HELP

Check out our FAQs for answers to your questions and learn how to get the most out of Universal Music for Creators.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our Contact Us page and send us a message.

LICENSING & PLANS

What are my options with licensing music and sound effects?

There are two Universal Music for Creators subscription plans available: Creator and Creator Pro.

The Creator plan is for personal use and for content creators, influencers, vloggers, or gaming streamers who produce content to share with your family and friends. This plan includes unlimited access to our the Universal Music for Creators catalog. You can also whitelist a set of personal channels on each of the following platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, TikTok, and a personal podcast on any podcasting platform.

 

The Creator Pro plan is a commercial offering designed for individuals who create content for companies, brands, or third parties for use on all online platforms and digital ads. If you are a freelancer, self-employed, or a small business, our Commercial plan is the ideal option for you. With this subscription, you can clear and monetize up to five sets of channels on each of the following platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, TikTok, and a personal podcast on any podcasting platform.

 

The Creator Pro plan is designed for freelancers and small businesses and is for online use only. If your company has an annual turnover of more than USD 5 million or if you require coverage for cinema, TV, or broadcast, please contact Universal Production Music.

 

What is the Creator Plan?

The Creator plan allows non-commercial subscribers to publish and monetize videos using Universal Music for Creators' library of music on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and podcasting platforms. This plan is for personal use only, and you can safelist one personal channel per social platform and one podcast.

You can purchase a monthly subscription for $10.99 per month. You can cancel your subscription whenever you want, and you'll still be able to publish videos with Universal Music for Creators until the end of that billing cycle. Your subscription plan will automatically renew—unless you cancel.

After subscribing, you will have full access to the Universal Music for Creators library. All you need to do is add your personal channels to your subscription. Once this is done, you are safe to download, use, and publish content for as long as you remain an active subscriber.

 


What is the Creator Pro Plan?

The Creator Pro plan is perfect for freelancers and small—to medium-sized businesses creating content for commercial use or ads, either for themselves or their clients. It gives you unlimited access to a full catalog of music, allowing you to create content across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, and podcasts. You can monetize up to five channels per platform and create digital ads or boosted social posts.

 

You can purchase a monthly subscription for $29.99 per month. You can cancel your subscription whenever you want, and you'll still be able to publish videos with Universal Music for Creators until the end of that billing cycle. Your subscription plan will automatically renew—unless you cancel.

 


Can I change my current subscription?

Currently, we do not offer upgrades or downgrades. If you want to change your subscription, you will need to cancel your current subscription and then subscribe to your preferred product. Please contact us through the Contact Us page, and we will assist you with the process.


Can I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription at any time. Cancellation will come into effect at the end of your current billing cycle. Refunds will not be issued for failing to cancel your subscription before the new billing cycle. 


To cancel, you’ll need to follow these steps: Login and click the My Account icon in the top right-hand corner. Once the menu has appeared, click the ‘Overview’ button. At the bottom of your subscription plan, click on ‘Cancel Subscription’. You will be asked to confirm if you wish to proceed in cancelling your subscription. Once cancelled, you will not be charged again, and your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. Your subscription plan will update in the Overview section of your account. Here you can see your subscription end date.


When cancelling your subscription, you’ll still have access to our library and will be cleared to publish videos using our music until the end of your current billing cycle. 


*Please note that our subscription renews at the same date and time based on the UTC timezone, rather than at midnight in your local time zone. If you've attempted to cancel your subscription but the invoice has already been generated due to time zone differences, and you believe you've been incorrectly charged, please reach out to us, and we will assist in resolving this promptly.


From time to time, we offer extended free trials using promotional codes that are 100% off discount codes. If you sign up for Universal Music for Creators using one of these codes and then cancel your free trial before it ends, you will lose access to the service at the end of the current monthly cycle.


What happens to my channel if I stop my music licensing subscription?

