Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Obtain the Right License for Different Music Uses

Licensing guidance for streaming, podcasts, audiobooks, music boxes, and karaoke products.

If you're planning to use music in a podcast, audiobook, music box, or streaming platform, it's essential to understand the licensing requirements and what HFA can and cannot support. This article outlines the key licensing paths for each type of usage.

Streaming

If you're streaming music via a third-party service such as Spotify, that service is responsible for securing the required mechanical licenses.

If you’ve built your own platform or website and are not using an embedded third-party widget (like SoundCloud), you must obtain mechanical licenses directly.

Need confirmation from a third-party platform? Contact them directly to verify license coverage.

Podcasts

HFA does not license podcasts.

To include music in a podcast, you must obtain rights directly from the music publisher. This may include mechanical, performance, and synchronization rights, depending on how the music is used.

Look up publisher info using these resources:

  • ASCAP Repertory
  • BMI Repertoire
  • SESAC Repertory Search
  • U.S. Copyright Office

Audiobooks

Music use in audiobooks is not covered under the compulsory mechanical license (17 U.S.C. § 115). You’ll need to request permission from:

  • The music publisher (for the composition)
  • The record label (for the sound recording, if applicable)

HFA does not issue mechanical licenses for audiobooks or derivative uses. Contact publishers directly.

Music Boxes

HFA’s Songfile service does not support licensing for music box usage.

However, you can use the eMechanical tool to request this type of license. Music boxes are listed under "Other Configurations" in eMechanical.

To begin:

  1. Create an eMechanical account
  2. Follow the onboarding instructions to submit your license request

Karaoke Products

An HFA mechanical license does not cover karaoke products, including the use of lyrics or instrumental music intended for karaoke use. You must contact the publisher(s) directly to obtain the proper rights.

Use the following resources to find publisher contact info:

  • ASCAP Repertory
  • BMI Repertoire
  • SESAC Repertory Search
  • U.S. Copyright Office

If you have multiple karaoke requests, you may want to reach out to Rumblefish, a licensing services provider, at services@rumblefish.com.

For general licensing support or to explore available tools, visit www.harryfox.com.