Question: How does copyright apply to a cover song?
- Is considered a reproduction and permission may be needed from the original content creator before it is used.
- Copyright does not apply since the cover song is not fixed.
- Is considered a collective work and it’s unnecessary to request permission from the content creator.
- Copyright applies to new music videos but not audio recordings of covers.
Explanation
A cover song usually uses an existing musical composition, so copyright can still apply even when the performance is newly recorded. Permission may be required from the rights holder before the work is uploaded or monetized. YouTube may identify the composition through Content ID and apply the rights holder’s policy. A new performance does not automatically remove the original creator’s rights.
Why the other options are incorrect
Not fixed is incorrect because a recorded cover song can be fixed in audio or video form.
Collective work is incorrect because a cover does not remove the need for rights clearance.
Music videos only is incorrect because copyright can apply to both audiovisual and audio-only recordings.
Source for verification
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2797449
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/3301938
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