You will continue to have access to music until your subscription is cancelled at the end of your current billing cycle. Any content that you publish until cancellation remains claim-free, subject to our Terms of Use. Any content you publish during your active subscription will remain cleared to monetize forever. Using our music after your subscription ends in any new content will be subject to claims. You can reactivate your subscription at any time to continue using our music claim-free.

Are Universal Music for Creators tracks ‘copyright-free’?

Music and sound effects used by subscribers will be free from any claims, as our music is copyright-protected. Copyrights are an important mechanism in the music industry that allows us to best protect our writers' work from unlicensed use.

Can I use Universal Music for Creators for free?

It’s free to preview our music and sound effects on the website. To download and use the Universal Music for Creators catalog and sound effects, you will need an active subscription. You will always need to purchase a subscription to publish content using our music.

Do you offer a free trial, and if so, what does it include?

We offer an all-access 7-day free trial. Unlike other claims-free music subscription platforms, our free trial provides complete access to all the features of our full subscription. 


Yes, you heard that right. From the moment you subscribe to our free trial, you can download and use our claims-free songs in your content without worrying about copyright. Any video released on your channels during the 7-day free trial will be safelisted permanently. 


Even if you cancel your subscription, videos posted while your subscription was active will remain cleared. However, publishing videos with our music after your subscription has ended will not be safe from copyright claims.

Your free trial will begin on the day you start your subscription. The trial will automatically renew at the end of the seven days onto either a monthly or yearly subscription plan, depending on what you chose when you signed up. For instance, if you sign up on the 1st of the month, that is considered Day 1 of your trial, and you will then be charged your first payment on day 7, which would be the 7th of the month. Please note that all of our time zones are in UTC. You will receive a reminder email a few days before your free trial renews.

Start your 7-day free trial!


I work for a large business or broadcaster, can I get a music licensing subscription with UMC?

No, but we have the right option for you! Contact our Universal Production Music team at enquiries@umusic.com to ensure you receive comprehensive coverage and clearance for your needs.

Can I work on client projects with Universal Music for Creators?

Yes! The Creator Pro subscription is our commercial offering which allows you to use our music and sound effects for your own business or client work. This plan is best suited for freelancers, small businesses, and those making content for clients. It covers use on online platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, podcasting platforms, and for digital ads (up to $3k per campaign). You can clear and monetize up to five YouTube channels with the Creator Pro subscription.

Can I pay a music license monthly with Universal Music for Creators?

Absolutely. We know not every creator wants to commit to a big upfront cost, so you can choose to pay for your music license subscription month by month. If you’d rather save a little in the long run, there’s also an annual option. Either way, you’ll get unlimited access to our full library of claims-free tracks and sound effects, ready to use in your videos, streams, and podcasts. It’s all about making things flexible, so whether you’re a solo creator, a freelancer, or running a small business, you can pick the plan that fits your budget and your workflow.

How much is a music license with UMC?

We keep it simple. With Universal Music for Creators, you don’t have to pay expensive one-off licensing fees, just pick a subscription that suits your needs. The Creator plan is $10.99 a month (or save with an annual plan), which is perfect for personal content like YouTube channels, TikTok, podcasts, or livestreams. If you’re a freelancer or small business, the Creator Pro plan is $29.99 a month and includes extra clearance for client projects, business use, and even digital ads. Both options give you unlimited access to our entire library of claims-free music and sound effects.

What is your Creator license?

Put simply, it’s your permission slip to use our music and sound effects in your content without the stress of copyright claims. Instead of paying big fees or chasing down permissions, your subscription acts as a license. That means you can drop our tracks and SFX straight into your videos, podcasts, livestreams, or social posts and share them on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch with no worries. It’s designed to keep things simple, safe, and flexible, so whether you’re creating just for fun, working with clients, or running a small business, you can publish and monetize with confidence.

How to license music for streaming?

You’ll need the right license to legally play music on your own streaming channels, such as Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook. Getting a license means contacting rights holders and paying for permission, which can be time-consuming and pricey.

