How To Keep Music Out Of Twitch Vod

Introduction.

Twitch is one of the most popular platforms for streaming, with millions of creators sharing their gaming, art, and other passions. But for many streamers, dealing with copyright claims is a huge headache.

If you’ve ever had your Twitch VODs (video on demand) muted or flagged because of background music, you know how frustrating it can be.

These issues can limit how much your content reaches people, and in the worst case, you could even face strikes on your account.

I want to make things easier for you. In this guide, I’ll explain why music copyright matters, the risks involved, and how you can protect your content while keeping your channel safe.

Why Music Copyright on Twitch Is Serious

Music copyright is a big deal because artists and rights holders have legal ownership of their work. When you stream music in the background without permission, it’s like using something that isn’t yours. Twitch uses automated systems to detect copyrighted music in VODs, which can result in:

Muted sections of your VODs, so your viewers can’t hear anything in those parts.
DMCA takedown notices, which could lead to temporary bans or even account termination.

The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) protects copyright holders, and platforms like Twitch must follow strict rules to avoid getting into legal trouble. Unfortunately, this puts the burden on streamers to ensure their content is clean.

How Music Ends Up in Your VODs

Music can find its way into your Twitch streams in ways you might not even notice:

Background music from games: Many games include licensed soundtracks that aren’t cleared for public use.
Spotify or YouTube playlists: Playing your favourite songs during a stream can lead to copyright claims.
Music from ads or in-game events: Sometimes, ads or specific game moments play copyrighted music, and you might not even realize it.

Tips to Keep Music Out of Twitch VODs

Here’s how to avoid trouble and keep your VODs safe:

1. Turn Off Game Music

If you’re playing a game with a well-known soundtrack, consider muting the in-game music. Most games have settings where you can turn off music but keep sound effects.

2. Use Twitch’s Soundtrack Tool

Twitch offers a tool called Soundtrack by Twitch, which provides copyright-free music for live streams. The great thing is that the music is only included in your live stream, not in your VODs. This keeps your archived videos clean.

3. Stick to Copyright-Free Music

There are plenty of platforms offering music you can use without worrying about copyright issues. Some great options include:

Epidemic Sound (subscription-based)
StreamBeats by Harris Heller (free)
YouTube Audio Library (free)

4. Check Game Licenses

Some games, like Fortnite or Cyberpunk 2077, offer “streamer mode” options. These modes replace copyrighted tracks with safe alternatives. If the game doesn’t have this option, be cautious about what you stream.

5. Invest in a Mixer

Using an audio mixer lets you separate music from your stream and recording. For example, you could listen to music while streaming, but your audience would only hear the gameplay. Tools like Voicemeeter Banana (free) can help you achieve this on a budget.

6. Manually Remove Music From VODs

Some streamers prefer to edit their VODs before uploading them elsewhere. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or free options like DaVinci Resolve let you remove sections with music.

7. Educate Your Audience

Let your viewers know you won’t be taking song requests unless the music is copyright-free. This keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the chance of accidental violations.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Music I Bought?

No, owning a song (like from iTunes) doesn’t mean you can stream it. You need explicit permission or a license to use it publicly.

2. What Happens if My VOD Is Flagged?

If Twitch detects copyrighted music in your VOD, the affected sections will be muted. Multiple violations could result in DMCA strikes.

3. Is Free Music Safe?

Not all free music is safe. Always check the licensing terms to ensure the tracks can be used on platforms like Twitch.

4. What’s the Difference Between Live Streams and VODs?

Music that’s okay for live streams might not be allowed in VODs or clips. Tools like Soundtrack by Twitch are designed to handle this difference.

Conclusion

Keeping music out of Twitch VODs might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it to protect your content and avoid penalties.

By taking a few precautions—like using copyright-free music or tools like audio mixers—you can focus on creating great streams without worrying about legal trouble.

What’s your go-to strategy for keeping music out of your streams? Let me know—I’d love to hear how you’re handling it!