Understanding sound-alike recordings

A sound-alike recording imitates another artist’s recognizable performance, arrangement, or branding closely enough that listeners could mistake it for that artist’s work.

What can be considered a sound-alike

A recording may be rejected if it closely copies an original artist’s vocal or instrumental style, arrangement, or presentation, or uses branding that implies the artist performed on it.

A cover recording can be distributed when it is a distinct performance and does not mislead listeners into thinking it is the original artist’s recording.

Make the release clearly distinct

Use accurate artist credits and artwork. Do not use another artist’s name or image to imply endorsement or participation.

Music services make their own eligibility decisions and may reject content they consider misleading or too similar to an existing recording.