How to Play Copyright-Free Music on Your Twitch Stream Without DMCA Strikes
Why Twitch Copyright Matters in 2025
If you stream on Twitch, you need to understand music copyright. The platform’s 2020 DMCA strike wave caught thousands of streamers off guard. Many received dozens of copyright strikes overnight for VODs containing background music from years earlier.
The consequences were serious. Channels got suspended. VODs were mass-deleted. Some streamers lost years of content.
Here’s the reality: you cannot legally play Spotify, Apple Music, or any major label music on your Twitch stream without a license. These services license music for personal listening only. The moment you broadcast it to an audience, you’re violating copyright law.
First strike results in a 24-hour channel suspension. Three strikes within 90 days can lead to permanent account termination. Beyond Twitch penalties, copyright holders can pursue legal action with damages up to $150,000 per infringement.
The stakes got higher in 2025. Twitch shut down Soundtrack by Twitch in July 2024, removing the platform’s built-in solution for DMCA-safe streaming music. This left many streamers scrambling for alternatives.
What happens if you ignore the rules? Twitch’s automated detection system scans both live streams and VODs. You might get away with playing copyrighted music live, but your VOD will likely get muted or flagged. Repeat offenses lead to strikes.
According to Twitch’s music policy, streamers are responsible for ensuring they have rights to any music in their broadcasts.
This guide shows you exactly how to play music on your Twitch stream without copyright issues. You’ll learn what music is actually legal, where to find it, and how to set up your streaming software to protect your VODs.
Understanding Twitch Music Copyright Rules (What You Can and Can’t Play)
Before diving into solutions, you need to understand what copyright actually means for streamers. This knowledge will protect you from making costly mistakes.
Live Stream vs. VOD Copyright
Copyright applies to both live streams and VODs, but enforcement differs. During a live broadcast, Twitch cannot always catch copyrighted music in real-time. However, the VOD recording gets scanned afterward. This is why many streamers play music live but find their VODs muted or removed.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act gives copyright holders the legal framework to issue takedown notices. Twitch must comply with these notices or face liability themselves.
What IS Copyrighted
Almost all commercially released music is copyrighted. This includes:
- Any song on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music
- Music from major and independent record labels
- Popular songs even if the artist seems “streamer-friendly”
- Cover versions of copyrighted songs
- Video game soundtracks (in most cases)
- Music from movies, TV shows, and advertisements
What ISN’T Copyrighted
You can legally stream music that falls into these categories:
- Public domain: Works with expired copyrights (generally pre-1928)
- Creative Commons: Music released under Creative Commons licenses by the creator
- Royalty-free with license: Music you’ve purchased or received a streaming license for
- Your original music: Songs you composed and own the rights to
Common Myths That Will Get You Striked
Myth 1: Playing music quietly avoids detection. Reality: Twitch’s audio recognition works even at low volumes. Mixing music under game audio does not protect you.
Myth 2: Crediting the artist makes it legal. Reality: Attribution does not grant you a broadcast license. You still need explicit permission.
Myth 3: Short clips are fair use. Reality: Fair use is a legal defense, not a permission. It rarely applies to entertainment streams and requires expensive litigation to prove.
Check your VOD status in Creator Dashboard > Content > Video Producer. Muted segments indicate copyright claims. Multiple claims increase your strike risk.
What You Can and Cannot Play
| Can Play | Cannot Play |
|---|---|
| Music from licensed royalty-free services | Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music |
| Public domain classical recordings | Modern cover versions of old songs |
| Creative Commons music (with proper license type) | Video game soundtracks without explicit permission |
| Your own original compositions | Music from “copyright-free” YouTube videos (verify first) |
| Music with explicit Twitch broadcast license | Songs from karaoke or instrumental tracks of copyrighted music |
5 Best Free Sources for Copyright-Free Music on Twitch (2025)
You do not need to pay for streaming music. Several services offer royalty-free tracks specifically cleared for Twitch broadcasts. Here are the five best free options available in 2025.
1. Streambeats by Harris Heller
Streambeats is the gold standard for free streaming music. Created by YouTube educator Harris Heller, this library offers thousands of tracks specifically licensed for Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms.
