If you play any song, media, or game you are at risk of DMCA strikes. A strike is an enforcement measure Twitch issues to you per violation. Three or more and you will be banned from the platform. Record Labels will issue DMCA Takedowns to Twitch streamers for any copyrighted content. This includes almost all music, videos, or content you don't have a specific license to use.You need to take action NOW or face severe consequences.
Below is a Level of Risk chart, based on Devin Nash's resource page here. It covers what type of content you can stream and its associated risk level for DMCA strikes. At the bottom of the page you'll find a list of music-friendly services for livestreamers (some free, some paid). We'll continue to update this page as more resources become available.
Music you have permission to stream
Creative commons
Copyright-free
Public domain music
3rd party services
Example from Devin Nash
Some copyright-free databases aren't free
All 3rd party services are listed below
Indie artists, small YT channels
Video game music
Classical music (music before 1900s)
Low-fi, chillwave, indie YT playlists
Music that shows no copyright attribution on YT
Semi-popular YT videos without agency or record representation
International KPOP, JPOP
Major Events (E3 without permission)
Many indie artists welcome exposure. Send them an email and ask for permission.
Some classical music is public domain, some isn't.
Can get DMCA'd but it's unlikely.
Example of copyright attribution
Could be copyrighted later
Many have US-based record labels, increasing risk of takedowns
Cable news (without permission)
Movies and TV shows (including trailers and soundtracks)
Popular artists and celebrities
Music videos with more than 10 million views
Songs with record labels
Top 500 songs
Record labels run automated bots that will scrape your content.
You'll get flagged for DMCA, issued takedown notices, banned, or worse for streaming this content after 2020.
