Can I upload a karaoke cover to YouTube with a backing track?

Short answer

You can upload it, but the backing track is the main risk. Singing a song yourself involves the composition; using the original recording's instrumental, even with vocals removed, also uses the label's sound recording. On YouTube, Content ID can block, monetize or track the video. This is general information, not legal advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-10

Explanation

Music carries two layers of rights: the composition (lyrics and music) and the sound recording with its performers. In Korea, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KOMCA administers composition rights, while performers' and record producers' rights are administered by other organizations.

The same guidance says that performing or singing existing music anew needs permission from the lyricist, composer and arranger, but not from singers, players or record producers who took no part in your performance. Playing the accompaniment yourself therefore avoids the recording layer.

An instrumental made by removing vocals from the original recording is still that recording. Korea's Copyright Act (Article 78) gives record producers the right to reproduce their recordings, and vocal separation is a technical process, not a licence.

YouTube's Content ID compares uploads with reference files submitted by copyright owners and can block, monetize or track a match. YouTube Help says Partner Program creators can share revenue from eligible cover videos once music publishers claim them; that page covers composition claims and does not say the same applies when the original recording is used.

What to check before publishing

Note who owns the composition and who owns the recording behind your backing track.
If you bought or downloaded the backing track, confirm its licence allows YouTube publication.
After uploading, read any copyright claim in YouTube Studio: the claimant and the policy applied.
Dispute only within rights you actually hold; if unsure, keep the video private.

General information only, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is crediting the original artist enough?

No. A credit is not permission, so you still need a licence or the rights holders' consent.

What about a backing track I made with a vocal remover?

It comes from the original recording, so that recording's rights remain. MR Maker provides vocal reduction only and grants no publishing rights.

Can I earn money from a cover video?

YouTube says Partner Program creators can share revenue from eligible cover videos claimed by music publishers. Eligibility is shown per video in YouTube Studio.

Is a copyright claim the same as a strike?

No. A Content ID claim comes from an automated match; a strike follows a removal request. Check YouTube Help for the current rules.

Make a backing track from your own file

Upload an audio file you are authorized to use (MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG or MP4, up to 50MB). Conversion costs 1, 2 or 3 credits for low, medium or high quality; changing the key adds 1 credit.

Upload a song

Sources

Each source was opened and checked on the date shown.

How Content ID works — YouTube Help (checked 2026-10-10)
Monetizing eligible cover videos — YouTube Help (checked 2026-10-10)