Whether you’re running a streaming platform, internet radio, mobile app, podcast, or digital book, music enhances user experience and engagement. However, using copyrighted music without the proper license can lead to legal issues, fines, and potential business shutdowns.
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) ensures that businesses like yours have the proper rights to stream, broadcast, or distribute music, while also ensuring that music creators get fair compensation for their work.
How to Obtain a Music License from MCSN for Online Streaming, Broadcasting, and Digital Use
This guide will show you how to obtain the right MCSN license for your business, depending on your specific usage category.
Why Do You Need an MCSN Music License?
Music licensing ensures that artists, composers, songwriters, performers, producers, and other rights holders are compensated for their creative work. Using music without the proper license can lead to legal consequences, including fines and takedown notices. By obtaining a license from MCSN, you not only comply with the law but also support the music industry and the creators behind the music you love.
Categories of Online Music Usage and Licensing Requirements
Below, we’ll explore the various categories of online music usage and how MCSN can help you secure the appropriate license for your needs.
Music & Video Streaming Services
If you operate a music or music video streaming platform, whether through a subscription model or ad-supported service, you must obtain a license.
Examples:
- Music streaming platforms (like Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music)
- Video streaming platforms featuring music content (like YouTube, Netflix)
- On-demand or live music streaming services
License Needed: MCSN Streaming & Digital Music License.
Why You Need It: To legally distribute copyrighted music via ad-supported or subscription-based platforms.
Web TV & Online Video Content Platforms
If you run an online video platform, Web TV, or live-streaming service that features music, you need a license.
Examples:
- Web-based TV channels streaming music videos or shows with music
- Online video platforms that feature music content
- Livestream events featuring music on websites or social media
License Needed: MCSN Web TV & Video Content License.
Why You Need It: To legally use music in online video content.
Internet Radio
If you operate an online radio station, whether small-scale, commercial, or corporate, a license is required.
Examples:
- Small internet radio stations for personal, educational, or community use
- Commercial internet radio stations broadcasting to a larger audience
- Corporate internet radio for branding & marketing
License Needed: MCSN Internet Radio License.
Why You Need It: To legally broadcast music on digital radio.
Podcasting & Digital Audio Content
If you use music in podcasts, audiobooks, or other digital audio content, an MCSN license is required.
Examples:
- Podcasts with intro, outro, or background music
- Audiobooks with embedded music or sound effects
- E-books with interactive music elements
License Needed: MCSN Digital Audio & Podcasting License.
Why You Need It: To legally use copyrighted music in digital books and podcasts.
Video Games & Mobile Apps
If you develop video games or mobile applications that include music, you must obtain a license.
Examples:
- Console, PC, and mobile video games featuring soundtracks or background music
- Mobile apps with in-app music or background soundtracks (e.g., fitness apps, meditation apps)
License Needed: MCSN Video Game & Mobile App Music License.
Why You Need It: To legally integrate music into games and apps.
Music and Video Download Services
If your business offers pay-per-download or subscription-based access to music and video content, you need a license.
Examples:
- Music download platforms selling individual tracks
- On-demand video platforms offering music content for purchase or rental
- Subscription-based music & video services
License Needed: MCSN Music & Video Distribution License
Why You Need It: To legally sell and distribute digital music or video content.
Branded Music Services (Livestreams, Webradio, etc.)
If your company uses music in branded services like internet radio, livestreams, or marketing campaigns, you must obtain a license.
Examples:
- Branded internet radio for promotional campaigns
- Corporate livestream events featuring copyrighted music
- Social media livestreams for marketing with background music
License Needed: MCSN Branded Music Service License
Why You Need It: To legally use music in promotional and marketing campaigns.
Background Music for Websites & Digital Platforms
If you use music as background audio on websites or digital platforms, an MCSN license is required.
Examples:
- Websites with autoplay background music
- Corporate landing pages featuring background music
- E-commerce sites with themed audio branding
License Needed: MCSN Background Music License
Why You Need It: To legally use background music on digital platforms.
