Cover songs and interpolations
A track counts as a cover if it contains the composition or lyrics of another song. That includes a full cover, an interpolation (re-singing or re-playing part of another song) and a sampled melody or lyric.- Open the track in the builder and scroll to Credits.
- Switch Original to Cover.
- Paste the original song’s Spotify link and click Find.
This brings in the original song’s songwriters so the composition credits are right, and tells our review team which song your track uses. Check the imported writers, then add your own performers and producers.
Write the title the way you want it to appear. Don’t add the original artist’s name to your track title or artist list unless they actually performed on your recording.
Samples
Samples are fine. Uncleared samples aren’t. Before you release a track with a sample, get permission from whoever owns the sampled recording (and the song, if you use its melody or lyrics). If the sample uses another song’s melody or lyrics, also mark the track as Cover and link the original, as above. If you don’t hold exclusive rights to every sample in the track, don’t send it to Content ID and social platforms. Uncleared samples get claims reversed and can put your account at risk. See Content ID and social platforms. Your manager can help with sample clearance.Remixes
- Put the remix name in the track title, in brackets: Greedy (Ian Asher Remix).
- Credit the remixer with the Remixer role. A track with “remix” in its title or version can’t be submitted without one.
- You need permission from the owner of the original recording to release a remix of it.
Beats you bought or leased
If you made a song on a beat from a producer or beat store, check your licence before you release:- The licence must allow distribution to streaming services.
- A non-exclusive licence usually means other artists can use the same beat. Don’t opt in to Content ID and social platforms for that track, because their releases would match yours.