Yes, you can! But to legally release a cover song — your version of someone else’s song — you must get the right license first.
Let’s walk you through how to do it ✅
🎵 What Counts as a Cover Song?
A cover song is when you perform a song you didn’t write and release it publicly.
🎹 Example: You sing a lo-fi version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” — that’s a cover!
To stay legal, you need a mechanical license before you release it. 🎧
📜 How to Get a License for Cover Songs
Here are the two most common ways:
1️⃣ Contact the Original Publisher or Rights Holder
You can reach out to the songwriter or their publisher directly to ask for a license.
2️⃣ Use a Licensing Agency (Recommended!)
These organizations help simplify the process by offering licenses for thousands of popular songs.
🔍 Comparison Table of Cover Song Licensing Agencies
| Agency Name | Region | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Fox Agency (HFA) | USA | www.harryfox.com | Easy online licensing via Songfile |
| Loudr (by HFA) | USA | www.loudr.fm | Focused on indie covers |
| Easy Song Licensing | USA & Global | www.easysong.com | Fast turnaround, email support |
| MCPS | UK & Europe | www.prsformusic.com | Covers EU, PRS managed |
| JASRAC | Japan | www.jasrac.or.jp | Needed for Japan-based covers |
💡 Tip: Most agencies charge a small fee + royalties depending on the song and usage. Choose based on your target region and budget.
🤝 How Allot Lines Supports Cover Releases
Allot Lines helps you release your covers legally and confidently.
Here’s what we do:
🔍 1. Identify If Your Song Is a Cover
Our team reviews your release. If it’s flagged as a potential cover, we’ll alert you immediately.
📘 2. Guide You to Licensing Options
We’ll recommend the best licensing agencies based on your release and location 🌍
📝 3. Accept Your License Documentation
Upload your mechanical license directly in your artist dashboard. No license, no release!
✅ 4. Approve and Distribute
Once approved, we’ll push your cover to all major platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok and more — legally.
🧭 Start with Allot Lines Today!
It’s free to join! You just need an account to get started:
🔹 Register a free artist account:
👉 https://center.allotlines.com/register
🔹 Already a member? Log in:
👉 https://center.allotlines.com/login
❌ What If I Don’t Get a License?
Skipping licensing can lead to:
- 🚫 Takedowns by music platforms
- ⚠️ Copyright strikes on YouTube or TikTok
- 💸 Fines or lawsuits from publishers
Don’t risk it. Cover legally — cover smart with Allot Lines!
🛡️ Why Choose Allot Lines?
Allot Lines is a trusted platform for global music distribution and copyright protection.
We support independent artists, labels, and creators in:
- Releasing music legally
- Monetizing content on every platform
- Protecting music globally with proactive rights management
- Licensing and publishing support
🎯 Final Checklist for Your Cover Release
✅ Choose your song
✅ Secure a license from a trusted agency
✅ Sign up with Allot Lines
✅ Upload your track and license
✅ Get distributed globally — legally!
💬 Need Help?
Visit our help article:
👉 https://allotlines.tawk.help/article/covers-licenses-management
Or contact our team anytime!
🚀 Ready to release your next cover legally?
Join Allot Lines now:
👉 https://center.allotlines.com/register
