{"id":906,"date":"2024-10-02T11:46:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T09:46:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weslawafrica.co.za\/?p=906"},"modified":"2025-08-18T16:29:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T16:29:40","slug":"how-to-monetise-youtube-copyrighted-music-and-legal-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weslawafrica.co.za\/?p=906","title":{"rendered":"How to Monetise YouTube: Copyrighted Music and Legal Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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“The thin line between entertainment and war \/ The frontline is everywhere, there’ll be no shelter here.”
\u2014 Rage Against the Machine, “No Shelter”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This track by the amazing band Rage Against the Machine critiques the commodification of culture and the exploitation of art for profit, while expressing resistance to corporate control. It reflects the tension between art as a form of expression and how it is often exploited for commercial and corporate gains. Monetising YouTube with copyrighted music is a complex process, especially when navigating the legal landscape in South Africa. With YouTube\u2019s strict adherence to global copyright laws, creators need to be aware of both YouTube\u2019s policies and South African legislation to effectively monetise YouTube content that includes copyrighted material without exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will explore the steps involved in monetising YouTube with copyrighted music, the legal frameworks in place, and the best practices to ensure compliance under South African law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Use Copyrighted Music on Non-Monetised Videos?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using copyrighted music without the necessary permissions, even in non-monetised videos, can lead to copyright infringement. Here are key points to understand about how to monetise YouTube:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. YouTube\u2019s Content ID System<\/strong>: YouTube uses the Content ID system to detect copyrighted music. If the system flags your video, copyright holders can choose to block the video, mute the audio, or place ads on it, with any revenue going to them. The same applies to non-monetised videos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. South African Copyright Law<\/strong>: Under the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 in South Africa (and the new bills on our President\u2019s table for signature), the unauthorised use of copyrighted music is a breach of intellectual property rights. Whether your video is monetised or not, using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal consequences. Rights holders can seek damages, and YouTube will enforce compliance through its automated systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Exceptions<\/strong>:\n