Songwriter License Agreement

Songwriter License Agreement

BuyDemoTracks, LLC
Effective Date: [DATE]
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Parties

This Songwriter License Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between:

Licensor: The songwriter or authorized representative uploading musical content to the BuyDemoTracks platform (“Songwriter,” “you,” or “your”)

Licensee: BuyDemoTracks, LLC, and the performing artists matched through the BuyDemoTracks platform (“BuyDemoTracks,” “Platform,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” and “Artist(s)” as applicable)

By uploading a Hook (as defined below) to the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.

1. Definitions

“Hook” means any musical composition, including but not limited to a chorus, verse, bridge, or other short-form musical excerpt (typically 30-60 seconds), uploaded by Songwriter to the Platform, including all associated lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and arrangements.

“Placement” means the facilitated matching of a Hook with an Artist through the Platform for the purpose of performance and social media posting.

“Performance” means an Artist’s recording and/or video performance of a Hook, in whole or in part, created in connection with a Placement.

“Social Platforms” means TikTok, Instagram (including Instagram Reels), YouTube (including YouTube Shorts), Facebook, Snapchat, and any successor or similar social media or video-sharing platforms.

“Commercial Use” means any use of the Hook or a derivative thereof for the purpose of generating revenue beyond Social Platform organic engagement, including but not limited to: commercial single or album release, sync licensing for television, film, or advertising, streaming distribution on Spotify, Apple Music, or similar services, and physical or digital retail sale.

“Content ID” means any automated content recognition system used by Social Platforms or third parties to identify and manage copyrighted content, including but not limited to YouTube’s Content ID, Facebook’s Rights Manager, and similar technologies.

2. Copyright Ownership

2.1 Songwriter Retains All Rights

Songwriter retains one hundred percent (100%) ownership of all copyrights in the Hook, including but not limited to:

  • The musical composition (melody, harmony, chord progression, arrangement)
  • The lyrics
  • Any sound recording of the Hook uploaded to the Platform
  • All derivative rights, including the right to create new arrangements, translations, or adaptations
  • All performance rights (public performance, digital transmission)
  • All mechanical rights (reproduction in phonorecords)
  • All synchronization rights (use in timed relation to visual images)
  • All print rights

    • 2.2 No Transfer of Ownership

    Nothing in this Agreement constitutes a transfer, assignment, or conveyance of copyright ownership from Songwriter to BuyDemoTracks or to any Artist. The licenses granted herein are limited, non-exclusive licenses only.

    2.3 Copyright Registration

    BuyDemoTracks strongly recommends that Songwriters register their Hooks with the United States Copyright Office prior to uploading. BuyDemoTracks offers copyright registration assistance as an add-on service for $65 per filing. Whether or not the Songwriter registers the Hook, copyright protection exists automatically upon creation and fixation in a tangible medium.

    3. License Grant to BuyDemoTracks

    3.1 Platform License

    Songwriter grants BuyDemoTracks a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to:

    a) Display and distribute the Hook within the Platform for the purpose of facilitating Placements, including displaying the Hook to potential Artist matches

    b) Reproduce the Hook on Platform servers and backup systems as necessary for Platform operation

    c) Create promotional excerpts of the Hook (not to exceed 15 seconds) for use in Platform marketing, including social media, website, email marketing, and advertising

    d) Generate metadata including waveform displays, genre classifications, tempo analysis, and other technical descriptions of the Hook

    e) Sublicense the limited rights described in Section 4 to Artists matched through the Platform

    3.2 Duration of Platform License

    This Platform license begins upon upload and continues for the duration of Songwriter’s account plus ninety (90) days, or until Songwriter removes the Hook from the Platform, whichever is later, subject to the survival of licenses already granted for in-progress or completed Placements.

    4. License Grant to Matched Artists

    4.1 Scope of Artist License

    Through each Placement, Songwriter grants the matched Artist a limited, non-exclusive license to:

    a) Sync Rights (Social Platform Use Only): The right to synchronize the Hook, in whole or in part, with visual images in a video Performance created by the Artist, solely for posting on Social Platforms. This includes the right to perform, lip-sync, interpret, and create a video incorporating the Hook’s melody and/or lyrics.

    b) Mechanical Rights (Recording Only): The right to record a Performance of the Hook, including the right to reproduce the Hook’s melody and lyrics in the Artist’s own vocal and/or instrumental recording. This mechanical license is limited to the creation of Performances for Social Platform posting through the Platform and does not extend to commercial distribution, streaming platform release, or physical/digital retail.

    c) Digital Transmission: The right to transmit the Performance digitally via Social Platforms in connection with the Artist’s posted content.

