Can you use copyrighted music on OnlyFans?

Imagine you’re editing one of your new videos and want to spice it up with the latest drop by your favorite artist.

The song would work perfectly, but are you allowed to use it?

The answer is most likely no.

Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to serious legal trouble, ranging from takedown notices to hefty fines.

OnlyFans doesn’t offer its own music library, so it’s up to Creators to find legal ways to include music in their content.

In this article, we’ll explain the rules for using copyrighted music on OnlyFans and suggest a few alternatives for creating great content without the legal risk.

Copyright law and OnlyFans

We get it—understanding copyright law might not be easy. But, understanding how it affects your work on OnlyFans is essential for protecting you and your content.

Copyright law protects Creators’ original work, making sure their intellectual property is safe.

You own the rights to any photo or video you upload to OnlyFans.

This means you’re the only one who can reproduce, distribute, perform, and display your work.

In short, you call the shots on how your content is used and who can access it.

Copyright infringement 

What is copyright infringement? It's when someone uses your copyrighted material without permission.

This can include sharing, reposting, or using your content in an unauthorized way. 

The consequences can range from having the infringing content taken down to facing legal action.

OnlyFans terms of service

OnlyFans is committed to respecting copyright law, emphasizing that Creators should only post content they own or have permission to use.

The platform’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit Creators from uploading copyrighted material if they don’t have proper authorization.

Now, what happens if you break the rules?

For starters, you might lose access to your account for a while. But might also face legal action.

OnlyFans has strict policies when it comes to protecting Creators’ rights, so it’s best to play by the rules.

Using copyrighted music on OnlyFans

Copyright issues in music are pretty common. Music is heavily protected under copyright law, and unauthorized use can lead to infringement claims.

This is why OnlyFans has specific guidelines around music and its use. 

As a Creator, you shouldn’t use copyrighted music in your videos unless you have the necessary licenses or permissions. 

Here’s a short video summarizing the key points of music copyright.

Fair use and OnlyFans

Fair use is a legal rule that lets you use copyrighted content without asking for permission in specific scenarios like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, or research.

There are four factors to consider for fair use:

1. Purpose and character of use: How is the material used? Does it have a commercial purpose or is it educational? Transformative use, which adds new expression or meaning, favors fair use. Since OnlyFans is a subscription-based service, most uses of music are commercial, which generally doesn’t favor fair use. 

2. Nature of the copyrighted work: If you use factual or published works, they’re more likely to be considered fair use than if you use creative or unpublished works. Music is considered highly creative, so it’s less likely to be seen as fair use when used without permission.

3. Amount and substantiality: This looks at the quantity of the work used. Using a small, less significant part may favor fair use, while using the "heart" of the work doesn’t. Using short music clips might seem safer, but if those clips are the recognizable "hook" or a significant part of the song, it goes against fair use.

4. Effect on the market: Does using this content negatively affect the market for the original work? If so, it’s less likely to be considered fair use. Using music without permission on OnlyFans might impact the market for the original song, as it could replace licensed versions or lower the value of the original work.

Based on these considerations, fair use doesn’t generally apply to music on OnlyFans.

A deep dive video into copyright and fair use. 

Risks of using copyrighted music

Copyright laws protect the rights of producers, musicians, and songwriters. Here’s an overview of the consequences of breaking copyright law. 

Copyright infringement lawsuits

You might face a copyright infringement lawsuit if you use copyrighted music without permission. 

Rights holders can file legal claims against you, demanding compensation for unauthorized use of their music. This could mean paying major fines or settlements, and the legal fees can add up quickly.

If you infringe copyright, you risk much more than just legal fees and fines.

Rights holders can claim damages that reflect the potential revenue loss from unauthorized use of their music—and it could get costly, especially if it ends up in court.

Content takedowns and account penalties

If a rights holder files a complaint, OnlyFans typically acts quickly by removing the offending content.

Multiple takedown notices can lead to account suspension or a permanent ban.

Legal alternatives to copyrighted music

Finding the perfect music for your content on OnlyFans can be tricky, but there are plenty of alternatives to copyrighted music. 

Royalty-free music libraries and platforms

One of the easiest and most popular options is using royalty-free music libraries.

These platforms offer a vast selection of tracks you can legally use in your content. There are lots of free options, though some come with a one-time fee. 

Websites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and AudioJungle provide high-quality music across different genres and moods. Users can typically pay for a subscription or buy a single track.

If you use video editing apps like CapCut, you can use the music the platform provides. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest each have their own music libraries that you can use for the content you publish on their platforms. 

Creative Commons licensed music

Another great source of music is Creative Commons (CC). Music under these licenses can be used for free, provided you follow the terms set by the artist.

Some require you to credit the artist, while others might restrict commercial use or modifications. 

Websites like Free Music Archive and ccMixter are treasure troves of CC-licensed music. Just make sure to read and respect the terms of the license.

Original music composition or collaboration

Composing original music is a fantastic way to ensure your content is unique and free from legal worries.

Collaborating with musicians or producers can also be a win-win situation. You get custom music tailored to your needs, and the musician gets exposure.

Sound effects and ambient soundscapes

Sometimes, you don’t need a full-blown track. A bit of sound might just do the trick. In these cases, sound effects or ambient soundscapes can be perfect.

Websites like Freesound and SoundBible offer a wide range of sound effects that are free to use with proper attribution.

Ambient soundscapes, like nature sounds or city noises, can give your content a distinctive twist.

Copyrighted music and OnlyFans

Using a song from your favorite artist might be tempting, but is it worth the risk of facing serious legal troubles?

Instead, look for royalty-free libraries, Creative Commons licensed music, sound effects, or create your own original compositions.

There are plenty of ways to enhance your content legally and creatively while keeping your OnlyFans account safe and your creative process worry-free.