Can You Upload Slowed + Reverb Songs? Copyright Explained

YouTube and TikTok are full of slowed + reverb and sped up versions of well-known songs. That makes it look like it is fine. The short answer is still: you cannot upload an edited version of someone else's song without permission. Here is why, what the platforms say and what you can do instead.

This is not legal advice. It is an overview of what the law and the platforms themselves say. If you are unsure about a specific case, ask a lawyer or the rights holder.

Why it is not simply allowed

A song has two layers of rights. The composition (music and lyrics) belongs to the writers and their publisher. The recording belongs to the artist and the label. A slowed or sped up version uses both: people hear the same recording, just slower or faster.

• United States. US law says the rights of a sound recording owner also cover sounds that are rearranged, remixed or otherwise altered. The US Copyright Office says only the owner can prepare an adaptation or authorise someone else to.
• The Netherlands. Article 13 of the Dutch Copyright Act counts an adaptation or imitation in altered form as reproduction, which needs permission. The Neighbouring Rights Act gives performers and record producers the right to authorise reproduction.

So changing the speed does not make it your song.

What if I credit the artist?

That does not help. YouTube's page on copyright myths lists the idea that you can always change copyrighted content to create something new as a myth. Giving credit or adding a no infringement intended disclaimer does not protect you either.

What do the platforms say?

YouTube

With Content ID, YouTube compares uploads with files from rights holders. They can block a video, earn money from it themselves or track its numbers. YouTube does not say whether a sped up or slowed version gets recognised. Distributor FUGA writes that Content ID may detect sped up and slowed versions, and fingerprinting company Audible Magic has a separate technology to catch bigger speed and pitch changes. So do not count on it going unnoticed.

TikTok and Instagram

TikTok's Community Guidelines do not allow content that violates someone else's copyright, and that includes music. TikTok does have a music library. According to TikTok, songs in the Commercial Music Library are pre-cleared for commercial use, and those in the general library are not. For Instagram, the German collecting society GEMA writes that the music library licence only covers personal use on Instagram.

Spotify and distributors

Want to put a slowed version of a well-known song on Spotify through a distributor? Not without the rights. CD Baby explicitly prohibits versions that are sped up, slowed down or treated with reverb unless you hold the rights to the original. DistroKid requires permission from the original artist for a remix, and TuneCore requires you to have 100 percent of the rights. Spotify's Platform Rules prohibit content provided without the necessary permissions.

What can you do?

• Your own music. You can slow down and speed up your own tracks and recordings as often as you like. Feel free to release an official version: read how to release a sped up version of your song.
• Beats with the right licence. Check what your licence allows in terms of edits and releases. Read which beat licence you need for Spotify and YouTube.
• Ask for permission. An official remix licence from the rights holder makes it possible. Without written permission, do not upload.
• Listen for yourself. Making a version to listen to yourself is different from publishing it. The risk is mainly in uploading and sharing.

A beat you can actually edit

Looking for a beat to rap on and then release your own slowed or sped up version of? Have a look at the beats on NameOnTheBeat and read what the licence allows on the product page. If in doubt, ask before you buy.

FAQ

Can I make a slowed version if I change it by 10 percent?

No. There is no percentage above which it suddenly becomes your song. The law treats altered forms as the work of the original maker too.

Then why are there so many on YouTube?

Because rights holders do not have all of them removed. Some earn money from them through Content ID. That does not mean it is allowed, and you have no control over it.

Can I use the slowed + reverb maker on any song?

The tool works locally in your browser. But whatever you upload afterwards has to be yours, or you need permission. That is why the tool says it is only for music you are allowed to edit.

What if I get a claim?

Read Content ID claim on a beat for how a claim works and what you can do.