If you’re an independent artist planning to release your version of a well-known track, you might be asking: can I distribute cover songs legally through a distributor? The answer is yes—but there are important legal steps to follow to avoid copyright infringement and ensure royalties are paid correctly.
In this article, we’ll explain what a cover song is, the licensing requirements involved, how to legally release a cover, and which music distributors support cover song licensing in the UK and worldwide.
What is a cover song?
A cover song is your own recording of a track that was originally written and released by another artist. You’re not claiming the song as your own—you’re simply performing your version of it.
Common examples include:
- Acoustic versions of popular hits
- Genre remixes (e.g. turning a pop song into a lo-fi version)
- Live covers recorded in the studio
- Piano or instrumental interpretations
Because you didn’t write the song, you must get permission or a licence to legally release and monetise it—especially on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.
Do I need a licence to release a cover song?
Yes. When you release a cover song for commercial distribution, you are legally required to obtain a mechanical licence (also known as a compulsory licence in some regions). This licence ensures the original songwriter gets paid for the use of their composition.
Here’s what the mechanical licence covers:
- Reproduction of the original composition in your recording
- Distribution across digital platforms
- Royalty payments to the original rights holder
If you release a cover without this licence, you risk having the track taken down—or worse, facing legal action.
Can I distribute a cover song legally through a distributor?
Yes, but it depends on the distributor and whether you or the platform handles the licensing.
Here are your two main options:
1. Use a distributor that handles cover song licensing
Some distributors automatically clear mechanical licences in certain countries (mostly the US) or offer built-in tools for cover clearance.
✅ Distributors that help with cover song licensing:
- DistroKid – Offers a paid cover song licensing service (US only)
- CD Baby – Partners with Easy Song Licensing (you pay a fee per song)
- Soundrop – Specialises in cover song licensing with built-in support
- RouteNote – Allows cover songs, but you must handle licensing
Keep in mind: most of these services only cover licensing for the United States. If you’re based in the UK, EU, or Canada, you may need to arrange your own licensing depending on the territories you’re releasing in.
2. Get a mechanical licence yourself (UK and international)
If your distributor doesn’t offer cover song licensing in your region, you can obtain a licence through a third party licensing agency or performing rights organisation.
UK artists can use:
- MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society)
- Easy Song Licensing (covers international licences)
- Loudr or Songfile (for US rights)
Note: Mechanical rights in the UK are typically handled by MCPS (administered by PRS for Music). You may need to report sales or streams and pay fees accordingly.
What about YouTube or social media covers?
Distributing cover songs to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram is a separate matter. These platforms use a Content ID system and licensing deals with major labels—but these don’t always cover all use cases.
To stay safe:
- Upload your cover through a distributor that handles YouTube licensing
- Use royalty-free or cleared backing tracks
- Be ready to share ad revenue with the original copyright holder
- Avoid using unofficial karaoke or instrumental tracks without permission
What’s the difference between a cover and a remix or sample?
🔹 Cover song: You perform someone else’s composition from scratch (legal with a licence)
🔹 Remix: You edit or manipulate the original recording (you need master rights and publishing approval)
🔹 Sample: You use a portion of the original song (you need clearance for both master and publishing)
Important: A mechanical licence does not allow you to sample or remix an original track. You’ll need direct permission for that.
Final thoughts: can I distribute cover songs legally through a distributor?
Yes—you can distribute cover songs legally through a distributor, but only if the correct licensing is in place. Whether your distributor handles the mechanical licence for you or you arrange it independently, this step is non-negotiable.
To stay safe, choose a distributor that supports cover licensing (like RouteNote), or contact MCPS or Easy Song Licensing if you’re based in the UK or distributing globally.
