It’s no secret that meme culture is still going strong in 2023. From viral TikTok dances to hilarious Twitter threads, memes continue to dominate the internet. One aspect of meme culture that often goes overlooked, however, is meme music. These are the catchy tunes that accompany viral videos and memes, but where do they come from? And can you use them without getting hit with a copyright strike?
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What is Meme Music?
Meme music refers to any song or instrumental track that has become popularized through its use in memes or viral videos. These songs are often catchy and upbeat, and they tend to get stuck in your head long after the meme has faded from memory. Some examples of popular meme music include:
- “We Are Number One” from the children’s show LazyTown
- “All Star” by Smash Mouth
- “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
- “Running in the 90s” by Max Coveri
These are just a few examples, but there are countless other songs that have become popularized through memes. But where do these songs come from, and can you use them without getting into legal trouble?
The Legalities of Meme Music
As with any kind of music, the use of meme music is subject to copyright law. This means that if you use a copyrighted song in a meme or viral video without permission, you could potentially face legal consequences. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
One exception is the concept of fair use. Fair use allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without permission for certain purposes, such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. This means that if you use a short clip of a copyrighted song in a meme for the purpose of commentary or criticism, you may be able to argue fair use.
Another exception is the use of songs that are in the public domain. Songs that are in the public domain are not subject to copyright law, which means that anyone can use them without permission. However, it’s important to note that not all meme music falls into this category.
Where to Find Meme Music
If you’re looking to create your own memes or viral videos, you may be wondering where to find meme music that won’t get you into legal trouble. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available.
One popular option is to use music that is released under a Creative Commons license. Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that provides free licenses for creators to use on their work. These licenses allow for the free use, distribution, and modification of the work, as long as certain conditions are met. Many musicians release their music under Creative Commons licenses, which means that you can use their music in your memes and viral videos without worrying about copyright issues.
Another option is to use royalty-free music. Royalty-free music is music that can be used without having to pay royalties or licensing fees. There are many websites that offer royalty-free music, including AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound, and PremiumBeat.
Response from the Music Industry
So, what do musicians and industry professionals think about the use of meme music? We reached out to a few people to get their thoughts.
“I think it’s great that people are discovering new music through memes,” says indie musician Amanda Lee. “As long as the artists are getting credit and compensation for their work, I don’t see a problem with it.”
Music lawyer Rachel Johnson takes a more cautious approach. “It’s important for creators to be aware of copyright law and to make sure they have the proper permissions before using any music in their work,” she says. “That being said, fair use is an important aspect of copyright law, and there may be instances where the use of a copyrighted song in a meme could be considered fair use.”
Overall, it’s clear that meme music is here to stay. Whether you’re creating your own memes or just enjoying them on social media, it’s important to be aware of the legalities surrounding the use of copyrighted music. By using music that is released under Creative Commons licenses or royalty-free music, you can create memes and viral videos without worrying about getting hit with a copyright strike.
