Facebook already has a reputation amongst livestream DJs that resembles something you’d clean out of the shower plughole. Now, with a new set of Terms and Conditions, it appears that even more restrictive measures are being taken to avoid copyrighted songs being played to your Facebook fans.
Starting October 1st 2020, Facebook’s legal usage will prohibit using “videos on our Products to create a music listening experience”. The official statement is below
“We want you to be able to enjoy videos posted by family and friends. However, if you use videos on our Products to create a music listening experience for yourself or for others, your videos will be blocked and your page, profile or group may be deleted. This includes Live.”
What’s next for DJs?
So no more playing copyrighted music in your Facebook videos, live or otherwise. You might get away with it, but the update reinforces a precedent that is tending towards blanket restriction on using copyrighted songs. The rules are enforceable, and many DJs already have stories of their streams being pulled mid-set or deleted afterwards.
What can DJs do about it?
The legit solution for this is unfortunately to ditch Facebook and begin building the audience elsewhere. Twitch is pushing for copyright clearance and fast becoming a friendlier alternative to Facebook. Mixcloud Live is leading the charge negotiating with the publishers to allow the use of copyrighted material on their platforms. Consider looking around.
It’s safe to assume that over time, there will be less support by the big networks for livestreaming DJs. Kinda sucks, but it might also just be time to leave behind the easy clicks and likes on Facebook and start aiming to get through to people who would follow you wherever you stream. The industry is changing super fast, but trust being earned? That’s timeless. Sign up today for the industry-savvy DJ Career Tips course.