With Universal Music for Creators, the process is much easier. Your subscription works as your license, giving you instant access to thousands of tracks and sound effects that are already cleared for streaming. Just pick the music you like, go live, and focus on your content.

Who can use Universal Music for Creators?

Universal Music for Creators is a music licensing platform made for anyone who wants to add music to their content without worrying about copyright. That could be a YouTuber or Twitch streamer, a TikTok creator, a podcaster, a freelancer making videos for clients, or even a small business producing social content and ads.

To keep things simple, there are two subscription options depending on how you create. The Creator plan is great if you’re making content for yourself. The Creator Pro plan is designed for freelancers and small businesses who need music for client projects or branded content.

PAYMENT

What payment methods can I use?

Our online payment system supports major credit and debit cards: MasterCard, Visa, JCB, and American Express. We offer both monthly and yearly billing cycles with our Creator and Creator Pro subscriptions. You can save up to 50% when paying annually.

How do I change my payment method?

Login and click the My Profile icon in the top right-hand corner. Once the menu has appeared, click the ‘Payment’ button. Click ‘Add New Payment’. The payment section will expand where you can add your new card details. Once you have added a new payment method, press save, and your payment method will be added to your profile. Your new card will automatically be set as your default payment card. If you have multiple cards stored, make sure the correct one is selected – you can do this by clicking on the radio button to the left of the card. If you're still not seeing the correct payment method under your subscription, please contact customer support.

How do I renew my subscription?

All Universal Music for Creators subscription plans renew automatically until you decide to cancel. Depending on the subscription term you purchased, this will renew monthly or annually. To find out your next billing date, log in to your account and navigate to the ‘My Account’ page. In the ‘Overview’ section you’ll find your next payment date by ‘Next Billing Cycle’.

How do I cancel my subscription?

When cancelling your subscription, you’ll still have access to our library and will be cleared to publish videos using our music until the end of your current billing cycle. To cancel, you’ll need to follow these steps: Login and click the My Profile icon in the top right-hand corner. Once the menu has appeared, click the ‘Overview’ button. At the bottom of your subscription plan, click on ‘Cancel Subscription’. You will be asked to confirm if you wish to proceed in cancelling your subscription. Once cancelled, you will not be charged again, and your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. Your subscription plan will update in the Overview section of your account. Here you can see your subscription end date.

Why am I experiencing payment issues?

It is possible that this error is occurring due to a foreign transaction blockage by your bank. We suggest reaching out to your bank or try to using a different payment method. Universal Music for Creators is not available in some territories, which means that subscriptions may not be available in your region at this time. We are constantly working on improving our product, please stay tuned for updates.

LEGAL & PRIVACY POLICY

Do you have a Privacy Policy?

Yes, our Terms of Use serve as our license agreement. You can view our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy here.

Is there a formal legal license agreement?

Yes, our Terms of Use serve as our license agreement. You can view our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy here.

Do you legally need a music license?

Yes. Whether you’re an individual creator, a freelancer working with clients, or a small business making promotional content, you legally need the right license to use music you didn’t create yourself. Without proper licensing, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch can issue copyright claims, mute your audio, or even remove your content. For businesses, unlicensed use can also create legal and reputational risks.

A license gives you clear permission from the rights holders, so you can publish and monetize with confidence. With Universal Music for Creators, your subscription provides a straightforward, legal way to access thousands of tracks and sound effects that are fully cleared for personal projects, client work, and business content.

MANAGE MY MUSIC

How many tracks are on site?

During an active subscription, you will be able to download from a library of 50,000 world-leading, safe-to-use tracks and 200,000 sound effects.

How can I create my own playlists?

Creating playlists is an effective way of collating tracks you want to use in your content. When you find a track you like, just click on the ‘add to playlist’ icon, create a new playlist and then select the playlist to add music.

