How to Not Have Music in Twitch VODs OBS: A Symphony of Silence in the Digital Age

In the ever-evolving world of live streaming, Twitch has emerged as a dominant platform where content creators share their passions, skills, and personalities with a global audience. However, one of the most persistent challenges faced by streamers is the issue of music in Twitch VODs (Video on Demand). Music can enhance the streaming experience, but it can also lead to copyright claims, muted audio, or even the removal of VODs. This article delves into various strategies to ensure that your Twitch VODs remain music-free, allowing you to maintain control over your content and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why music in Twitch VODs can be problematic. Twitch, like other platforms, is bound by copyright laws. When you stream music that you don’t own or have the rights to use, you risk infringing on the copyright holder’s rights. This can result in your VODs being muted, or worse, your channel facing penalties. Additionally, even if you have the rights to use certain music, Twitch’s automated systems might still flag your content, leading to unnecessary complications.

1. Separate Audio Tracks in OBS

One of the most effective ways to avoid having music in your Twitch VODs is to separate your audio tracks in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). OBS allows you to set up multiple audio tracks, which can be used to isolate different audio sources. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Output” tab and select the “Recording” section.
• Step 3: Under the “Audio Track” settings, enable multiple tracks (e.g., Track 1 for game audio, Track 2 for microphone, and Track 3 for music).
• Step 4: In the “Audio Mixer” section, assign each audio source to a specific track. For example, your microphone could be assigned to Track 1, your game audio to Track 2, and your music to Track 3.
• Step 5: When you start streaming, OBS will record all the audio tracks separately. After the stream, you can edit the VOD to remove the music track (Track 3) while keeping the other audio intact.

This method ensures that your VODs are free from any music that might cause issues, while still allowing you to enjoy music during your live stream.

2. Use Royalty-Free Music

Another approach is to use royalty-free music during your streams. Royalty-free music is music that you can use without paying ongoing royalties or licensing fees. There are numerous websites and platforms that offer royalty-free music, such as:

• Epidemic Sound: A popular platform that provides a vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects. With a subscription, you can use their music in your streams without worrying about copyright issues.
• Pretzel Rocks: Specifically designed for streamers, Pretzel Rocks offers a curated selection of royalty-free music that you can play during your streams. They also provide a Twitch extension that displays the currently playing track, giving credit to the artists.
• StreamBeats by Harris Heller: Created by a fellow streamer, StreamBeats offers a wide range of royalty-free music across various genres. The music is free to use, and you can even download it for offline use.

By using royalty-free music, you can enhance your stream’s atmosphere without the risk of copyright claims or muted VODs.

3. Mute Music During VOD Recording

If you prefer to use copyrighted music during your live stream but want to avoid having it in your VODs, you can set up OBS to mute the music track during VOD recording. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Output” tab and select the “Recording” section.
• Step 3: Under the “Audio Track” settings, enable multiple tracks (e.g., Track 1 for game audio, Track 2 for microphone, and Track 3 for music).
• Step 4: In the “Audio Mixer” section, assign your music source to Track 3.
• Step 5: In the “Recording” settings, set the audio track for recording to only include Track 1 and Track 2 (game audio and microphone), excluding Track 3 (music).

This way, your live stream will include the music, but your VODs will only contain the game audio and your microphone, effectively muting the music in the recordings.

4. Use Twitch’s VOD Music Replacement Tool

Twitch offers a feature called the “VOD Music Replacement Tool,” which allows you to replace copyrighted music in your VODs with royalty-free music. This tool is particularly useful if you accidentally stream copyrighted music and want to avoid having your VODs muted or removed. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Go to your Twitch Creator Dashboard.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Content” section and select “Video Producer.”
• Step 3: Find the VOD that contains copyrighted music and click on the “Edit” button.
• Step 4: Select the “Replace Audio” option and choose a royalty-free track from Twitch’s library.
• Step 5: Save your changes, and the copyrighted music will be replaced with the selected royalty-free track.

This tool is a convenient way to salvage your VODs if you’ve already streamed copyrighted music, but it’s always better to prevent the issue in the first place.

5. Stream Without Music

While music can enhance the atmosphere of your stream, it’s not always necessary. Some streamers choose to go entirely music-free, focusing instead on their gameplay, commentary, and interactions with their audience. This approach eliminates the risk of copyright issues altogether and allows you to maintain full control over your content.

If you decide to stream without music, consider using other audio elements to keep your stream engaging, such as sound effects, ambient noise, or even live commentary. You can also encourage your viewers to play their own music in the background, creating a more interactive experience.

