What Happens When Somebody Covers Your Songs

In the age of streaming and social media, cover songs are more popular than ever. From stripped-back acoustic versions on YouTube to full-scale reinterpretations on Spotify, artists of all sizes are using covers to connect with audiences and showcase their talent. But behind every cover is a web of rights, royalties and permissions that determine who gets paid, and how. So, what actually happens when someone covers your song?

Understanding the Two Key Rights

When a song is created, it automatically carries two main copyrights:

The composition – covering the melody, lyrics, and structure of the song, usually owned by the songwriter and their publisher.

The master recording – the actual recorded performance of that composition, typically owned by whoever funded the recording (often a label).

A cover version uses the same composition but creates a new master recording. This means the cover artist doesn’t need permission to record the song in most cases — provided the composition rights are properly licensed and royalties are paid to the original songwriters.

The Role of Mechanical Licences

When an artist records a cover, they need a mechanical licence. This licence allows them to reproduce and distribute the song. In the UK, mechanical licences are managed by organisations such as the MCPS (part of PRS for Music). For streaming and downloads, services like Spotify and Apple Music typically handle this licensing automatically, ensuring the original songwriter receives their due royalties whenever the cover is streamed or sold.

However, if a cover is released independently (for example, via YouTube or Bandcamp), the artist may need to obtain a mechanical licence directly. This ensures the original creators are compensated each time the cover generates income.

When Permission Is Required

Most standard covers are legally fine as long as the correct royalties are paid. But certain situations require explicit permission from the original rights holders. These include:

• Changing the lyrics or structure of the song

• Using the song in a film, advert or TV show

• Sampling the original recording rather than re-recording it.

In these cases, the new artist must negotiate directly with the publisher or label to avoid copyright infringement. Even subtle lyric changes or mash-ups can trigger the need for a sync or derivative licence.

Real-World Examples

One of the most famous modern covers is Jeff Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah”, originally written by Leonard Cohen. Buckley’s rendition, though hauntingly unique, still paid royalties to Cohen as the original songwriter. Similarly, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global phenomenon, yet it continued to earn royalties for Dolly Parton, who wrote and owned the song’s publishing rights.

Parton famously revealed that the royalties from Houston’s version earned her millions, serving as a powerful reminder that songwriters can profit handsomely when their compositions are covered successfully.

On the other hand, artists who fail to obtain the correct licences can find themselves in legal trouble. In 2018, YouTube creators saw several of their unauthorised covers removed after publishers began cracking down on monetised videos that hadn’t cleared the necessary rights.

How Royalties Are Split

When a cover song is streamed, the royalties are divided between several parties. The songwriter and publisher receive their share for the composition, while the cover artist (and their label, if applicable) earn revenue from the new master recording. The exact split depends on the platform and country, but in essence, the songwriter always gets paid when their composition is used, no matter who performs it.

For example, when a new artist covers an Ed Sheeran song, Sheeran and his publishers will receive a portion of the royalties every time that cover is streamed, sold, or played publicly. The cover artist may earn revenue too, but they’ll never own the composition itself.

Cover Songs as a Gateway for Artists

Covering songs can be a clever career move. Many successful artists (including Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish, and Sam Smith) initially gained traction through covers shared on social media. These performances showcase vocal ability and emotional connection, helping artists attract fans before releasing original material.

However, artists should always ensure they follow the correct licensing procedures if they intend to monetise their covers. Uploading a casual performance on TikTok may not raise concerns, but distributing the same song commercially without clearance can lead to takedowns or withheld royalties.

Protecting Your Rights as a Songwriter

If someone covers your song, the good news is that you’ll likely benefit financially without having to do anything. The relevant performance and mechanical royalties are tracked through your Performing Rights Organisation (PRO), such as PRS for Music in the UK or ASCAP/BMI in the US. It’s still essential to register your songs with these organisations to ensure you receive payments correctly.

Songwriters who own their publishing can enjoy a steady income stream when their songs are frequently covered, especially if those covers perform well on streaming services or appear in films and adverts.

The Legacy of Covers: When One Song Lives Many Lives

Cover songs remind us that great music transcends generations. Each reinterpretation breathes new life into a composition, allowing it to evolve and connect with fresh audiences. From Elvis Presley reworking rhythm and blues tunes to Amy Winehouse reimagining classic jazz standards, the art of covering has shaped the very history of popular music.

In the modern era, where streaming and social platforms blur the lines between original and reinterpretation, understanding the business behind covers is more important than ever. When handled correctly, a well-cleared cover can be a win-win for both artists: one gains exposure, and the other earns royalties.