Buzz
Background music enhances the atmosphere and enjoyment of Twitch streams. However, there has been a surge in Digital Millennium right Act (DMCA) violation notices aimed at streamers who play recorded music during their broadcasts. This increase caused widespread uncertainty, leaving streamers confused about Twitch’s music rules and the potential consequences for their channels if the platform decided to enforce stricter measures on their content.
Even unintentional DMCA violations can lead to demonetization, removal of videos, or severe penalties such as losing partnerships or facing account suspensions. Twitch’s updated FAQ page clarifies the reasons behind the platform’s stricter stance on these notifications and offers further insights into its music policies.
When streaming games, here are the key aspects of Twitch’s guidelines to remember:
Playing copyrighted music on Twitch without proper licensing from the label or artist is prohibited.
Remove any archived content—such as VODs, Highlights, or Clips—that includes copyrighted music, even if you have permission for live streams. Licensing agreements are not retroactive and do not apply to older content unless specific permission was granted.
Discontinue using songs in live streams and delete any recorded material with copyrighted music once licensing agreements expire or are altered.
Some artists may claim to allow their music for Twitch streams without having the legal authority. Always verify the licensing rights and secure proper permissions beforehand.
DMCA notifications are automated and can sometimes be incorrect. If you have the legal grounds, submit a counter-notification to dispute the claim.
In summary, avoid using music without proper permissions. If you’re uncertain, err on the side of caution and assume you don’t have the rights. Instead, explore resources offering free or affordable professional-quality music for your streams.
Twitch’s Soundtrack feature exclusively plays tracks from artists with licensing agreements. However, this music is only licensed for live streams, not recordings. Streamers saving their broadcasts must secure separate licenses or use music approved for VODs. Look for “Royalty-Free” or “stream-safe” music on platforms like Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, or explore libraries such as:
Chillhop
Epidemic Sound
Monstercat Gold
NorightSounds
Soundstripe
These tools will help you maintain the desired atmosphere for your streams and VODs while staying compliant with copyright laws.
What happens with licensed music in games?
Twitch notes that most recent DMCA complaints stem from record labels targeting streamers for using their music as background tracks. However, games such as Fuser, Grand Theft Auto V, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Rock Band, and others that include copyrighted music within the gameplay could also be problematic. Streamers should review the game’s End User Legal Agreement (EULA) to confirm whether broadcasting or sharing recorded gameplay is permitted. While this might seem complex, it’s relatively straightforward:
Before streaming a game with licensed music, search for its EULA online.
Use your browser’s search function (CTRL+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) and look for terms like “Music,” “Stream,” “Broadcast,” or “Licensed” to locate the relevant details.
If you can’t find the necessary information, it’s safest to avoid streaming the game altogether. If you proceed, ensure you mute any segments featuring copyrighted music—even if it means awkwardly streaming a rhythm game without sound:
This situation highlights the need for game developers, musicians, and streaming platforms to collaborate and establish a fair licensing framework for amateur game broadcasts.
[Ars Technica]