    4.2 Limitations on Artist License

    The Artist license is expressly limited as follows:

    a) Platform-Facilitated Only: The license applies only to Placements facilitated through the BuyDemoTracks Platform. Artists may not use Hooks obtained through the Platform for any purpose outside of Platform-facilitated Placements without a separate written agreement with the Songwriter.

    b) Social Platform Use Only: Performances may be posted only on Social Platforms. Any other use, including but not limited to radio broadcast, live venue performance for compensation, or inclusion in a podcast or other audio program, requires a separate license.

    c) No Commercial Release: The Artist may not release the Performance or any derivative work as a commercial single, album track, or for distribution on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.) without a separate Commercial Use Agreement executed by both the Songwriter and the Artist, with BuyDemoTracks’ facilitation.

    d) No Registration Without Consent: The Artist may not register the Hook or any derivative work with any performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR) or mechanical rights organization (Harry Fox Agency) without the express prior written consent of the Songwriter.

    e) No Sublicensing: The Artist may not sublicense, transfer, or assign the rights granted herein to any third party.

    f) No Modification of Composition: The Artist may arrange and interpret the Hook in their own style but may not alter the fundamental melody, lyrics, or compositional elements in a manner that creates a substantially new musical composition without Songwriter’s consent.

    4.3 Duration of Artist License

    The Artist license for each Placement shall be effective for a period of twelve (12) months from the date the Artist first posts the Performance to a Social Platform (“License Term”). Upon expiration of the License Term:

    a) The license automatically renews for successive twelve (12) month periods unless either the Songwriter or the Artist provides written notice of non-renewal to BuyDemoTracks at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term.

    b) Upon non-renewal or termination, the Artist shall make commercially reasonable efforts to remove Performances from Social Platforms within thirty (30) days. However, BuyDemoTracks and Songwriter acknowledge that once content is posted to Social Platforms, complete removal may not be technically feasible (e.g., content shared or reposted by third parties).

    c) The expiration or termination of the license does not create an obligation for BuyDemoTracks or the Artist to pursue removal of content shared or reposted by third-party Social Platform users.

    5. Commercial Use

    5.1 Separate Agreement Required

    Any Commercial Use of the Hook or a Performance requires a separate written Commercial Use Agreement between the Songwriter, the Artist, and BuyDemoTracks. BuyDemoTracks will facilitate negotiation of Commercial Use Agreements but is not a party to the underlying rights transaction between Songwriter and Artist.

    5.2 Revenue Sharing for Commercial Use

    If a Hook is developed for Commercial Use through the Platform, the following default revenue sharing structure applies unless the parties negotiate different terms in the Commercial Use Agreement:

    a) Songwriter (Composition): Songwriter retains 100% of the composition (publishing) rights and associated royalties unless Songwriter voluntarily enters into a co-publishing or administration agreement.

    b) Artist (Master Recording): Artist retains 100% of the master recording rights for their specific Performance. If the Artist’s Performance is used as the commercial master, the Artist is entitled to master-side royalties as negotiated in the Commercial Use Agreement.

    c) Platform Fee: BuyDemoTracks receives a facilitation fee equal to ten percent (10%) of the total advance or licensing fee paid in connection with the Commercial Use Agreement, or ten percent (10%) of net commercial revenues for a period of two (2) years from the date of commercial release, whichever is applicable. This fee is in addition to any subscription or placement fees previously paid.

    5.3 Right of First Refusal

    If a third party (label, publisher, sync agent, etc.) approaches the Songwriter or Artist directly regarding Commercial Use of a Hook that was discovered through the Platform, the Songwriter and Artist agree to notify BuyDemoTracks and provide BuyDemoTracks with a fifteen (15) day right of first refusal to facilitate the deal on equivalent or better terms.

