Using music in paid social ads:what to check first

Organic posts and paid ads can look identical, but rights holders and platforms often treat them differently. Music that is fine in a normal post may not be covered once you start paying to promote it.

Platform libraries and ads

The music libraries built into social apps often come with restrictions for commercial or promoted use. A sound that works in a regular post may not be available when you boost it or run it as an ad. Check the platform's current rules each time.

Licensed music and ads

When you licence music yourself, the licence defines what is covered, including paid promotion. Read it before you run an ad, not after. Our coverage for ads, including any limits, is spelled out on the licence page. If what you are planning goes beyond it, email us before you publish.

Client ads

If you are making an ad for someone else, the rules for client work apply too. Music in client videos covers that.

Pick music that sells without shouting

Ads need to grab attention fast, but music that is too aggressive makes people scroll. Upbeat, warm or confident tracks usually outperform loud ones.

• Wanderlust Whistle on the Travel & Vlog shelf
• Morning in the Kitchen on the Kitchen & Lifestyle shelf

Keep records for every ad

For each ad, note which track you used, how you edited it, and your order number. If a question comes up months later, you will have the answer. Keeping licence records has a simple template.