Samples & Remixes
The rules on sampling, remixing, and distributing other people's music through DIMBER.
Know the line before you upload
Sampling another artist's work without permission isn't edgy — it's copyright infringement. DIMBER won't distribute it, and DSPs will catch it. Here's what you need to know.
The basic rule
Distribute samples, mixes, and remixes of your own songs without additional permission. The moment you use any part of another artist's original recording, or remix another artist's song, you need express written permission from the owner of the phonogram, also called the master recording.
No exceptions. If you do not control the source recording, you do not have the right to distribute a derivative version of it unless the rights holder has approved it in writing.
Sampling
Sampling someone else's recording always requires clearance from the master owner, no matter how short the sample is.
- No sample is too short to require permission. Even a one-second sample needs clearance.
- Contact the rights holder that owns the master recording. In most cases, that is the record label or the owner of the phonogram.
- Get permission in writing. Verbal approval is not permission.
- Keep your documentation. DIMBER's QC team may request your license during reference matching or review.
Uncleared samples do not stay hidden. If you upload sampled material without permission, platforms can identify it and act on it.
Remixes
Remix your own songs freely. If you control the source recording, you do not need additional permission to distribute a remix of that recording through DIMBER.
Remixing another artist's work is different. You need express written permission from the phonogram owner before you upload it. In many cases, the publisher that controls the underlying composition may also require a mechanical license.
Start with the label or rights holder that owns the original recording. Many labels handle remix requests through formal licensing or approval processes, and you should secure that approval before you prepare the release for distribution.
DJ mixes
DJ mixes require rights to every track included in the mix, or a commercial license that covers all tracks. If you don't have clearance for every song in your DJ mix, don't upload it.
Mashups
Mashups combine two or more existing recordings into a new track. That makes them dependent on rights you do not automatically own.
Clear a mashup with all relevant rights holders before you upload it. If any recording in the mashup is uncleared, DIMBER will reject the release.
Sped-up, slowed, and reverbed versions
Changing the speed or sound of a recording does not make it original. Sped-up, slowed-down, and reverbed versions are derivative works.
If you did not create and control the source recording, you need permission to distribute that derivative. DSPs also treat sped-up and slowed-down versions as potential attempts to evade fingerprinting and Content ID systems, which increases the chance of a match or enforcement action.
What happens if you upload uncleared content
Uncleared samples and remixes will be caught. YouTube Content ID and Meta fingerprinting systems scan every delivery. If your track triggers a match, the DSP may issue a copyright claim, block the track, or redirect royalties to the original rights holder — and you'll receive Scorecard penalties.
Rights problems do not end at rejection. A release can be blocked after delivery, monetization can be diverted, and repeated violations can damage your standing during future review.