How AI music licensing works: a practical guide for creators
How to license AI-generated music for videos, podcasts, ads and games — personal vs commercial licences, what you can and cannot do, and how delivery works.
The model: generate free, license the download
OpenTunes separates creation from licensing. You describe the music you want — a genre, a mood, a tempo, or a full structured brief — and generate complete tracks for free. Previews are watermarked so you can audition a whole track before paying. You buy a licence only when a take is right and you want to download and use it.
This is different from subscription stock-music sites: there is no monthly fee, and you pay per track you actually use.
Choosing the right licence
Match the licence to the use, not the track:
- Personal ($1): personal, non-commercial projects — your own videos, podcasts and social posts that are not monetised.
- Commercial ($10): client work, advertising, monetised video, apps, games and podcasts. Includes the full-length studio master.
Both licences are worldwide, perpetual and non-exclusive: you can use the track forever, anywhere, and so can other licensees. Neither licence lets you resell the track on its own or list it in another stock library.
Delivery, provenance and disclosure
When you license a track, OpenTunes renders its studio master and gives you a download. The file carries embedded C2PA provenance identifying it as AI-generated. Where your platform or jurisdiction requires it, disclose that the music is AI-generated — the provenance metadata makes the origin verifiable.
- The full, current terms are on the licence page. They are a plain-language draft under review; read them before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a personal and a commercial music licence?
A personal licence covers your own non-commercial projects — personal videos, podcasts and social posts that are not monetised. A commercial licence covers monetised and client work — advertising, monetised video, apps, games and podcasts — and includes the full-length studio master.
How much does it cost to license a track on OpenTunes?
Generating tracks is free on the shared queue. A licence is $1 for personal use (sold as a $5 pack of five) or $10 for a commercial licence with the full master. You pay only when you download.
What do I actually download when I buy a licence?
A studio-master audio file for the specific track, rendered at purchase. Previews are watermarked; a licence delivers the clean master.