TikTok International Music Rights 2026, Which Licenses Are Required for Foreign Tracks?

For foreign tracks you use on TikTok in 2026 in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you need at least a licence from the respective collecting society of the track’s country of origin and, depending on the market, a local licence such as the GEMA licence in Germany. Without these permissions you face copyright takedowns, video bans and possible damages claims.

What does "international music rights" mean?

International music rights cover all copyright and neighboring rights attached to a recording when it is distributed across borders. This includes the rights of the composer, lyricist, performer and master owner. On TikTok these rights are reported by the platform, but the actual licence must be secured by the creator or the brand.

Legal framework in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

• Germany: Since the Digital Services Act (DDG) every public use of music must be licensed through GEMA or a direct contract with the rights holder.
• Austria: The E-Commerce Act requires a licence from AKM for foreign recordings used in advertising or commercial posts.
• Switzerland: The UWG demands that any use of third-party music be cleared through SUISA or a direct licence agreement.

Which licences do you actually need?

The licensing requirement can be grouped into three main types:

Licence type	Responsible body	When required	Example
GEMA licence	German collecting society	When using foreign tracks in Germany	German creator using a US hit in a Reel
AKM licence	Austrian collecting society	When the track is used in Austria for commercial purposes	Austrian influencer featuring a British pop song in a sponsored post
SUISA licence	Swiss collecting society	If the recording is publicly played in Switzerland	Swiss brand account using a French electro track in a campaign
Direct licence from rights holder	Label or artist	When the local collecting society does not cover the foreign recording	Contract with a Berlin indie label for a Japanese song

How to obtain the licences

• Identify the rights holder via databases like MusicBrainz or ISRC registries.
• Contact the local collecting society (GEMA, AKM, SUISA) and request the appropriate licence.
• If the society does not offer a licence, negotiate a direct licence with the label or artist.
• Store the licence proof securely and attach it to your TikTok media kit.

Since 2024 all major social platforms require a separate licence for foreign recordings, otherwise creators face legal consequences.

Common pain points for creators

Creators often struggle with unclear pricing, hidden fees, lengthy negotiations and missing standard briefs. Without clear guidance they may apply for the wrong licence or miss a licence altogether.

Solution: UGC Max’s royalty-free audio library

With the royalty-free audio library of UGC Max you get instant access to over ten thousand GEMA-free tracks that are already cleared for commercial TikTok use. The library provides ready-to-use metadata, clear usage rights and a direct download link, no extra negotiations, no hidden costs.

Key Takeaways

• Every foreign recording needs at least a local licence (GEMA, AKM, SUISA) and possibly a direct licence.
• Licences are obtained through collecting societies or direct contracts with rights holders.
• Missing licences can lead to takedowns, copyright notices and damages claims.
• UGC Max’s audio library offers immediate, compliant usage without additional bargaining.
• Document each licence and keep your media kit up to date.

FAQ

• How do I find out which collecting society covers the track’s country? Use the ISRC database or ask the label directly.
• Do I need a separate licence for each individual track? Yes, each recording has its own rights. Bulk licences are possible with major labels.
• What happens if I miss a licence? Your video may be blocked, you receive a cease-and-desist and might have to pay damages.
• Can I pass licence costs on to my brand? That is common practice as long as the costs are transparent in the contract.

Conclusion

For foreign tracks on TikTok in 2026 you need a local licence from GEMA, AKM or SUISA and sometimes a direct licence from the rights holder. Securing the right licences protects you from legal risks and enables smooth collaborations with brands. Start now with UGC Max and use the royalty-free audio library to create compliant TikTok videos instantly.