Can I make a lyric video for a cover song?

Yes, you can make a lyric video for your own recording of a cover song: we ask which song it covers and credit the original writers for you.

How to set up a cover

1. When lyrik asks 'Who wrote it?', tap Someone else (it’s a cover).
2. lyrik asks 'Which song is it a cover of?' with the note 'We credit them in your YouTube description.'
3. Fill in Original song title and Original writers, as credited.
4. Tap the arrow (Next).
5. At 'One quick check.', read both statements: 'I own this music or have permission to use it.' and 'This is my own recording of the song, not the original release or a karaoke backing track.'
6. If both are true, tap Yes, that’s right.

When you download

• The Download step shows a notice, 'Lyric video for a cover?'. It explains that the song belongs to its writers, and that the usual outcome on YouTube and social apps is that the publisher claims the video and takes the ad money, or now and then mutes or blocks it.
• You tick a second box: 'This is my own recording of the song. I understand the writers may claim, monetise or block videos that use it.'
• The notice also says 'Claims aren’t grounds for a refund (this doesn’t affect your statutory rights).'

How the writers are credited

Your YouTube copy pack is set up for a cover:

• The title gets '[Cover]'.
• The description says 'Originally written by' the writers you entered, then 'Cover by' you.

Before you post

• Post it on your own channel, labelled as a cover.
• Keep social clips short.
• Don’t use it in ads or brand deals.
• Don’t register it in Content ID.

Good to know

• The original title can be up to 160 characters, and the writers up to 240.
• If you change your answer to 'Who wrote it?', lyrik asks the rights question again.
• Upload your own recording only. The original release, or a karaoke backing track, isn’t allowed.

If something goes wrong

• 'Add the original song's title and writers.' One of the two fields was empty. Fill in both.
• 'Please read and tick the cover notice.' On the Download step, tick the cover box as well as the download box.
• 'Tick the box above to continue.' The same: the cover box, right above the button, is still unticked.