When a client asks for \u201ca track that sounds like this,\u201d the creative brief is only the first step. Before adding music to a client video, confirm how the finished work will be used, who needs the licence and which versions are part of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask what you\u2019re making: an internal video, a public social post, a paid ad, a website film or a set of cutdowns. Check whether the client expects to reuse the video on different platforms or in future campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more specific the deliverables, the easier it is to choose suitable music and verify the licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decide whether you or the client will select and license the track. If the client supplies music, ask for the licence details before using it. If you choose the track, confirm that the licence covers the intended use and clarify how you\u2019ll share the documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t assume the editor\u2019s access to a subscription automatically grants the client a separate right to reuse the track in unrelated projects. Check the current licence terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For each project, save the track title, artist or contributor name, source, download date and licence document. Use a project folder that stays with the edit. If the final video is revised later, the record makes it easier to identify the soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple file-naming system can help: A client may ask for a horizontal edit, a vertical edit, a short teaser and a paid social version. Confirm whether each is covered by the licence and whether any new use needs separate permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the campaign expands after delivery, pause and check the terms before reusing the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When delivering the finished video, include the licence record or tell the client where it is stored. Note what the licence covers, based on the current terms, and flag any limits that matter to future reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good documentation is part of a professional delivery. It protects the workflow from confusion and helps everyone understand what was approved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Music Licensing Checklist for Freelance Video Editors When a client asks for \u201ca track that sounds like this,\u201d the creative brief is only the first step. Before adding music to a client video, confirm how the finished work will be used, who needs the licence and which versions are part of the project. 1. Define the deliverables Ask what you\u2019re making: an internal video, a public social post, a paid ad, a website film or a set of cutdowns. Check whether the client expects to reuse the video on different platforms or in future campaigns. The more specific the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1838,287],"tags":[4980,4979,4981],"class_list":["post-10882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-film","category-freelancing","tag-music-for-client-videos","tag-music-licensing-for-freelance-video-editors","tag-video-editor-music-licence"],"yoast_head":"\nclient-project-track-licence-date<\/code>. Keep the licence alongside the final export and project files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Check every version<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Include the handoff<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A short checklist<\/h4>\n\n\n\n