Music licensing company Rumblefish launches song sales for use in YouTube videos

Rumblefish to sell songs for use in YouTube videos

LOS ANGELES — Independent music licensing company Rumblefish Inc. is giving YouTube uploaders a way to add songs to their videos without infringing on copyrights.

Starting Tuesday, the company will sell songs from its catalog of artists for $1.99. Included in the sale will be a license allowing the video creator to use the music legally in their video forever.

One catch is that the video can’t be used to make money. If an uploader wants to make advertising revenue on his video, he’ll have to upgrade to a commercial license.

Another catch is that the work of major label artists is not included. That still leaves about 35,000 songs from 35 countries, though.

“It’s just for the everyday, average YouTube user,” said Rumblefish founder and chief executive, Paul Anthony.

Currently, YouTube videos that use music without a license can be deleted from the site, or can be partially covered with an ad that generates revenue for YouTube and the recording company.

Privately held Rumblefish, based in Portland, Ore., will be selling the licensed songs at its new website, FriendlyMusic.com.

Some of its artists include Justice of the Unicorns, Down By Law and Cex.