Track Origin
Relates to the track's composition, meaning its publishing metadata
Only one of 3 options can be selected:
Original Work
The track's composition is 100% original and contains no 3rd party material.Cover Song
The recording is a cover. Note that recordings with lyrics translated into another language, or with lyrics significantly modified or removed (or the reverse: lyrics added to an instrumental track) are not covers but remixes. Do not select this option for such cases: select Original Work (unless the composition is in the public domain).Public Domain & Traditional
Any music whose copyright has expired or is otherwise free of copyright. This also includes traditional songs and melodies, as well as any non-original religious music.
Track Properties
Relates to the track's recording, meaning its master metadata
Multiple options can be selected (or it must be indicated that none of the options apply):
Remix
Any form of remix, including modified versions such as sped-up, slowed-down, reverbed, pitch-shifted, etc. Note that cover songs with translated, modified or added lyrics are not covers but remixes.
Samples or Stock
Any recording containing samples or any stock music, be it a royalty free beat, or any loops from a sample pack or music creation software.
Mix or Compilation
Any form of mashup (multiple track segments joined together) or medley (multiple full tracks joined together), as well as any track in a DJ set/mix or compilation (which does not have the same ISRC as the original).
Alternate Version
Radio edit, extended or shortened versions, as well lofi, live or remastered versions.
Special Genre
White noise or sleep music, ambient or meditation, karaoke or classical (in the sense of older music like Beethoven and not contemporary music in the classical genre).
Non Musical Content
ASMR, sound effects, nature sounds, speech, spoken word, podcast or radio show.
Includes AI
Includes music generated through artificial intelligence (AI), either in whole or in part.
❗️ Relevance for Distribution
Requires a license
Cover Song
Remix
May not be suitable for UGC/rights management DSPs
(Facebook Rights Manager, Snap, TikTok Scanning, YouTube Content ID — more information)
Track Origin
Cover Song: If the cover sounds too much like the original recording, it may not be suitable for distribution to UGC/rights management DSPs.
Track Property
Remix: If the remix sounds too much like the original recording, it may not be suitable for distribution to UGC/rights management DSPs.
Special Genre: These types of recordings are unlikely to meet the criteria of being unique and/or distinct enough for UGC/rights management DSPs.
Includes AI: Given that AI generated music can closely resemble/duplicate other AI generated music, it may not be suitable for distribution to UGC/rights management DSPs.
Definitely not be suitable for UGC/rights management DSPs
(Facebook Rights Manager, Snap, TikTok Scanning, YouTube Content ID — more information)
Track Origin
Public Domain & Traditional: Given that these types of recordings are unlikely to meet the criterion of being unique, they are not appropriate for UGC/rights management DSPs as they will claim videos using other recordings.
Track Property
Samples or Stock: Given that these types of recordings include (in part or in whole) not exclusively owned sounds, they are unlikely to meet the criterion of being completely unique. They are therefore not appropriate for UGC/rights management DSPs as they will claim videos using other recordings.
Mix or Compilation: Given that these types of recordings are by definition duplicates (in part or in whole) of an original recording, they will not meet the criterion of being completely unique. They are therefore not appropriate for UGC/rights management DSPs as they will claim videos using other recordings. Further note that this even applies to the following cases:
You fully own the original recording: distributing the mix/compilation version will create a duplicate audio fingerprint on UGC DSPs which is both useless and unauthorized.
You have fully licensed a track from a 3rd party for inclusion in a compilation: unless the other party has granted you exclusive rights for claiming UGC content, you will be violating your license by distributing your full compilation to UGC/rights management DSPs.
Alternate Version: Given that these types of recordings are by definition duplicates of an original recording (in part or in whole), they will not meet the criterion of being completely unique. They are therefore not appropriate for UGC/rights management DSPs as they will claim videos using other recordings.
Non Musical Content: Given that these types of recordings are unlikely to meet the criteria of being unique and/or distinct, they are not appropriate for UGC/rights management DSPs as they will claim videos using other recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cover song and a remix?
A cover song and a remix are two distinct concepts, each with its own definition and licensing requirements. Let’s break them down:
Cover Song:
A cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously recorded song by someone other than the original artist.
The track’s composition is reused, meaning the melody, lyrics, and structure remain largely the same, but the performance is new.
A cover requires a mechanical license, as it involves the use of the original composition.
If a cover song substantially modifies the lyrics (translates them into another language or significantly edits them) this will typically require obtaining an additional license from the lyricist or their representative.
Remix:
A remix is a new version of a track that alters the original recording, often by changing elements such as tempo, instrumentation, or adding new sounds.
A remix can be produced by the original artist or by another artist or producer.
While a remix does reuse the original composition, it is considered an original production if it substantially alters the original recording.
A remix does not require a mechanical license if it is produced with the authorization of the original rights holder.
However, if it’s an unofficial remix, it would need proper licensing.
How should we categorize a track’s origin if it’s a remix?
Here's the guideline:
Cover Song should be selected if the track is a new performance by a different artist, adhering closely to the original composition and not significantly modifying (including translating or fully removing) the lyrics.
Original Work should be selected if the track is a remix, as the intent is to create a new, original production using the existing composition.