How to Release a Cover Song Legally

Releasing a cover song is a great way to grow your audience, connect with listeners, and showcase your style. But before you upload your version to Spotify or Apple Music, you need to make sure everything is legal.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to release a cover song step by step and avoid copyright issues.

🎧 What Is a Cover Song?

A cover song is a new recording of an existing song written by someone else.

You can:

Record your own vocals
Change the arrangement or style
Perform it in your own way

👉 But the original composition (lyrics + melody) still belongs to the songwriter.

⚖️ Do You Need Permission to Release a Cover?

Yes—but not directly from the artist.

In most countries (including the US), you need a mechanical license to legally release a cover.

👉 This allows you to distribute your version of the song.

📄 What Is a Mechanical License?

A mechanical license gives you the right to:

Record and distribute the song
Upload it to streaming platforms
Sell downloads

👉 You do not need approval from the original artist, but you must pay royalties.

💰 How Royalties Work

When you release a cover:

You keep money from your recording
The original songwriter gets a royalty per stream/download

In the US, the standard rate is:

9.1 cents per download (for songs under 5 minutes)

👉 Streaming royalties are handled automatically by distributors.

🛠️ How to Get a Cover Song License

Option 1: Use a Distributor (Easiest Way)

Most modern distributors handle licensing for you:

DistroKid
TuneCore
CD Baby

How it works:

Upload your cover song
Select “cover song” option
Pay a small fee (usually $10–$20/year)
Distributor handles licensing

👉 This is the easiest and most popular method.

Option 2: License It Yourself

You can also get a license manually through:

Harry Fox Agency (USA)
Easy Song Licensing

👉 This is more complex but gives more control.

🚫 What You Cannot Do

When releasing a cover:

You cannot claim the song as your own
You cannot change the lyrics (without permission)
You cannot use the original recording (that’s a different license)

👉 Only the composition is licensed—not the original audio.

🎬 Covers on YouTube

YouTube works differently:

Content ID may detect the original song
Revenue may be shared or claimed
Some covers are allowed automatically

👉 Monetization depends on copyright holders.

📈 Tips for Successful Cover Releases

Choose popular or trending songs
Add your unique style (don’t copy exactly)
Use high-quality recording
Promote on TikTok and Reels
Release consistently

👉 Covers can help you grow faster than original songs.

💡 Why Artists Release Covers

Gain exposure
Reach new audiences
Build fanbase
Test new styles

👉 Many successful artists started with covers.

Final Thoughts

Releasing a cover song is simple if you follow the rules:

Get a mechanical license
Use a distributor
Respect copyright laws

👉 Done right, covers can be a powerful tool for growth.