When COVID-19 forced many gyms to close back in March, the group fitness industry was forced to find new ways to connect with their clients. Many instructors decided to take their classes online and the big question became - what music are we allowed to use in our live videos?
There is a lot of debate and discussion around what publishers called "Synchronization" licenses. At present, publishers claim that you need to procure one of these licenses to play their songs in your videos. It's important for us all to remember, there is nothing in copyright LAW that defines or even mentions "Sync" licenses. And, there are arguments being made that "Sync" is an inadequate classification and payment to value structure. The argument is that the license (and payment) should align with the actual views of your video. This is much closer to what is called a mechanical license. This license is compulsory (meaning they MUST give it to you) and has fixed rates that are paid monthly to the owner of the song.
However, these are not battles we recommend you, as an individual instructor, take on yourself. Just know that as the digital world evolves and music rights modernize, things will certainly change - we hope to the benefit of us all. Right now what publishers are demanding is too time consuming and far too expensive. The net result of publishers making "Sync" claims is that you will often find popular music getting muted in your videos
Seeing the direction that the group fitness industry was headed, we quickly pivoted our entire business in an effort to support instructors who wanted to teach virtual classes. We made available thousands of tracks and a variety of premixed albums free of the additional licensing fees we usually charge someone to use our music on their videos. This music may not be recognizable or the songs you hear on the radio - but we've emulated styles, songs, and feels of songs so you can still capture the energy and vibe you need in your class - all with YOUR 32-count fitness needs in mind!
The Virtual Class Music we have made available at this time, free of licensing fees, is for your virtual live stream classes on social media platforms and video conferencing programs like Webex and Zoom. We made this music available so that you, the instructor, can continue to teach classes from the comfort of your own home without the fear of your video being muted or taken down.
The music we have made available has all broadcast licensing rights cleared for online platforms including: Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Periscope, Instagram Live, Zoom, Webex and others.
All that we ask, is that you tag us (@PowerMusic) in your video when you post it on Social Media. In return we will repost your video to our pages and it's a great way to grow your following and gain more exposure for your classes! And in every virtual class, please let your participants know where you got your music! :) See Full Terms & Conditions below.
NOTE: Updated 01/12/2021: Beginning in 2021, using Virtual Class Music is now an exclusive benefit to Power Music NOW members. Join Power Music NOW for access to the music for your live stream classes on Social Media and Zoom.
You can find our pre-mixed albums in the app on the "Virtual Class Music" tab on the EXPLORE page.
You can also create a ClickMix custom mix using royalty free songs from our library by going to ClickMix -> Genres -> Originals or click here.
If you are already a Power Music NOW member, you can access all of the Virtual Class Music premixed albums and single songs directly within the app!
Find premixed albums under the "Virtual Class Music" tab on the EXPLORE page.
Find royalty free single songs when creating a ClickMix on the "Originals" tab
We know all of this can be confusing and we really want to make it as simple and easy to understand as possible for you! Here's a quick summary:
You can use the Virtual Class Music for:
✔️ Facebook Live
✔️ Instagram Live
✔️ YouTube Live
✔️ Zoom/Webex
You can NOT use the Virtual Class Music for:
🚫 Pre-recorded videos
🚫 Monetized videos
🚫 On-demand services
If you would like the ability to use our Virtual Class Music in order to pre-record videos, monetize them, or host them on-demand, you would need to secure additional licensing from us. Please visit RoyaltyFreeFitnessMusic.com and sign-up for a membership! You can read more about RoyaltyFreeFitnessMusic.com in this recent blog post.
To view our full Virtual Class Music terms & conditions please click here.
Do you still have questions about our Virtual Class Music? Comment below and let us know, we are here to help!