What is required for the legal use of a copyrighted song in visual media?

For the legal use of a copyrighted song in visual media, synchronization rights are required. This type of licensing allows filmmakers, producers, or content creators to use music in conjunction with visual media, such as films, television shows, or online videos. Synchronization rights specifically grant the permission to synchronize music with visual elements, which is a critical element in producing audiovisual content.

Acquiring these rights ensures that the creator of the visual media can legally use the song without infringing upon the copyright held by the song’s writers or publishers. This layer of legal protection benefits both the creators of the visual media and the music rights holders, as it facilitates fair compensation for the use of the song.

Options like purchasing an album, while beneficial for personal listening, do not extend legal rights for use in media. Similarly, the Fair Use Policy allows for limited use of copyrighted material under specific circumstances, but it can be a risky legal stance when applied to the reproduction of music in visual media. Lastly, a public performance license pertains to the use of music in live performances or public venues rather than in synchronization with visual media. Therefore, synchronization rights are essential for this specific context.