Podcast copyright tips are becoming more important than ever as livestreaming, YouTube podcasts, and multi-platform streaming continue to grow. And podcast copyright Issues can arise when there is uncertainity.
Recently, during a live stream of The Pull Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson, one of our streams was temporarily taken down on a platform because of a copyright-related music issue connected to our theme song.
At first, we were confused.
The song was professionally produced by Coach Tony Thompson’s nephew along with two other music producers who work in the music industry. The theme song was specifically created for the show. In fact, our audience and many of our guests regularly compliment the music and the intro visuals connected to the production. I even edited a custom red, black, and white video sequence to match the branding and energy of the show.
The interesting part is this:
We assumed that because the music was created for us, everything was automatically cleared for streaming and distribution.
That assumption turned out to be incorrect.
How The Pull Up Podcast Show Theme Was Created
Back in late 2023, Coach Tony Thompson approached me with an idea.
“I want my own sports show.”
As the producer behind Pure Lighthouse Media, I immediately told him we needed three things:
- A clear vision
- A color scheme
- A theme song
Coach followed through.
Instead of using generic music, he worked with producers connected to the music industry to create something original and professional sounding. The final product elevated the entire feel of the show and gave The Pull Up Podcast Show its own identity.
However, as a producer, I also realized something important after this situation happened.
Just because music is custom-produced does not mean the copyright and licensing paperwork is automatically in place for livestreaming across multiple platforms.
That distinction matters.
Why Copyright Issues Are Increasing For Creators
Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are becoming increasingly aggressive about copyrighted audio detection.
Their systems automatically scan livestreams, videos, and uploaded content for:
- Registered music
- Publishing rights
- Performance rights
- Distribution ownership
- Copyright claims
Even if you personally know the producer or artist, platforms still require the proper permissions and licensing documentation behind the scenes.
This is especially important for podcasters and livestream creators who stream simultaneously to several platforms.
In our case, the stream interruption became a reminder that creators must protect their content operationally — not just creatively.
3 Podcast Copyright Tips Every Creator Should Know
1. Always Get Written Licensing Information
If someone creates music for your podcast or livestream, always request:
- Written usage permissions
- Licensing agreements
- Publishing information
- ASCAP or BMI registration details if applicable
Do not assume verbal conversations are enough.
Having documentation available can help resolve disputes much faster if a platform flags your content.
2. Understand The Difference Between Platform Music and Uploaded Music
Many creators wonder how people use songs from artists like Beyoncé, Cardi B, Drake, or Will.i.am inside Instagram Reels or TikTok videos.
The answer is simple.
Those apps already have licensing agreements connected to their internal music libraries.
When you select music inside the app itself, the platform is already tracking royalties and crediting artists appropriately.
However, uploading copyrighted songs independently into your livestream software or editing software is completely different.
That is where many creators accidentally run into copyright violations.
3. Consider Using AI Music Platforms For Original Audio
Many creators are now turning to AI-generated music tools to create royalty-friendly podcast themes and background music. Creating original music can completely avoid podcast copyright issues.
.Some popular AI music platforms include:
- Suno
- Udio
- Soundraw
- Boomy
These platforms allow creators to generate custom music for intros, outros, background audio, and promotional videos.
However, creators should still carefully review the commercial licensing rights connected to each platform before monetizing content.
Turning Frustration Into Education
One thing I believe strongly as a producer is this:
Every challenge can become a teaching moment.
At Pure Lighthouse Media, we are building more than podcasts. We definitely want to avoid all podcast copyright issues when building platforms. We are building systems, education, and creator awareness for independent podcasters and livestreamers.
Many new creators focus only on microphones, cameras, thumbnails, and content ideas.
But protecting your content legally and operationally is equally important.
That is why we will continue discussing these topics openly through our podcasts, blog content, livestreams, and educational community.
Join The Conversation
You can catch Val “The Voice” Johnson and Coach Tony Thompson every Tuesday night on Interludes Extra Presents Talk on Tuesdays at:
🕗 8 PM Central / 9 PM Eastern
We discuss entertainment news, streaming culture, film reviews, podcasting insights, and creator conversations every week.
We are also expanding these educational conversations inside our new Skool community, The Lighthouse Lab, where creators can learn podcasting, livestreaming, branding, AI tools, and content systems together.
Join The Lighthouse Lab for free as we continue building new creator education resources and behind-the-scenes training opportunities.
For more podcasting and livestreaming tips, visit:
🌐 Pure Lighthouse Media Blog
— Val “The Voice” Johnson
Pure Lighthouse Media LLC