No, Facebook isn’t actually going to delete band accounts for livestreaming
Facebook recently unveiled its updated music guidelines that are being introduced on Oct.1. The ambiguous guidelines confused many, especially bands who use the platform for livestreaming and to share their music.
Now, the company is clarifying what its new rules mean for artists on Facebook.
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It looks like Facebook is making some changes to protect itself from copyright infringement. The social media company previously previewed its new music guidelines that will be introduced on Oct. 1.
Within the guidelines, it is stated that users are not permitted to use videos to “create a listening experience.” For obvious reasons, this particular guideline left many artists confused.
“You may not use videos on our Products to create a music listening experience,” the guidelines read. “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.”
By “products,” the company means both Facebook and Instagram. This guideline, in particular, was interpreted many different ways. Some artists believed that they would no longer be able to perform livestreams or post videos of original music or covers without running the risk of their accounts being deleted or suspended.
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Now, Facebook is further clarifying these new music guidelines. The company shares that these guidelines have already been implemented for some time now. However, they won’t impact artists who use the platforms to livestream gigs or share music.
“We want to encourage musical expression on our platforms while also ensuring that we uphold our agreements with rights holders,” the statement says. “These agreements help protect the artists, songwriters, and partners who are the cornerstone of the music community. And we’re grateful for how they’ve enabled the amazing creativity we’ve seen in this time. Our partnerships with rights holders have brought people together around music on our platforms.”
As part of the new licensing agreements, Facebook is limiting how much recorded music can be used on Facebook Live and video content.
“There are limitations around the amount of recorded music that can be included in Live broadcasts or videos,” the statement continues. “While the specifics of our licensing agreements are confidential, today we’re sharing some general guidelines to help you plan your videos better.”
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Facebook states that artists are permitted to perform gigs and covers of songs they don’t own the copyright to in both stories and livestreams.
“Music in stories and traditional live music performances (e.g., filming an artist or band performing live) are permitted.”
However, Facebook is putting a limit on the number of recorded tracks used in video content.
“The greater the number of full-length recorded tracks in a video, the more likely it may be limited.”
Facebook recommends that users use shorter clips of recorded music similar to what’s seen on TikTok. As well, there should “always be a visual component to your video” and recorded music “should not be the primary purpose of the video.”
These new guidelines aren’t just for musicians on these social media platforms. They are for any and all users on Facebook. Facebook also cautions that videos with recorded music may not be available for use in specific locations.
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“These guidelines are consistent across live and recorded video on both Facebook and Instagram,” the statement says. “And for all types of accounts — i.e. pages, profiles, verified and unverified accounts. And although music is launched on our platforms in more than 90 countries, there are places where it is not yet available. So if your video includes recorded music, it may not be available for use in those locations.”
So for now, artists can still livestream on Facebook and Instagram Live without having accounts deleted or suspended. However, if any user is caught using a lot of recorded music without copyright permission, they may face these penalties.
Facebook’s new music guidelines are available to view here.
What are your thoughts on Facebook’s new music guidelines? Let us know in the comments below.
