License Agreement
Understanding your rights when purchasing vocals
Overview
When you purchase a vocal from VocalVault, you receive a license to use that vocal in your productions. This is a license agreement, not a transfer of copyright. The original artist retains copyright of their vocal performance, while you receive specific usage rights.
Each purchase generates a unique license document (PDF) that serves as legal proof of your rights. Keep this document safe and include it with any copyright registrations.
License Types
Royalty-Free License
A one-time payment with no ongoing royalty obligations. Multiple buyers can purchase the same vocal.
You CAN
- • Use in unlimited personal and commercial projects
- • Release on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
- • Use in YouTube videos, podcasts, and content
- • Sync to films, ads, and media projects
- • Keep all revenue from your releases
You CANNOT
- • Resell or redistribute the vocal file itself
- • Claim you performed the vocal
- • Sub-license the vocal to others
- • Use in NFTs without explicit permission
- • Remove or alter any embedded metadata
Licensed (Royalty-Bearing)
A one-time payment plus ongoing royalty percentage. The royalty percentage is specified on each listing.
You CAN
- • Use in personal and commercial projects
- • Release on streaming platforms
- • Use in content creation
- • Multiple buyers can license the same vocal
You CANNOT
- • Keep 100% of revenue (royalty % goes to artist)
- • Resell or redistribute the vocal file
- • Claim you performed the vocal
- • Sub-license to others
- • Avoid royalty payments on commercial releases
Exclusive License
The vocal is removed from the marketplace after purchase. Only you can use this vocal.
You CAN
- • Exclusive usage rights - no other buyers
- • Use in unlimited projects
- • Full commercial rights
- • Higher value for major releases
- • May negotiate additional terms with artist
You CANNOT
- • Transfer exclusive rights without agreement
- • Resell or redistribute the vocal file
- • Claim copyright ownership of the performance
- • Use beyond the scope of the license
Bundle Licenses
When you purchase a bundle (a collection of vocals), a single license is generated covering all included vocals. The following terms apply:
- All vocals in a bundle share the same license type as listed on the bundle
- License terms apply equally to every vocal within the bundle
- Individual vocal licenses cannot be separated or transferred out of a bundle purchase
- Your license document lists all included vocals for legal reference
Bundle licenses carry the same legal weight as individual vocal licenses. Keep your license PDF as proof of rights for all vocals in the bundle.
Royalty Obligations
For royalty-bearing licenses, you agree to pay the specified percentage of revenue generated from any commercial release using the licensed vocal. "Revenue" includes:
- Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
- Download sales
- Sync licensing fees
- Performance royalties (when applicable)
Royalty payments are the responsibility of the buyer to track and remit. VocalVault does not collect or enforce royalty payments between buyers and sellers.
Attribution Requirements
Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your license:
- Credit the vocalist in your release metadata (recommended)
- Include the vocalist in liner notes or credits
- Do not misrepresent who performed the vocals
Specific attribution requirements may vary by license. Check your license document for details.
Try Before Buy
Some vocals offer a "Try Before Buy" option with trial files. Trial files are for evaluation only:
- Cannot be used commercially
- Cannot be uploaded to streaming platforms
- Cannot be distributed or shared publicly
- May be watermarked or shortened
If you decide to use a trial vocal in a project, you must purchase the full license before release.
Custom Request Licenses
Custom vocals created through VocalVault's request system are subject to the terms agreed upon between buyer and seller. The license document generated upon completion reflects these terms, including the delivery timeline, number of revisions, and royalty percentage.
Custom requests carry an 8% platform fee (vs 17% for marketplace purchases), and sellers keep 92% of the agreed price. All custom request payments are protected by escrow until the buyer approves delivery.
License Verification
Every VocalVault license can be verified using our license verification tool. This helps:
- Prove authenticity to labels and distributors
- Resolve copyright claims on platforms
- Demonstrate legal usage rights
Visit Verify License to check any license.
Disputes & Violations
License violations may result in:
- Takedown requests to platforms hosting infringing content
- Account suspension or termination
- Legal action by the original artist
If you believe your rights have been violated, contact us with your license documentation.
Contact
For questions about licensing, contact us at: