You found a beat you love. Before you record and upload to Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube, you need the right license. This guide explains how licensing a beat works, the difference between non-exclusive and exclusive, and what to check so your release is safe.
Why you need a license at all
A beat is a copyrighted musical work. Recording over it without a license means you cannot legally distribute the song, and streaming platforms and distributors can pull it down. A license is the written permission that says what you are allowed to do with the beat and for how much.
Non-exclusive license
This is the most common option and the one every beat on Hiphopbeatz.com is sold with – from $29 for an MP3 lease, $99 for WAV, $199 for WAV + stems. The producer keeps ownership of the beat and can license it to other artists too. You get a clear set of rights. Ours include:
- WAV and MP3 files with instant download
- Up to 100,000 distributed copies
- 1,000,000 online audio streams
- 2 music videos
- For-profit live performances and unlimited radio stations
- 5% producer royalty and 50/50 PRO split
- 3-year term
Best for: singles, mixtapes, EPs, YouTube releases, demos you plan to shop, and anyone building a catalog on a budget.
Exclusive license
With an exclusive license the beat is removed from sale and no one else can license it after you. It costs more because the producer gives up all future sales of that beat. Best for: a record with a real release plan, label backing, or a sync deal where the client needs the music to be one-of-a-kind. On Hiphopbeatz.com, exclusive licenses are arranged by contacting us directly so we can quote the beat you want.
What to check before you buy any beat online
- Stream and copy limits. Know the numbers. Our $99 WAV lease covers 1,000,000 streams and 100,000 copies (the $29 MP3 lease covers 100,000 streams and 10,000 copies; the $199 Stems lease covers 10,000,000 streams and 500,000 copies), which is more than most independent releases ever reach.
- File quality. You want a WAV, not just an MP3, for a proper mix and master.
- Music videos and live shows. Some leases exclude them. Ours include 2 videos and paid performances.
- Royalty and publishing split. It should be written down. Ours is a 5% producer royalty with a 50/50 PRO split, so you can register the song with ASCAP or BMI without a fight later.
- Who actually made the beat. Buy from the producer, not a reseller. Every beat here was made by Asaf Fulks at The OC Recording Company.
Registering your song
Once your song is done, register it with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC) listing yourself as the writer of the lyrics and melody and the producer for the beat, following the split in your license. Upload through your distributor as usual. Keep your license receipt; that is your proof of permission if a platform ever asks.
Ready to pick a beat? Start with hip hop, trap, R&B or pop, or browse the whole beat store.