Why Beat Licences Exist
When you buy a beat online, you’re not buying the beat itself. You’re buying permission to use it. That permission is the beat licence.
A beat is intellectual property. The producer owns the copyright. A licence gives you the right to use it. It clearly shows what you can do, what you can’t do, and what happens if your song takes off.
Licences exist to make collaboration simple:
- Artists know exactly how they can release the song
- Producers keep ownership while allowing others to use their work
- Everyone avoids confusion when a track gains traction
What You Actually Get
A beat licence is a written agreement that outlines things like:
- Where you can release the song
Streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), YouTube, TikTok, live shows, etc.
- How much traction you’re allowed to get with it
Streaming limits, video views, radio plays, and more.
- What files you receive
MP3, WAV, Stems. This depends on the licence tier.
- Monetization rights
Whether you can earn from streams, shows, or content (music videos, radio, and more).
- Proof of permission
Distributors will ask for this if your song gains momentum.
Think of it as the receipt + rulebook + legal protection all in one.
The Core Licence Types
Every platform and producer uses slightly different names, but the structure is the same. Here are the standard categories:
1. MP3 Lease (Basic Licence)
Great for early-stage releases and demos.
- MP3 file
- Lower streaming/view limits
- Most affordable
2. WAV Lease (Premium Licence)
Higher quality audio with more room to grow.
- WAV file
- Higher usage caps
- More than good enough for professional distribution
3. Trackout/Stems Lease
For artists who want complete control over the mix.
- Individual instrument tracks
- Largest usage limit
- Ideal for commercial releases
4. Unlimited Lease
For artists who want no limits at all.
- No limits on streams, views, etc.
- Includes high-quality files (WAV + Stems in most cases)
- Beat remains available to other artists
5. Exclusive Licence
The top tier. Once purchased, the beat is no longer sold to others.
- Unlimited usage
- Maximum control
- Best for long-term commercial plans
These tiers give artists flexibility: start small, scale up later, and upgrade when the song shows potential.
Why This System Works
Beat licensing solves a real-world problem:
Artists need high-quality production at a fair price. Producers need a sustainable way to earn from their work.
Licensing creates that balance by offering:
- A fair system where producers keep ownership while artists create freely
- Multiple price points for different commitment levels
- Legal clarity when a song grows
- Industry-standard structure recognized by labels and distributors
How SoundSeam Improves the Process
Instead of messy emails and unclear contracts, SoundSeam automates and modernizes the licensing workflow:
- Licence PDFs generated instantly
- Clean file bundles (MP3, WAV, Stems) delivered every time
- Licences stored in your account forever
- Customizable terms for producers without sacrificing consistency
A clean and reliable licensing experience built for today’s artists and producers.