It was just a matter of time until this occurred because YouTube’s draconian copyright policy at the time was the exact reason why so many video providers, particularly broadcasters, abandoned the platform. Twitch also has to overcome obstacles and adjust to the allegations that have been made against copyrighted videos by production companies now that it has become a widespread platform and is even more visible now days as a consequence of the confinement (Digital Millennium Copyright). We will explain the new Twitch copyright in this post, as well as what will happen if you play music during your streams.
Twitch asserts that they’ve never before gotten “mass complaints” and had to rapidly change their copyright policy as a result. The streaming network has expanded more than ever and is now home to very influential users, including soccer stars and other celebrities who used these dates to launch their careers in streaming. Naturally, the manufacturers will hunt for opportunities to profit from this circumstance.
Although Twitch has always had a copyright policy, now there are serious repercussions. Because they use non-copyrighted music, many streamers are now getting unannounced “strikes” on their channels. Keep in mind that Twitch, in theory, only permits a maximum of three strikes (temporary suspensions). They have the power to permanently shut you down if you reach the third round.
Naturally, complaints from Twitch users who, from one day to the next, have already received more than one strike for the use of music in videos from more than two years ago have started to pour in have already started to do so. Additionally, without any room for reaction. Twitch apologized for this choice in a statement released in November 2020, accepting responsibility for the situation and acknowledging that it had an unfair impact on streamers who had not previously had access to the information.
DMCA Complaints
The platform has explained what is happening with claims in the November 2020 newsletter. They use the example that from May until now, they only received 50 or fewer DMCA complaints, but that now they get tens of thousands of notifications each week about old videos that contain music that is protected by copyright.
99% of notifications concern streamers who play music that is protected by a copyright in the foreground of their streams.
What do you have to do?
The first thing you should do in response to this change in Twitch’s copyright policy is to immediately delete all of your clips. The platform and the knowledge of other streamers both advise that you delete all of your previous clips because I’m sure the majority of them contain music that is protected by copyright. For clips from many years ago, many streamers, especially the large ones, are beginning to receive copyright strikes.
You probably won’t receive a strike for these older clips because Twitch is aware that the streamer is not at fault for clips uploaded in the past. To prevent damage to your channel, you must remove them.
Regarding uploading your live broadcasts later, Twitch was already responsible for automatically muting them due to a copyright issue, so in theory it should not have an impact on you to keep them on your channel.
New Tools for Twitch Copyright Policy
Another novelty is the new tools Twitch has created to address copyright issues.
The changes that allow you to delete clips in bulk rather than individually—you will see a “delete all” option when you go to do so—are the ones that streamers are most interested in.
Additionally, Twitch will provide you with information on who is making the claim and how to get in touch with them if you want to submit a counter notification when you receive a DMCA notification. This will allow you to review the content that violates copyright. (For instance, if you have the proper permission to use the music.)
Finally, Twitch is also working on Soundtrack by Twitch to make it easier to control what audio from your live streams plays on your recorded content.
Things to do and Avoid
Therefore, according to Twitch’s copyright policy regarding music, these are the rules to consider:
Things you can do
- Use music created by you.
- Use music to which you own the copyright.
- Play Twitch Sings, as long as you comply with the regulations.
Things to Avoid
- Play copyrighted music in your streams.
- Listen to music, that is, as if your channel were a radio program.
- DJing.
- Karaoke.
- Lip sync.
- Song covers.
- Visual representation of music: share your lyrics, tablature, etc.
Therefore, yes, the use of music without copyright during any type of streaming, be it gaming or just chatting , is prohibited : it is not only about music being “the protagonist” of streaming in the form of karaoke or concert, but also you can’t use it in the background and even sing it for fun.
Twitch copyright and music during streaming
Twitch has always had a copyright policy, but due to pressure from the producers and the DMCA, they are now willing to act by applying strikes to those who do not abide by the rules.
Twitch asks creators to <<only share content for which they have the necessary rights; if you stream or upload content that contains copyrighted music, you will be violating our policies, unless you have the appropriate rights or authority to share it on Twitch>>.
Therefore, in accordance with its rules, you are prohibited from using copyrighted music during your streamings, as we previously mentioned, even if no clips are later published. As long as you don’t upload the clips later, it appears that there is currently no immediate risk to your channel’s ability to play music. The risk arises, however, if a user criticizes the live stream and claims that you are using copyrighted music.
So, instead of taking a chance, start using music without permission, is what we advise. And before your channel is impacted, you do need to delete all the earlier clips.
More information on the official Twitch page.