How do I download music on the Universal Music for Creators site?

Click the Download icon to the right of the track title (the arrow points down with the bottom line).

Is there a limit on the number of tracks I can download?

Yes. You can download up to 50 tracks per day.

Can I view my download history?

You can view your track download history by logging into your account online and navigating to the ‘My Library’ section and selecting ‘Downloads’.

How can I find a track I recently played?

Click on the recently played icon in the right-hand menu of the player to browse recently played tracks.

Can I get instrumental versions of vocal tracks?

Yes, multiple versions of each track are available to download by clicking on the track title. These can include full-length instrumental versions, along with 30 or 60 second edits.

Can I download stems of your music?

Yes, most of our tracks come in group stems (e.g. drums, bass, instrument, and melody) and you can either download a full track and/or the stem folder. To download stems, find any track with the stems icon and click the icon to download.

How do I change my preferred audio file format?

You can set your preferred default download format in your account section, under ‘Preferences’.

MY ACCOUNT

How do I create an account?

To create an account, you can either use the ‘Log in / Register’ link at the top right-hand side of the website. Alternatively, you can check out the subscriptions we offer on the pricing page and create an account through the ‘Subscribe now’ button. By creating an account, you are not bound to purchasing a subscription.

How do I reset my password?

You can reset your password through your website account. Navigate to ‘My Account’ and ‘Login Details’. There you can create a new password and submit. You will receive a password reset email confirmation shortly after to confirm your change. If you have forgotten your password and need to log in, navigate to the ‘Login/Register’ page. There you will be able to click on the forgotten password link. After entering in your email, you will receive instructions via email on how to reset your password.

Can I delete my account?

We do not have the option for you to delete your account via the website. If you would like your account permanently deleted, please contact us and our team will be able to assist.

Do you have a referral program?

While we don't have a referral program now, we are consistently striving to enhance our product. We encourage you to stay connected for any future updates and improvements.

SITE & TOOLS

How can I find songs on the Universal Music for Creators site?

Use our search bar to search for music by genre, mood, name, or categories. You can also browse our own Themes and Playlist pages.

How can I use search to find the right song?

Use the search bar to add genres, moods and any other keywords that describe the music you are looking for then browse the results by tracks, albums, or playlists. Refine your search further using the left-hand filters panel.

GUIDE TO CLAIMS-FREE MUSIC

What is claims-free music?

Claims-free music refers to music that, once licensed, does not require any additional royalties to be paid by the licensee. Any content published within the terms of the license will not receive copyright claims.

What is YouTube content ID?

YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material. If copyrighted music is detected, a Content ID claim is placed on the video, allowing copyright owners to manage their content. They may choose to:

      Monetize the video by adding ads.

      Mute the video or block it.

 

A Content ID claim only acknowledges the presence of copyrighted music but doesn't necessarily mean a video can’t be published.

 

For Universal Music for Creators subscribers: Content published during an active subscription will be free from copyright claims.

How do I avoid copyright claims on music for content creation? What do I do if I receive a claim?

The safest way to avoid copyright claims is to only use properly licensed music in your content. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch automatically scan uploads using Content ID, so even a few seconds of unlicensed music can trigger a claim or strike. In order to avoid this, purchase any Universal Music for Creators subscription and you link your channel or video to your subscription license. You can do this once you purchase a subscription on the confirmation page or add this in on the ‘Content ID’ section in your website account.

If you have an active subscription but receive a claim, please check that the channel ID you have entered is correct. If everything looks right, then please get in touch through our website contact form detailing your email address, channel ID and Video ID.

What is safelisting, and why is it so important?

Safelisting, also known as clearing or allow listing, involves linking your channels or videos to your Universal Music for Creators account to signal to platforms that you are licensed to use their music. This helps prevent copyright claims when posting content. To avoid issues, it's crucial to safelist your content before publishing, and you must have an active subscription or license at the time of posting. Content published during an active subscription remains cleared, but once a subscription expires, new content cannot be posted with our music. If you encounter a copyright claim, follow the guide to dispute it.

