How to Secure Music Usage Rights for UGC Videos on YouTube Shorts in 2026

Direct answer to your question

You can use music in UGC videos on YouTube Shorts legally by only using GEMA-free or properly licensed tracks that come with a clear usage agreement and comply with the Digital Services Act (DDG) requirements in Germany since 2024. Keep the license proof, check the platform guidelines and rely on a trusted source such as the audio library of UGC Max, which offers studio-quality, GEMA-free and commercially cleared music.

Definition of music usage rights

Music usage rights are the contractually defined permissions that allow a work to be publicly performed, reproduced or edited in your own content. They cover copyright, neighboring rights (GEMA) and often synchronization rights for video platforms.

Legal framework in Germany, Austria and Switzerland 2026

The core principle is the same across the DACH region: without a valid licence you may not distribute protected music on a public platform.

GEMA and its role in Germany

GEMA represents authors and performing artists and collects fees for every public use. Since the Digital Services Act (DDG) entered into force in 2024, every digital service must provide an imprint according to §5 DDG and offer transparent information about used media.

Austrian E-Commerce Act (ECG) and Media Act

In Austria the ECG regulates the imprint requirement, while the Media Act contains provisions on neighboring rights. A proper licence is mandatory to avoid cease-and-desist notices.

Switzerland, UWG and Copyright Act

The Swiss Unfair Competition Act (UWG Art. 3 Abs. 1 lit. s) and the Copyright Act protect music. A simple email address in your bio does not satisfy the imprint obligation.

Typical pitfalls for creators on YouTube Shorts

• Using chart hits without a licence, immediate video removal.
• Unclear origin of sound samples found on social media.
• Missing imprint or missing licence attribution in the description.
• Differing licence terms for browser versus mobile app usage.
• Insufficient documentation that cannot be presented during a claim.

How to secure music usage in your UGC videos

1. Identify the desired track and verify if it is GEMA-free.
2. Choose a platform that provides clear licence evidence, for example the audio library of UGC Max.
3. Save the licence agreement and note the allowed usage types (YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels).
4. Insert a source and licence note in the video description, e.g., "Music from UGC-Max library, GEMA-free, licence #12345".
5. Ensure your channel’s imprint complies with §5 DDG (Germany) and the respective Austrian or Swiss regulations.

Once you have completed steps 1-3, you can focus on creativity without fear of legal claims. Discover the royalty-free audio library from UGC Max and eliminate the time-consuming rights clearance process.

Comparison of licensing models

Licence type	Legal certainty	Cost	Use on YouTube Shorts
GEMA-free (UGC Max)	Full certainty, no GEMA fees	One-time or subscription	Allowed with documented licence
Royalty-free	Depends on provider, often limits for viral content	One-time payment or subscription	Usually allowed, check platform policy
Commercial licence (GEMA)	Very high certainty, requires monthly fees	Price based on reach and duration	Allowed but paperwork intensive

Key Takeaways

• Always use GEMA-free or properly licensed music for YouTube Shorts.
• Document every licence and credit the source in the description.
• A complete imprint according to DDG, ECG or UWG is mandatory, an email address alone is insufficient.
• The UGC Max audio library provides studio-quality, GEMA-free tracks and automates licence documentation.
• Avoid common pitfalls such as unverified samples or missing licence proof to prevent legal warnings.

Research indicates that in 2025 over 70 % of legal warnings sent to creators were caused by missing music licences, a clear sign that legal certainty is essential today.

Conclusion

Securing music usage rights on YouTube Shorts means clear licences, transparent documentation and a complete imprint. With the GEMA-free audio library from UGC Max you get all tools in one place, studio-quality music, automatic licence proof and easy integration. Apply now as a creator on UGC Max and receive suitable brand campaigns that boost your Shorts performance.