6. Educate Yourself on Copyright Laws

Understanding copyright laws is crucial for any content creator. While it may seem daunting, taking the time to educate yourself on the basics of copyright can save you from potential legal issues down the line. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Public Domain: Music that is in the public domain is free to use without any restrictions. However, most modern music is protected by copyright, so public domain music may not always be suitable for your stream.
• Creative Commons: Some artists release their music under Creative Commons licenses, which allow you to use their work under certain conditions. Be sure to read the license terms carefully to ensure compliance.
• Fair Use: Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. However, fair use is a complex and often misunderstood concept, and it’s not a guaranteed defense against copyright claims.

By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you can make more informed decisions about the music you use in your streams.

7. Collaborate with Musicians

If you’re passionate about incorporating music into your streams, consider collaborating with musicians who are willing to let you use their work. Many independent artists are open to having their music featured in streams, as it can help them gain exposure. You can reach out to musicians directly or use platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp to find artists who are open to collaborations.

When collaborating with musicians, be sure to discuss the terms of use, including whether you can use their music in your VODs. Some artists may require you to credit them in your stream or VOD descriptions, while others may have specific restrictions on how their music can be used.

8. Use Twitch’s Soundtrack by Twitch

Twitch has introduced a feature called “Soundtrack by Twitch,” which is a library of music specifically curated for streamers. The music in this library is pre-cleared for use on Twitch, meaning you can use it in your streams without worrying about copyright issues. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Download and install the Soundtrack by Twitch app.
• Step 2: Open the app and link it to your OBS or streaming software.
• Step 3: Select the music you want to play during your stream from the Soundtrack library.
• Step 4: Start your stream, and the music will be played through the Soundtrack app, ensuring that it doesn’t get recorded in your VODs.

Soundtrack by Twitch is a convenient solution for streamers who want to incorporate music into their streams without the risk of copyright claims.

9. Edit Your VODs Post-Stream

If you’ve already streamed with copyrighted music and want to salvage your VODs, you can edit them after the fact to remove or replace the music. There are several video editing software options available, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free tools like DaVinci Resolve. Here’s a basic workflow for editing your VODs:

• Step 1: Import your VOD into your video editing software.
• Step 2: Separate the audio tracks (if you recorded multiple tracks in OBS).
• Step 3: Identify the sections of the VOD that contain copyrighted music.
• Step 4: Remove or replace the copyrighted music with royalty-free music or sound effects.
• Step 5: Export the edited VOD and upload it to Twitch or another platform.

While this method requires additional effort, it allows you to retain control over your content and avoid potential copyright issues.

10. Stay Informed About Twitch’s Policies

Twitch’s policies regarding music and copyright are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed about any updates or new features that may affect your streams. Twitch regularly updates its Creator Dashboard with news and announcements, so be sure to check it frequently. Additionally, you can join Twitch communities or forums where streamers discuss best practices and share tips for navigating copyright issues.

By staying informed, you can adapt your streaming strategy to align with Twitch’s policies and ensure that your content remains compliant.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of music in Twitch VODs can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy a music-enhanced streaming experience without compromising your content. Whether you choose to separate audio tracks, use royalty-free music, or collaborate with musicians, there are numerous ways to avoid having music in your Twitch VODs. By taking a proactive approach and staying informed about copyright laws and Twitch’s policies, you can create a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience for both yourself and your audience.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I use any music from Spotify or YouTube in my Twitch streams?

A: No, using music from Spotify, YouTube, or other platforms without proper licensing or permission can lead to copyright claims. It’s best to use royalty-free music or music specifically cleared for use on Twitch.

Q: What happens if my VOD gets muted due to copyrighted music?

A: If your VOD gets muted, the sections containing copyrighted music will be silenced. You can use Twitch’s VOD Music Replacement Tool to replace the muted sections with royalty-free music.

Q: Can I play music from video games in my streams?

A: It depends on the game and its licensing terms. Some games allow you to stream their music, while others may have restrictions. Check the game’s EULA (End User License Agreement) or contact the developer for clarification.

Q: Is it safe to use music from Twitch’s Soundtrack by Twitch?

A: Yes, music from Twitch’s Soundtrack by Twitch is pre-cleared for use on the platform, so you can use it in your streams without worrying about copyright issues.

Q: How can I find independent artists willing to collaborate?

A: You can reach out to independent artists on platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or social media. Many artists are open to collaborations and may allow you to use their music in exchange for exposure.

By following these guidelines and exploring the various options available, you can create a music-free environment in your Twitch VODs while still enjoying the benefits of music during your live streams. Happy streaming!