How can I avoid and handle YouTube Copyright Claims?

To avoid claims:

      Safelist your YouTube channel or video under your Universal Music for Creators subscription by adding your channel ID in the "Content ID" section of your account.
This should look something along the lines of:

 

Account ID

 

      Ensure your channel is properly linked during your subscription before publishing any content.

 

 If you receive a claim:

      Verify the accuracy of your channel ID.

      If correct and still receiving a claim, contact our customer support via contact us with the following information:

      Email address associated with your Universal Music for Creators account. 

      Channel ID.

      Video URL and claim notification screenshots.

Why did I receive a third-party copyright claim for using music from Universal Music for Creators?

In some cases, third-party claims may mistakenly flag your video. Since Universal Music for Creators holds the rights to its music, these claims shouldn’t occur. However, the decision to remove the claim rests with the platform and the claimant. If you receive a copyright claim from a third party despite having the rights to the music, you can request its removal by submitting a dispute.

When disputing the claim, make sure to provide your email address in the dispute note.

Additionally, please fill out the form on our contact us page, including the URL of the affected video and the email address associated with your Universal Music for Creators account.


How do I dispute a YouTube Content ID Claim?

Steps to dispute:

      Log into your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio.

      Locate the copyright claim and select "See Details."

      Click "Select Action" to dispute.

      In the dispute note, include:

      Your Universal Music for Creators account email.

      Subscription / license details and any relevant information.

 

Dispute the claim within 5 days to avoid losing revenue. YouTube will review the claim and release it if it was issued incorrectly. Disputing a claim is the best way to ensure there is no loss of revenue or impact on video monetization.

How can I make sure my long-form video is cleared from claims on YouTube?

Make sure that your content is properly licensed on YouTube by linking your channel with your Universal Music for Creators subscription. This will ensure that all videos released during your subscription will be approved for monetization indefinitely, even if you cancel your subscription. However, if you publish videos with Universal Music after your subscription ends, it may lead to copyright claims and loss of monetization. Remember, timing of video publication is crucial, not the downloading of tracks.

If you have a personal or commercial subscription, you can easily link your channel to your subscription in your account.

YouTube Shorts and Copyright

Monetization claims on long-form videos are not the same as claims on YouTube shorts.

 

YouTube’s Shorts Policy allows matching tracks to be linked to your video to increase discoverability and visibility. This means if YouTube finds a track in your shorts that is from Universal Music for Creators catalog and you have a valid subscription for that song, then the policy will increase the visibility of your YouTube Short. The discoverability or market share of the video in terms of ad revenue is unaffected by the content ID match found in it. Considering this, there is no reason to refute a claim made by Shorts. 

What is the TikTok 60-second duration limit?

Currently, TikTok has set a 60-second maximum duration for using licensed music in your videos. Exceeding the 60-second limit can lead to your video being muted. Therefore, adhering to this guideline is vital for effective content creation on TikTok.

What can’t I use Universal Music for Creators for?

With a Universal Music for Creators subscription, we aim to provide you with music that enhances your video or podcast content. You can edit, cut, and loop our tracks to get the perfect audio fit. Additionally, you can use our stems feature to manipulate, isolate, and loop certain sounds within the track to enhance it further.

 

However, creating edited, covered, or remixed versions of our music for distribution or making them available on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud is not allowed.

 

Our licenses also do not cover uploading content with our music for creating a music listening experience. A music listening experience includes:

-        Stand-alone content, such as uploading all or part of a track against still or minimal visuals

-        Lyric videos

-        Music compilations or music playlists

-        Online radio stations

 

If our music is used in any of these ways, we reserve the right to suspend your Universal Music for Creators account.

How do creators use copyrighted music?

