Facebook Is Banning Users Who Live Stream Copyrighted Material In Their Mixes
News & Features
Facebook has been the platform of choice for many DJs to live stream their mix videos but that is changing.
Facebook has been a DJ in lockdowns best friend when it comes to providing an easy way to broadcast DJ mixes. If you have an interest in dance music the chances are that facebook already knows this and has served some videos of DJ sets to your feed over the past few months. Indeed it seems that every DJ has taken to facebook to stream video of their mixes. The trend has placed streaming DJ mixes in full view of facebook's AI flagging systems which can monitor content in real-time to block content which it references as copyrighted.
We have seen social media posts from unhappy DJs who have had their mixes 'muted' midway through. The weekend seems to be when DJs turn their kitchens into makeshift music studios and facebook came alive with posts asking followers to watch along.
"Unfortunately due to copyright issues people are finding parts of the mix being muted which is taking away a part of the enjoyment of people being able to listen back to it... The effort put in being wasted and feeling counter productive for the artist and listener. If Mixcloud can offer copyright free streaming then I feel facebook should be able to do this - even if temporarily while everyone is in lockdown."
- Ghostacoasta
"With all pubs, bars, clubs and events on hold these live streams have brought a great deal of enjoyment to so many people. The effort involved in putting together a high quality stream with direct audio, visuals and multi camera angles etc, it's a little upsetting to say the least when the streams are cut off prematurely due to playing a piece of music that copyright lies with Sony BMG, Ultra music or Warner. I understand it's the law so we have to suck it up, but that doesn't alter the how disappointing it is for everyone involved as the sole purpose of these live streams is to bring a little joy the those on lockdown, not to mention trying to raise some money for our incredible NHS workers at this time." - Lee Drift
"If Facebook was a live music venue it would have been closed down due to not having a licence, it’s just not geared up as a live streaming platform, no PRS is paid so labels are perfectly within their right to demand takedowns.
It’s always disappointing when your stream is cut short, I try and treat it as a ‘live’ experience and not worry to much about the muting of shared videos and have started deleting them but always contest copyright claims as ‘fair usage’.
There are a few tips to avoid the ‘bots’, plan what you’re going to play (Shazam is your friend here), pitch up/down by at least +2/-2 (or adjust the key if you’re a digital DJ) with the Keylock off seems to be the best option but not foolproof.
If you have the option to Multistream, use Facebook to feed your other streams, with links to your other platforms if/when you’re cut off so listeners can continue listening elsewhere. Currently you’re less likely to get ‘live’ takedowns on YouTube, Twitch, Mixer etc but it can still happen.
Mixcloud have just stepped up with a live stream service, it’s only in Beta at the moment so pretty basic but as they have all the licensing in place, no copyright takedowns… definitely one to watch."
- Morphosis
The bottom line is that facebook has a duty to ensure that their platform is not hosting copyrighted content without permission from the record labels.
Written by
Editorial Team • 29 April 2020
