YouTube's native dashboard for uploading, scheduling and analyzing Shorts, with free audio library.
Straight answer
Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube Shorts? (2026)
Creator-focused music platform with a free tier of 3 downloads a month.
Royalty-free music and SFX library, official TikTok Sound Partner.
Free music and SFX under a license allowing commercial use without attribution.
TikTok's pre-cleared royalty-free music library for business accounts.
Licenses mainstream music for YouTube videos with claim protection.
Short answer: yes, if you add it from YouTube's own Shorts audio picker. Songs there are licensed for Shorts, and YouTube says you may be able to use up to 90 seconds of a track in a 3-minute Short. Uploading a commercial song yourself is different: Content ID will probably claim it, and YouTube says Shorts longer than one minute with an active copyright claim are blocked. Giving credit does not change that. For music you control, use the YouTube Audio Library or a licensed library such as Uppbeat or Epidemic Sound.
This isn't legal advice. Policies change, so check the linked official pages before you rely on them.
The three ways music gets into a Short
| Source | What YouTube says | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Shorts audio picker (in-app) | Up to 90 seconds in a 3-minute Short; the tool shows how many seconds a track covers | Low |
| YouTube Audio Library | Royalty-free tracks won't receive a Content ID claim | Low |
| Song you upload yourself | May be claimed; claimed Shorts over 1 minute are blocked | High unless you hold a licence |
What happens if a Short gets a Content ID claim
- Under 1 minute: the rights holder's chosen action applies: block, monetize (ads run, revenue may go to them) or track. Actions can vary by country (Content ID help).
- 1 to 3 minutes: YouTube says the Short is blocked while an active claim is on it, "regardless of the policy." You can remove the claimed audio or dispute if the claim is wrong. Once resolved, it becomes viewable again.
- Monetization: per the Shorts monetization policy, "Shorts over one minute in length that contain claimed content are blocked and not eligible for monetization."
- Your channel: a claim is not a strike. YouTube says claims "usually don't impact your channel or account." Strikes come from valid removal requests.
Can I use copyrighted music if I'm not monetized?
Not being monetized doesn't give you a licence. Content ID claims apply to any upload. The only difference is that you have no revenue to lose; the claim can still block or restrict the Short.
Can I use it if I give credit?
No. Credit is not permission. YouTube's claim options are to leave the claim, remove the audio, share revenue (Partner Program members) or dispute if you have the rights. Credit lines only matter when a licence asks for them, as with Uppbeat's free plan.
How music affects Shorts revenue
For a monetized Short with licensed music, YouTube splits that Short's revenue between the Creator Pool and music partners. With one track, half goes to the Creator Pool; with two, one third. Your share of the pool is still based on all your engaged views, and you keep 45% of your allocated revenue whether or not you used music (Shorts monetization policy).
A simple decision path
- Want a trending song? Add it from the Shorts audio picker and stay within the length the tool shows.
- Want background music you control across platforms? Use the YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music, Uppbeat or Epidemic Sound.
- Need a specific commercial song outside the picker? You need a licence from the rights holders. Services like Lickd sell those.
- Reposting TikToks? TikTok Commercial Music Library tracks are not licensed for YouTube. See our answer on that.
Verdict
- Best for trending songs: the Shorts audio picker, within the length it shows.
- Best for no claims at all: the YouTube Audio Library.
- Best for cross-posting: a library licensed for every platform you post on.
- Avoid: uploading a chart song yourself, with or without credit.
FAQ
Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube Shorts if I don't monetize?
You can still get claimed. Monetization status doesn't license the music.
Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube Shorts if I give credit?
Credit doesn't clear a Content ID claim. Use the in-app picker or a licensed track.
How long can copyrighted music be in a YouTube Short?
From the Shorts picker, YouTube says up to 90 seconds in a 3-minute Short, depending on the track.
Will a copyright claim on a Short hurt my channel?
A claim isn't a strike, but a claimed Short over one minute is blocked until the claim is resolved.
Sources: Music eligibility for YouTube Shorts, YouTube Shorts monetization policies, Learn about Content ID claims. Checked on 13 October 2026. Based on published plans, not a hands-on test.