YouTube processed 2.2 billion copyright claims in 2024. Independent artists can benefit from that system rather than fight it. Here is how to license your music to YouTube creators and earn from every use.
Master recording ownership determines who controls your music, who earns from it, and who has the right to license it. This guide explains what masters are, when you own them and when you do not, and how to structure your releases to retain ownership.
A co-publishing deal splits the publisher's share of your songwriting income with a music publisher in exchange for an advance, administration, and creative services. This guide explains how co-pub deals work, what you keep and what you give up, and how to decide if one is right for you.
Missing royalties are more common than most artists realize. This guide explains why payments go wrong, how to audit your royalty statements, and the exact steps to dispute underpayments with distributors, PROs, and publishers.
A music advance is not a loan, but it is not free money either. This guide explains how advances work, what recoupment means, the difference between label and publishing advances, and how to think about whether an advance makes sense for your career.
You do not need a law degree to understand a music contract. This guide walks through how to read any music agreement, what to look for in each section, which clauses are red flags, and when to stop and get professional help.
Music licensing agreements determine how your music gets used, for how long, in which territories, and for how much. This guide covers every major license type, the terms that matter most, and the red flags to spot before signing.
A 360 deal gives a label a percentage of nearly every dollar you earn, not just record sales. This guide explains what 360 deals cover, why labels push for them, and how to decide whether to sign one.
Work for hire agreements transfer copyright ownership before you even finish the music. This guide explains what work for hire means, when it applies, what you give up, and how to protect yourself before signing.
Streaming stats, social analytics, and audience insights can guide every decision in your music career if you know how to read them. This guide explains what to track, what it means, and how to act on it.