Pros:
- 100% free for commercial streaming use
- No attribution required
- High production quality across multiple genres
- Regular new releases
- Desktop app available for easy playlist management
Cons:
- Limited catalog compared to paid services
- Some genres underrepresented
- Music style may not fit all stream vibes
2. Pretzel Rocks
Pretzel Rocks offers a free tier with thousands of tracks cleared for streaming. The service integrates directly with Twitch chat, letting viewers see what song is playing.
Pros:
- Desktop app with Twitch integration
- Chat song request features (premium)
- Automatic track info display
- Large catalog of indie artists
Cons:
- Free tier has limited features
- Some tracks require attribution
- App can be resource-intensive
3. YouTube Audio Library
Google’s Audio Library provides free music and sound effects for content creators. While designed for YouTube, the license covers Twitch streaming as well.
Pros:
- Massive catalog of free tracks
- Clear licensing terms
- Includes sound effects
- Searchable by mood, genre, and duration
Cons:
- No desktop app or streaming integration
- Must download tracks manually
- Some tracks require attribution (marked clearly)
- Quality varies significantly
4. Free Music Archive
The Free Music Archive hosts thousands of tracks under Creative Commons and other open licenses. This is where you find unique, indie music that differentiates your stream.
Pros:
- Eclectic and unique music selection
- True indie artists and experimental genres
- No cost ever
Cons:
- Must verify license for each track
- No streaming integration
- Quality and genre consistency varies
- Navigation can be confusing
5. Incompetech
Kevin MacLeod’s Incompetech has provided royalty-free music to creators for decades. His distinctive cinematic and classical-style tracks appear in countless videos and streams.
Pros:
- Recognizable, professional compositions
- Clear licensing terms
- Great for specific moods (horror, epic, quirky)
- Attribution license is free
Cons:
- Music sounds familiar (widely used)
- Limited to one composer’s style
- Requires attribution for free use
- Dated website interface
Free Music Source Comparison
| Service | Cost | Attribution Required | Best Genres | Twitch Integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streambeats | Free | No | Lo-fi, EDM, Chill | Desktop app |
| Pretzel Rocks | Free tier | Some tracks | Indie, Pop, Rock | Full app + chat |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free | Some tracks | Varied | None |
| Free Music Archive | Free | Varies by track | Indie, Experimental | None |
| Incompetech | Free | Yes (unless paid) | Cinematic, Classical | None |
Premium Copyright-Free Music Services for Twitch (If You Want to Pay)
Free music works for many streamers, but premium services offer significant advantages. If you stream frequently or want a more polished audio experience, investing $10-30 per month can be worthwhile.
Why Pay for Streaming Music?
Premium services provide:
- Larger catalogs: Tens of thousands more tracks across every genre
- Higher production quality: Professional studio recordings
- Simpler licensing: One subscription covers all your content platforms
- Better search tools: Find the exact vibe you need quickly
- Stem access: Some services offer separated tracks for custom mixing
Twitch discontinued its built-in music solution in July 2024. If you previously used Soundtrack, you need a new service. Your old Soundtrack playlists are no longer accessible.
Top Premium Options in 2025
Epidemic Sound ($15/month personal plan) The largest royalty-free library with over 40,000 tracks. Safe for Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts under one subscription.
Artlist ($16.60/month billed annually) Popular among video creators with high-quality music and unlimited downloads. Catalog leans cinematic and high-energy.
Soundstripe ($15/month) A solid mid-tier option with good variety and straightforward licensing.
How to Set Up OBS/Streamlabs to Play Music Without Copyright Issues
Having the right music source is half the battle. The other half is setting up your streaming software correctly. This section walks you through configuring OBS Studio and Streamlabs to keep music out of your VODs while playing it on your live stream. For a complete guide on optimizing your streaming setup, check out how to stream using Twitch tools.
OBS Studio Setup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Add Your Music Source Open OBS Studio. In the Sources panel, click the plus (+) button. Select “Browser” source for streaming services or “Media Source” for local files.
Step 2: Open Advanced Audio Properties Click “Edit” in the menu bar. Select “Advanced Audio Properties.”
