Do I need to own all the rights to the music I'm selling?

Quick summary

• You must own or control the rights to every sound recording, composition, and sample in your release.
• Cover songs and samples require the appropriate licenses or written permissions.
• CD Baby does not distribute AI-generated content under the current source policy.

Rights you need

• You must either own the copyright for the sound recordings or have the authority or permission from the owner(s).
• If you didn't write the song/composition, you must find out who the copyright owners are and pay the publisher their mechanical royalties based on your download/sales activity, the same way you would for CDs sold.
• To distribute through CD Baby, you'll be required to obtain a mechanical license for your cover song.

Samples and mixtapes

• If you have samples in your music, they must all be legally cleared and/or paid for.
• You won't be able to submit "mix tapes" of other people's music, even if you mix your own music with it.
• You'll need to supply documentation of your agreement with the original copyright owners for use of the sample, or your receipt for its purchase.

AI-generated content

• You will not be able to distribute A.I.-generated content.
• Even if the A.I. generator you are using permits commercial use of what you made, there's no way to ensure unique sounds or rights compliance.
• For this reason, CD Baby can't distribute this type of content to our partners.

Before you submit

Keep licenses, permissions, and receipts available. CD Baby may require documentation showing that you have the right to distribute the release.