Ever wondered if you can spin your tunes on Facebook? Absolutely, but it’s a bit tricky these days.
The digital age and live streaming services have expanded the horizons for DJs like never before.
No longer confined to the walls of nightclubs or event spaces, modern DJs can broadcast directly to listeners via a solid internet connection.
During recent times, particularly with the onset of the pandemic, Facebook has emerged as a go-to platform for DJs.
Given the colossal user base of Facebook—we’re talking billions who frequent the platform—it’s a no-brainer for budding DJs aiming to amplify their presence.
This is a dive into the copyright maze you’ll need to navigate to share your DJ sets on Facebook Live.
Is Facebook Live DJing Feasible? (the nutshell version)
Facebook’s stance is crystal clear. The platform, including its live streaming features, is crafted for personal sharing among friends and family. Standard music streaming doesn’t fit this bill unless you’re playing your original compositions, which makes you exempt. However, there are some loopholes that marginally bend these strict copyright rules. Be warned, though, that copyright strikes are a definite possibility.
Interested in more? Check out: How To Livestream DJ Sets In A Few Easy Steps
Navigating Facebook as a DJ
Just because a platform exists doesn’t guarantee easy navigation.
Lately, DJs across Facebook have encountered heightened enforcement of music copyright laws.
Facebook’s policies have grown more stringent compared to the past.
This tightening has been mirrored on other platforms, like YouTube, Twitch, and Mixcloud, too.
In this guide, we’ll dissect the ins and outs of DJing on Facebook Live, what pitfalls to watch for, and strategies to elude copyright hiccups or video removals.
Mastering Facebook Music Streaming
Pondering whether DJ shows are even a thing on Facebook’s live streaming service?
Indeed, Facebook Live has been a vibrant channel for audience growth, well until not too long ago.
This service allows for broader engagement with your craft, more so than platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
Current challenges considered, Facebook Live remains a well-trodden path for honing your DJ skills and nurturing a fanbase that appreciates your art.
The Current Facebook Live Protocol
Discussing hurdles, let’s not sidestep the fresh layers of restrictions Facebook Live doled out around 2020.
Previously, the landscape had far fewer limitations, especially concerning DJs and their streams.
But that year marked a shift. An increase in copyright claims pressured Facebook Live to adopt a firmer stance on music and copyright ownership.
This pivot understandably sparked concern among DJs about the freedom to perform on the platform.
Despite the tightening grip, certain tactics can help you navigate these rules.
Opt for sharing unreleased tracks or your music when streaming on Facebook.
Next up: How To DJ On Twitch (Like a Pro!)
Strategy #1: DJ with Your Own Tunes
The most straightforward avenue to avoid copyright issues involves originality.
Streaming your own creations on your Facebook page (or playing royalty-free music) eliminates risks of your content being identified as copyright infringement.
Moreover, with original content, your creative freedom soars as you craft your performance from the ground up.
But, this approach may slow your initial fanbase growth, especially if creating originals isn’t yet your forte.
Nevertheless, it’s the most foolproof method to stream unbothered on Facebook.
Explore: Music Production for Beginners: The Basic Set-up 101
Strategy #2: Swift Track Switching
This second technique may not be infallible but can still be effective with finesse.
Facebook’s algorithms often target longer sections of copyrighted tracks, so interspersing short clips of licensed music with your unpublished material can help avoid detection.
By keeping transitions quick and seamless, it makes it harder for the system to flag your set.
Though there’s always a risk, by changing tracks briskly and smartly, you can substantially lower the odds of your performance being interrupted.
It’s an excellent opportunity to sharpen those transition skills, too.
Don’t miss: Essential DJing Transitions (Made Simple!)
Strategy #3: Steer Clear of Monetization
An alternative workaround is to relinquish any potential earnings from videos that include copyrighted music.
The majority of copyright claims are automated. Only the most ambiguous cases land before a human.
With the daily volume of videos subject to claims, unmarked or not, your content might still be at risk of being flagged and removed.
Learn more: DJ vs Producer? (Or Do You Need To Be Both)
Expect Copyright Strikes Regardless.
Curious about other platforms? Check out: Can I DJ Live On Instagram? (Sure, Here’s How!)
Key Takeaways on DJing via Facebook Live
There’s a spectrum of stages for DJs, and Facebook has become one of the more recent and accessible ones, a shift propelled by lockdown restrictions.
As physical venues are opening up, Facebook and other online streaming services remain active DJ havens.
They come with limitations, so brace for possible copyright takedowns, a fate even top artists can’t always evade.
But, if you’re equipped with the right know-how on Facebook’s copyright rules, this platform can become a significant fan magnet just as effectively as any official stage.
