels from copyright claims, you can also modify or blend music in your unique way. Modifying or blending copyrighted music not only brings out your creativity but also protects you from Instagram reels music copyright claims.

• Take requisite permission from the copyright holder: It is always a good idea to take requisite permission to keep yourself safe while you are using a piece of copyrighted music.

• Give credit to the copyright holder: If not permission, the least that you can do is give appropriate due recognition to the artist, owner or copyright holder whose music you are using in your Instagram reels. Giving credits saves you from being restricted from using that music, and the automated Instagram detector will not remove your reel.

• Use royalty-free music: There are many options available on the internet to use royalty-free music. Using royalty-free music keeps your account secure from any copyright claim.

To Conclude

So, this is your checklist to protect yourself from Instagram reels music copyright claims and ensure that your content is safe on Instagram. Although, there might be times when Instagram removes your post on the grounds of copyright infringement because it is an automated process. In such a case, you can appeal to Instagram by filling in a simple form on the Instagram help center. 

Do you want to know more or have a query on Instagram reels music copyright or how to avoid copyright on Instagram reels? Get in touch with experts at Melo music distribution today.