Step 3: Configure Audio Tracks Find your music source. Uncheck Track 1 for music. Check Track 2. Leave Track 1 checked for mic and game audio.
Step 4: Verify Recording Settings Go to Settings > Output > Recording. Ensure only Track 1 is selected.
Step 5: Test Your Setup Record a test with music, voice, and game audio. Verify music is excluded from the recording.
Your live viewers will still hear the music. This setup only affects what gets recorded to your VOD. Track separation happens at the recording level, not the live broadcast level.
Streamlabs OBS Setup
The process is similar:
- Add your music source
- Click the gear icon next to Audio Mixer
- Select “Advanced Audio Settings”
- Uncheck all tracks except Track 2 for music
- Go to Settings > Output and confirm Track 1 for recording
Testing Checklist
Before going live, verify your setup:
- Record a 30-second test stream
- Play music from your configured source
- Speak into your microphone
- Play game audio
- Check the recording - music should be silent, voice and game should be audible
What to Do If You Get a DMCA Strike on Twitch
Despite best efforts, DMCA strikes happen. Here’s how to respond.
First: Don’t Panic
A single DMCA strike is not the end of your channel. Twitch operates a three-strike system, and most first offenses result in a warning plus temporary suspension.
Immediate Steps
- Delete the offending VOD immediately
- Review your music sources - identify how copyrighted music entered your stream
- Implement audio separation if you haven’t already
- Check other VODs for potentially problematic content
The Three-Strike System
- Strike 1: Warning notification, possible 24-hour suspension
- Strike 2: Longer suspension (typically 7 days)
- Strike 3: Indefinite or permanent ban
Only file a DMCA counter-notice if you are absolutely certain you had legal rights to the music. False counter-notices can result in legal action against you. Consider consulting an attorney before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music on Twitch
Can you play Spotify on Twitch in 2025?
No. Spotify’s terms of service explicitly prohibit broadcasting their content. This applies even with Spotify Premium. The subscription licenses music for personal listening only, not public streaming.
What happened to Soundtrack by Twitch?
Twitch shut down Soundtrack by Twitch in July 2024. The service had allowed streamers to play pre-cleared music that wouldn’t appear in VODs. You now need alternatives like Streambeats, Pretzel Rocks, or premium services.
Can I play music if I give credit to the artist?
No. Attribution does not grant you a broadcast license. Copyright law requires explicit permission from the rights holder, regardless of whether you credit them.
Is lowering the music volume enough to avoid DMCA?
No. Twitch’s audio detection system can identify copyrighted music even at low volumes. The technology matches audio fingerprints, not volume levels.
Can I play video game music on stream?
Usually no, but it depends on the game. Most video game soundtracks are copyrighted. Check each game’s specific streaming policy before using its soundtrack.
What’s the difference between royalty-free and copyright-free?
Royalty-free: You pay once (or use for free with a license) without ongoing royalty payments. The music is still copyrighted, but your license covers broadcast use.
Copyright-free: The music has no copyright protection, typically because it’s in the public domain.
Do I need to worry about music in YouTube highlights?
Yes. YouTube has its own Content ID system. Ensure your music license covers both platforms if you repurpose content.
Can I play my own music if I made it?
Yes, if you composed, performed, and recorded it yourself without samples or covers. Check your contract if you signed with a label.
Play Music Safely on Twitch: Your Next Steps
Playing music on your Twitch stream without DMCA issues is completely achievable. Here’s what you learned:
- Spotify, Apple Music, and major label songs are never safe for streaming
- Free services like Streambeats and Pretzel Rocks provide thousands of cleared tracks
- OBS audio track separation protects your VODs
- DMCA strikes are survivable if you respond correctly
Once you have your music sorted, focus on growing your Twitch channel to build the audience that will enjoy your perfectly curated playlists.
Your 15-Minute Action Plan
- Download Streambeats or Pretzel Rocks (5 minutes)
- Configure OBS audio tracks (7 minutes)
- Run a test recording (3 minutes)
That’s it. Fifteen minutes of setup protects your channel indefinitely. Your audience comes for you, not your playlist. Give them great content with a safe soundtrack behind it.