Can I Put Whole Songs on an App Legally?

[znick]

I am making some simple apps... "how to do this" and some fan apps about bands/musicians.

Can I put the MP3's on the apps legally? They can't download them into their music players, and have to click on each one to hear it, AND they don't automatically play one after another.

I've been putting "previews", like 60 seconds of the songs, then a link to "Buy the MP3"... but I'd rather put the whole song.

Would that be legal?

Z

 

[jgriner]

I would say it depends on the studio.

Also you may have to pay royalties, i know on talk radio they play songs on the air but not in the download able mp3s, because they say Internet royalties is outrageous

 

[chanchan05]

How about just putting youtube links or something?

 

[Alsaces Daddy]

I think that is copyright infringement.. You have to gain permission from the band and/or the record label I believe..

 

[znick]

I think that is copyright infringement.. You have to gain permission from the band and/or the record label I believe..

I wish I could get a definitive answer... I'm playing the same previews that Amazon plays, like 30 seconds, and I AM selling the MP3's and CD's for them. There's a "click to buy the CD" link on the page.

I'd imagine it makes sense and they'd encourage me... but they have lawyers... and lawyers rarely make sense.

Z

 

[Rxpert83]

Including the song without the artists permission would almost certainly be illegal, unless the music is in the public domain.

 

[oscar112709]

I would just do it how many people make YouTube videos using there music in the hole clip even just the back ground .....unless that's a real good app and become noticeable then that's a different story

 

[znick]

Here's how they're used: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=one.direction.take.me.home

Look at the top review...

I may write a publisher and see what they say... I AM giving it away free, and I AM selling their music for them. I doubt they'll even answer me, lol.

Z

 

[El Presidente]

I would just do it how many people make YouTube videos using there music in the hole clip even just the back ground .....unless that's a real good app and become noticeable then that's a different story

It would probably be better to obtain permission first, I imagine there are some artists/studios who would take umbrage to their tunes being used without their consent.

 

[hstroph]

... I may write a publisher and see what they say...

RIAA seems like a good starting point for your enquiries.

 

[Xyro]

I'd also be careful how long your previews are. You mentioned 60 seconds at your OP and 30 seconds further down; I'm no lawyer but I believe that 30 seconds is the maximum you can play without infringing their copyright.

 

[znick]

I've read that the music ind is now trying to get even Amazon and Apple to PAY for these 30 sec downloads... I may take the previews off of the apps.

I don't need a lawsuit.

Z

 

[mikedt]

I've read that the music ind is now trying to get even Amazon and Apple to PAY for these 30 sec downloads... I may take the previews off of the apps.

I don't need a lawsuit.

Z

Probably the best thing you can do. AFAIK it only takes one person or organization to file a DMCA take-down notice for copyright infringement with Google Play. That's it, your app has gone and your account suspended.

I do believe music stores pay for and have permission to use those 30 second previews.