Can I Monetize Lyric Videos on YouTube
If you’ve ever uploaded a lyric video on YouTube and wondered whether you can earn money from it, you’re not alone. Many creators especially musicians want to monetize their lyric videos, but YouTube’s copyright system can be confusing. The short answer is yes, you can monetize lyric videos, but only under specific conditions.
In this article, we’ll explain when it’s possible, what permissions you need, and how to avoid copyright issues.
💡 What Counts as a Lyric Video
A lyric video is a type of music video that displays the song’s lyrics on screen while the track plays. It’s a powerful way for artists to engage their fans and promote new songs and for creators, it’s a creative niche to explore.
If you make your own lyric video from your original song, you can monetize it just like any other YouTube video. However, if the music or lyrics belong to someone else, things get tricky.
For a step-by-step guide to making your own, see our post on how to make a lyric video for YouTube.
⚖️ YouTube’s Rules on Monetizing Lyric Videos
YouTube’s monetization policies are strict when it comes to copyrighted material. Here’s the general rule:
You can only monetize content that you own or have permission to use commercially.
Let’s break it down.
✅ You Can Monetize If:
- You wrote and recorded the original song yourself.
- You created the lyric video entirely (text, design, timing).
- You own the rights to both the audio and lyrics.
❌ You Cannot Monetize If:
- You used someone else’s song or instrumental without permission.
- You copied lyrics from copyrighted songs.
- You reuploaded a lyric video from another channel.
If you’re using a cover or fan-made remix, you might still be able to share it, but monetization will usually go to the copyright owner.
🧾 Getting Permission for Monetization
If you want to make lyric videos for popular songs, you’ll need licenses or explicit permission from the copyright holders. The two main licenses are:
- Mechanical License: Lets you reproduce and distribute the song’s audio.
- Synchronization License: Allows you to pair music with visuals (like lyrics or images).
Without these, YouTube’s Content ID system will detect the song and redirect revenue to the original rights holder.
To stay safe, always ask the artist, publisher, or record label before uploading monetized lyric videos that aren’t yours.
🎵 Monetizing Your Own Music
If you’re an independent artist, you’re in the best position. You can upload your own lyric videos, monetize them, and even earn through YouTube Music, Ads, and Super Thanks.
When you own the song, the lyrics, and the visuals, YouTube will treat your lyric video like any other piece of original content.
Pro tip: Include your lyrics in the description and tag your genre to help YouTube recommend it to the right audience.
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using copyrighted instrumentals: Even background tracks can trigger a claim.
- Copying official lyrics: Some lyric databases are copyrighted too.
- Uploading multiple lyric videos for the same song: YouTube may flag this as spam.
- Ignoring fair use limits: Commentary or educational videos are fine, but not full songs.
If you’re unsure whether something qualifies as fair use, check out our post [do lyric videos get copyrighted] for a deeper explanation.
🔗 Related Reading
- How to make a lyric video for YouTube: Learn the full step-by-step process.
- Do lyric videos get copyrighted: Understand how YouTube detects music ownership.
- Are lyric videos worth it: See if it’s worth investing time in lyric video creation.
These will give you a complete overview of both the creative and legal sides of lyric video monetization.
💸 How to Increase Your Earnings
If your lyric videos are original, here are a few tips to maximize income:
- Add visuals that hold attention. Watch time is a major factor for YouTube’s algorithm.
- Use end screens to promote your other songs.
- Include call-to-actions like “Stream on Spotify” or “Follow on Instagram.”
- Optimize your thumbnail and title. Example: Song Title (Official Lyric Video).
- Post consistently. YouTube rewards frequent uploads.
⚠️ What Happens If You Monetize Without Permission
If you try to monetize copyrighted material without the proper rights, YouTube’s Content ID will flag the video automatically. Depending on the case:
- Ads might still appear, but the revenue will go to the copyright owner.
- You might get a copyright claim (which is not a strike).
- In serious cases, you could receive a copyright strike, which affects your channel status.
Always double-check before uploading. The safest path is to create your own lyric videos using your own music or royalty-free tracks.
🎯 Final Thoughts
You can monetize lyric videos — as long as you own the rights or have permission. For independent artists, it’s a great way to earn money and engage fans. But for fan-made or unofficial lyric videos, always check copyright first to avoid losing revenue or risking strikes.
Next, dive into do lyric videos get copyrighted to understand how YouTube’s copyright system works and what triggers claims.