    6. Content ID and Rights Management

    6.1 Content ID Registration

    Songwriter acknowledges that uploading a Hook to the Platform may result in the Hook being identified by Content ID systems on Social Platforms. BuyDemoTracks will work with Songwriters and Artists to manage Content ID claims as follows:

    a) Songwriter-Registered Content ID: If the Songwriter has registered the Hook with a Content ID system (directly or through a distributor), the Songwriter agrees to whitelist or release claims against Artist Performances made through Platform-facilitated Placements. Failure to release valid Platform-facilitated claims within seventy-two (72) hours of notification may result in account suspension.

    b) Platform-Facilitated Content ID: BuyDemoTracks may, at its discretion, register Hooks in Content ID systems on behalf of Songwriters for the purpose of tracking usage and managing claims. Any such registration will be disclosed to the Songwriter and will not transfer ownership.

    c) Third-Party Claims: If an Artist’s Performance receives a Content ID claim from a party other than the Songwriter or BuyDemoTracks, BuyDemoTracks will assist in investigating and resolving the claim. If the claim is valid (i.e., the Hook contains uncleared samples or infringing material), the Songwriter bears full responsibility.

    6.2 Disputes

    Content ID disputes between Songwriters and Artists facilitated through the Platform will be handled through BuyDemoTracks’ internal dispute resolution process as described in the Dispute Resolution Policy.

    7. Songwriter Representations and Warranties

    By uploading a Hook to the Platform, Songwriter represents and warrants that:

    7.1 Original Work

    The Hook is an original work of authorship created by Songwriter, or Songwriter has obtained all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions from any co-writers or rights holders to grant the licenses described in this Agreement.

    7.2 No Uncleared Samples

    The Hook does not contain any samples, interpolations, or reproductions of copyrighted material owned by third parties for which Songwriter has not obtained proper clearance and licensing. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Audio samples from other recordings
  • Melodic interpolations of existing songs
  • Reproduced beats, loops, or instrumentals not created by or licensed to Songwriter
  • AI-generated music that may incorporate copyrighted training data (Songwriter assumes all risk for AI-assisted compositions)

7.3 No Encumbrances

The Hook is not subject to any exclusive licensing agreement, publishing agreement, or other contractual obligation that would prevent Songwriter from granting the licenses described herein. If the Hook is subject to a co-publishing or administration agreement, Songwriter warrants that such agreement permits the non-exclusive licenses granted herein.

7.4 No Infringement

To the best of Songwriter’s knowledge, the Hook does not infringe the intellectual property rights, rights of publicity, rights of privacy, or any other rights of any third party.

7.5 Legal Capacity

Songwriter has the legal right and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant the licenses described herein.

8. Indemnification

Songwriter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BuyDemoTracks, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and the Artists matched through the Platform from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from:

a) Any breach of the representations and warranties in Section 7
b) Any claim that the Hook infringes the intellectual property or other rights of a third party
c) Any Content ID claim or DMCA takedown resulting from Songwriter’s failure to properly clear samples or obtain necessary rights
d) Any tax liability arising from payments received through the Platform

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BUYDEMOTRACKS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY PLACEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, LOST ROYALTIES, OR DAMAGE TO REPUTATION. BUYDEMOTRACKS’ TOTAL LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FEES PAID BY SONGWRITER FOR THE SPECIFIC PLACEMENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

10. Termination

10.1 Songwriter Withdrawal

Songwriter may remove a Hook from the Platform at any time through account settings or by contacting support@buydemotracks.com. Removal of a Hook does not terminate licenses already granted for in-progress or completed Placements.

10.2 Termination for Breach

BuyDemoTracks may terminate this Agreement and remove the Hook if Songwriter breaches any representation, warranty, or obligation herein.

10.3 Survival

The following provisions survive termination: Sections 2 (Copyright Ownership), 4.3 (Duration of Artist License, for existing Placements), 5 (Commercial Use), 7 (Representations and Warranties), 8 (Indemnification), 9 (Limitation of Liability), and 11 (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution).

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of the BuyDemoTracks Terms of Service, which are incorporated herein by reference.

12. Miscellaneous

12.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with the Terms of Service and any applicable Placement confirmation, constitutes the entire agreement between Songwriter and BuyDemoTracks regarding the licensing of the Hook through the Platform.

12.2 Amendment

BuyDemoTracks may amend this Agreement by posting the revised version on the Platform with at least thirty (30) days’ notice. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance. Amendments do not apply retroactively to existing Placements.

12.3 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

12.4 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

13. Contact

Questions about this Agreement should be directed to:

BuyDemoTracks, LLC
Email: legal@buydemotracks.com
Support: support@buydemotracks.com
Website: https://buydemotracks.com

By uploading a Hook to BuyDemoTracks, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Songwriter License Agreement.