Creators can only use copyrighted music if they have the license or permission from the rights holder. Without it, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch will flag the content through automated systems like Content ID, which can lead to copyright claims. That can mean muted audio, blocked videos, or even losing monetization. It’s tempting to drop in a popular track, but unless it’s licensed, you’re taking a big risk. With Universal Music for Creators, your subscription unlocks thousands of tracks and sound effects that are fully licensed for all the major platforms. That way, you can focus on making great content and monetizing it, without the headache of copyright issues.

Do you need permission to use music for content creation?

Yes. If you didn’t make the music yourself, you’ll need permission to use it in your content. That permission usually comes in the form of a license from the rights holder. Without it, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch can flag your videos, mute the audio, or can even take your content down. For freelancers and small businesses, unlicensed use can also create bigger legal and reputational risks.

With Universal Music for Creators, you don’t need to worry about chasing down permissions. Your subscription gives you instant access to a huge library of tracks and sound effects that are already licensed for creator use.

Can content creators use music on Instagram?

Yes, but it's not always simple. Instagram does have its own music library, but the tracks there come with limits, especially if you’re running a business account or want to monetize your posts. Use the wrong song and your video could end up muted, blocked, or taken down altogether.

With Universal Music for Creators, you don’t have to second-guess it. Your subscription gives you access to thousands of tracks and sound effects that are already cleared for Instagram, so you can post Reels, Stories, or branded content without worrying about copyright claims. It’s simple, safe, and lets you focus on creating instead of stressing about music rights.

How to add music to Instagram reel without copyright?

The easiest way to keep your Reels safe from copyright is to use music that’s already licensed for creators. Instagram’s own music library can work for some posts, but it’s limited and using songs you don’t have permission for could mean your audio gets muted or your Reel gets blocked.

With Universal Music for Creators, you don’t have to worry about that. Your subscription gives you thousands of tracks and sound effects that are already cleared for Instagram. Just pick a track you like, add it to your Reel, and post with confidence knowing copyright won’t get in the way of your content.

Can I use copyrighted music on social media?

Yes, but if you don’t have the proper license, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch can pick it up straight away and hit you with copyright claims.

The easy way around it is to use music that’s already cleared for social media. With Universal Music for Creators, your subscription gives you thousands of tracks and sound effects you can safely add to your posts, Reels, or streams. So you get the soundtrack you want, without the stress of copyright getting in the way.

Does Twitch allow licensed music?

Yes, but it has to be music you’re actually allowed to use. Twitch is strict about copyright, so if you play tracks you don’t have the rights for, parts of your stream could be muted or even removed. That’s why most streamers stick to music that’s been properly licensed for the platform.

Universal Music for Creators makes that easy. A subscription gives you ready-to-use tracks and sound effects that are cleared for Twitch, so you can keep your streams sounding great without risking copyright trouble.

What does ‘claims-free’ music mean?

Claims-free means your content won’t be hit with copyright claims when you use our music. There is no muted audio, blocked videos, or sudden demonetisation; just stress-free publishing across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.

Here's how it works: when you buy a subscription, that license covers you to use our tracks within the terms of the plan. Anything you publish while your license is active will stay claims-free. And don’t worry, our artists and songwriters still get their royalties; you just don’t have to think about it. You pay for the subscription, and we take care of the rest.

How do I safelist my channel or video?

Once you’ve got a Universal Music for Creators subscription, you’ll need to link your channel or video to your license so platforms like YouTube know you’re covered. You can do this right after purchase on the confirmation page, or later in the Content ID section of your account.

If you’ve set it up but still get a claim, double-check that your channel ID details are correct. And if everything looks right, just reach out to us through the contact form with your email, channel ID, and video ID.

Are sound effects copyright free?

With Universal Music for Creators, we make it easy. You just grab a subscription, and we handle the rest. All of our 200,000+ sound effects are claims-free, which means once you’re subscribed, you can drop them straight into your content without extra fees or copyright headaches.