Copyright Law:
Copyrighted music is protected under copyright law, and generally, unauthorized use of copyrighted music without the permission of the copyright holder can be considered copyright infringement. Copyright infringement can lead to legal consequences such as penalties or even potential legal action.
Fair Use:
There are certain instances where the use of copyrighted music may be considered "fair use." Fair use is a limited defense that allows for the reproduction or use of copyrighted materials without permission in specific cases, such as criticism, research, education, or news reporting. However, fair use is a complex legal concept, and it can be challenging to determine whether a specific use falls under fair use guidelines.
YouTube Terms of Use:
In addition to copyright law, YouTube has its own set of terms of use and community guidelines that users must adhere to. These guidelines explicitly state that users should only upload content that they have the rights to use, or for which they have obtained permission from the copyright holder. Uploading videos with copyrighted music without proper authorization can violate YouTube's terms of service and may lead to the video being removed or the account being banned.
To avoid potential legal issues, it is highly recommended to obtain the necessary rights or permissions before using copyrighted music in your videos. This can involve obtaining a license from the copyright holder, using royalty-free music, or creating your own original music.
If you are unsure whether using a particular song in your video is allowed, it is best to consult with a legal expert or seek guidance from YouTube's copyright policies and guidelines.