Social Media Content Creators & Influencers
Content creators who use copyrighted music in their videos, reels, or live streams on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) must have a license.
Examples:
- YouTube channels using background music in vlogs or tutorials
- TikTok & Instagram influencers using music in dance or challenge videos
- Facebook live streams featuring music in the background
- Monetized social media content that includes copyrighted music
License Needed: MCSN Social Media & UGC (User-Generated Content) License
E-Learning Platforms & Online Courses
Online educational platforms and course creators that use music in their video lectures, training materials, and instructional content need a license.
Examples:
- E-learning platforms (Udemy, Coursera, Teachable, etc.)
- Educational YouTube channels using music in lesson videos
- Corporate training videos featuring background music
License Needed: MCSN E-Learning & Educational Content License
MCSN Online Music Licensing Tariff Guide
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) provides a structured licensing framework for businesses and individuals using music online. This guide outlines the licensing fees for various categories, ensuring fair compensation for rights holders while enabling businesses to use music legally. The fees are based on factors such as audience size, revenue model, content type, usage duration, and commercial impact.
| Category | License Fee (₦ per year) | Additional Fees | Breakdown of Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music & Video Streaming Services | ₦3,500,000 | ₦0.50 per stream or 10% of subscription revenue (whichever is higher) | High music consumption, large audience reach, ad-supported & premium tiers. |
| Web TV & Online Video Platforms | ₦3,000,000 | ₦0.30 per stream or 8% of subscription revenue | Heavy content engagement, video & music integration, ad-supported revenue. |
| Internet Radio (Large Scale – Commercial) | ₦2,500,000 | No additional fee | 24/7 streaming, ad revenue, national or corporate platforms. |
| Internet Radio (Small Scale – Community/Hobbyist) | ₦1,000,000 | No additional fee | Limited audience, minimal ad revenue, community-driven platforms. |
| Podcasting & Digital Audio Content (Large – Monetized) | ₦1,200,000 | ₦50 per download/stream or 5% of subscription revenue | Commercialized podcasts with ads, sponsorships, or paid subscriptions. |
| Podcasting & Digital Audio Content (Small – Independent) | ₦500,000 | No additional fee | Hobbyist or educational podcasts with minimal to no monetization. |
| Video Games & Mobile Apps (Large Publishers) | ₦4,000,000 | ₦100 per game copy sold or 7% of in-app purchase revenue | Games with large audiences, in-game music usage, high revenue generation. |
| Video Games & Mobile Apps (Small Developers) | ₦1,500,000 | ₦50 per game copy sold or 5% of in-app purchase revenue | Indie developers, niche games with limited audience. |
| Music & Video Download Services | ₦2,500,000 | ₦10 per download or 12% of download revenue | Permanent music access, pay-per-download revenue model. |
| Branded Music Services (Livestreams, Webradio, etc.) | ₦1,800,000 | No additional fee | Used for corporate branding, marketing, and engagement. |
| Background Music for Websites & Digital Platforms | ₦500,000 | No additional fee | Passive listening experience, enhances user engagement. |
| Social Media Content Creators & Influencers (Large – Monetized) | ₦1,500,000 | ₦0.30 per stream or 8% of ad revenue | High-reach creators, ad monetization, brand sponsorships. |
| Social Media Content Creators & Influencers (Small – Hobbyist) | ₦750,000 | No additional fee | Limited audience, minimal or no monetization. |
Additional Notes on Licensing
- Custom Packages Available:
Large businesses with special needs (e.g., music streaming giants, international apps) can negotiate bespoke licensing deals. - Discounts for Educational & Non-Profit Organizations:
Universities, schools, and non-profits using music for purely educational purposes can apply for discounted rates. - Multi-Year Licensing Available:
Businesses can get discounts for long-term licensing commitments (e.g., 3-5 years).
