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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- The scenario:<\/strong> You decided to pay for a subscription to a music library and use their tracks in 50 videos.<\/li>
- The change:<\/strong> A year later, you decide to switch to a different library provider, or take a break from content creation, so you cancel the subscription.<\/li>
- The outcome:<\/strong> Some platforms will have “catch & release” clauses. The moment you leave the platform, your “clearance” for those 50 videos expires. Suddenly, your entire back-catalog is hit with copyright claims, and your hard-earned revenue starts flowing into the pockets of the music library instead of yours.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why you should opt for perpetual rights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So what are perpetual rights, and what does “in perpetuity” even mean? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, it means forever\/until the end of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future proofing your income<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe content you make that has no shelf-life, tutorials and vlogs that pull in the views years after you posted them, are your bread and butter when it comes to passive income. Ensuring you have perpetual music rights will ensure that no matter what happens, your video will always generate revenue for you with no risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform freedom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe’ve all seen how quickly technology changes. Today, the hot platform is YouTube; tomorrow, it could be a new platform in a VR social space we haven’t dreamed of yet. If a perpetual, universal license covers you, you’ll be able to move your video content to any new platforms without the worry and mess of re-licensing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to read the fine print: The content creators checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These are the things you should really be looking out for in your “Terms of Service” and License agreements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- “In Perpetuity”:<\/strong> This means that the license doesn’t have an expiration date. Feel free to use the content forever.<\/li>
- “Worldwide\/Universe\/Platform”: <\/strong>This ensures the license isn’t restricted to certain territories or platforms \u00a0(like “YouTube Only”). <\/li>
- “Post-Termination Protection”: <\/strong>This gives you clearance to use the content even if you cancel a subscription service. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The content you make now could be making you money way into the future, but only if you think about perpetual rights and make the correct decision now. Don’t just look at the monthly price\u2014look at the “Forever” clause. Because at the end of the day, a video you can’t show in five years isn’t an asset – it’s a waste of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n - “Worldwide\/Universe\/Platform”: <\/strong>This ensures the license isn’t restricted to certain territories or platforms \u00a0(like “YouTube Only”). <\/li>
- The change:<\/strong> A year later, you decide to switch to a different library provider, or take a break from content creation, so you cancel the subscription.<\/li>