Introduction: Want to Release a Cover Song? Read This First
Releasing a cover version of your favourite song can be a great way to connect with fans, showcase your vocal skills, or reinterpret a classic in your own style. But before you upload that track to Spotify or Apple Music, you’ll need to understand the legal requirements.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need permission from the original artist to release a cover song. But you do need a mechanical licence to reproduce and distribute their composition. This blog walks you through how mechanical licensing works, your distribution options, and how to stay compliant while releasing cover songs legally.
What Is a Mechanical Licence?
A mechanical licence gives you the legal right to reproduce and distribute someone else’s song as a cover—so long as you don’t change the melody or lyrics.
This type of licence applies to:
- Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
- Digital downloads (iTunes, Bandcamp)
- Physical sales (CDs, vinyl)
- YouTube audio tracks (but not video use—more on that below)
⚠️ Important: Mechanical licences do not grant permission for:
- Sampling the original sound recording
- Changing the lyrics/melody
- Using the song in visual media (sync licensing is required for that)
How to Get a Mechanical Licence (the Easy Way)
Many music distribution platforms now handle mechanical licensing for covers automatically. Here are the most popular options:
✅ DistroKid
- Add their optional Cover Song Licence when uploading
- Costs about $12 per year per song
- DistroKid handles royalty payments to the original copyright holder
✅ Soundrop
- Specialises in cover songs
- No upfront fee to distribute
- Deducts a commission from your revenue instead
- Automatically secures a mechanical licence for you
✅ RouteNote (Select Territories)
- Offers licensing support for covers in the US
- May require additional manual licensing outside supported regions
How to License a Cover Song Yourself
If your distributor doesn’t offer automatic cover licensing—or you want full control—you can license the song manually through these services:
🎼 Easy Song Licensing
- Simple interface for one-off or multiple licences
- Works with US rights holders
- Suitable for physical and digital releases
🏛 Harry Fox Agency (HFA)
- Handles the vast majority of mechanical licences in the US
- Requires account setup and some admin experience
- Best suited for publishers or high-volume releases
💡 Remember: You must know the original song’s title, songwriter(s), and publisher information to submit a licence request.
What About YouTube Covers?
Uploading a cover to YouTube involves both audio and visual rights:
- A mechanical licence covers only the audio track.
- For video, you need a synchronisation (sync) licence, which is often not available for covers unless you contact the copyright owner directly.
Instead, YouTube typically uses Content ID to track your use and monetise it on behalf of the rights holder. In most cases:
- Your video will remain live
- Ad revenue may go to the original copyright holder
- If the publisher blocks it, your video may be taken down
📚 Want to learn more about publishing and sync royalties? Read How to Collect Your Songwriter Royalties.
Key Differences: Covers vs Samples vs Remixes
| Use Case | Licence Needed | Who Grants It |
|---|---|---|
| Cover (no lyric/melody changes) | Mechanical Licence | Publisher (via admin service or platform) |
| Sample (uses original recording) | Master & Composition Licence | Label + Publisher |
| Remix (uses stems or reworks original) | Usually both | Label + Publisher (case by case) |
What If You Don’t Get a Licence?
Releasing a cover without a mechanical licence is a form of copyright infringement. Even if you credit the original artist, failure to license the song can lead to:
- Takedown requests
- Loss of royalties
- Legal threats from rights holders
The process is inexpensive and straightforward—so there’s no excuse not to do it properly.
Final Thoughts: Play It Safe, Play It Legal
Covering your favourite songs can be a powerful way to reach new listeners and showcase your artistry. But it comes with legal obligations. Getting a mechanical licence ensures you’re respecting the original creators and protecting yourself in the process.
If in doubt, go with a distributor that handles cover licensing for you—especially if you’re new to the process.
🔗 Need marketing tools to promote your next release? Check out our guide to Essential Music Marketing Tools.
