Obtain permission to use music online
When you or your business use music online, you must obtain permission to use it. This applies to music tracks, background music for videos, or music for e-audiobooks.
Different types of rights when using music online
Music rights are managed by different parties, including organizations, record labels, and sometimes individuals. You must enter into an agreement with the relevant rights holders to obtain permission to use the music, and we can assist you in identifying the right contacts so you can legally use the music in public.
At Koda, you can obtain a music license to use music online. Depending on how you use the music, you may also need to seek additional permissions in some cases. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to assist you:
Send us an email: [email protected]
Call us: +45 33 30 63 90
Checklist when using music online
1: Find the music
Once you’ve found the music you want to use online, you’re ready to seek permission for its use. This is done by contacting the relevant rights holders. Keep in mind that music purchased online is usually limited to personal use only.
2. Seek permission
The first step is to contact Koda to obtain a music license, which grants you the rights to play the music publicly. Depending on your usage, you may need to seek additional permissions.
Select music license (in Danish)3. Report the music
You must report the music tracks you’ve used and how they were used. The reporting requirements may vary depending on your music license. Your report ensures that Koda can distribute payments to the correct artists.
How are you using music?
Here you can find out who to contact to obtain permission for using music online. This depends on how you plan to use the music.
Remember, the copyright of a musical work expires 70 years after the creator's death. After this period, often you can use the musical work freely and without payment. However, rights to the actual recording may still exist, typically requiring permission directly from the record company.
Identify the rights holders
There are essentially three groups that hold rights to music. As a result, you often need to obtain permissions from multiple parties when using music online.
1. Creative artists and music publishers
Creative artists include composers and songwriters (originators) who create the music. At Koda, we manage the rights on behalf of creative artists and music publishers in Denmark. If you want to use music in Denmark, you must contact Koda to obtain permission for the rights held by composers, songwriters, and music publishers.
2. Performing artists
Performing artists are those who sing the lyrics and play the music. Their rights are known as performance rights. A performing artist can also be a creative artist if they have written their own music.
When using a recording, you usually need to seek permission for the performing artists’ rights from the record company, as these rights are typically managed together with the record company's rights. See more below.
3. Record Labels and Gramex
Record labels or manufactures (also known as music companies) finance and produce recordings of musical works. Their rights are typically referred to as producer rights, recording rights, or master rights.
When using a recording, you typically need to obtain permission from those who hold the producer rights, which is usually the record company that released the music. Performing artists and record companies are often represented by the industry organization Gramex. Gramex can inform you whether you can obtain a license for your intended use of the music from them or if you need to contact the record company directly.
Find answers to your questions
You can always reach out to Koda's media department for guidance on how to use music online.
Send us an email