Choosing the Right Beat License: What Should an Artist Buy?
When purchasing beats, artists often face the challenge of selecting the right beat license that aligns with their needs and career goals. Whether you’re a beginner testing the waters or a professional artist planning a major release, understanding the differences between MP3 leases, WAV leases, Unlimited leases, and Exclusive licenses is essential.
This guide breaks down each beat license, highlighting their best use cases and the advantages they offer.
1. MP3 Lease (Also Known As: Standard Lease, Basic Lease, Non-Exclusive License)
Who is it for?
✔️ Emerging artists, hobbyists, and those releasing non-monetized projects.
Alternative Names:
- Standard Lease
- Basic Lease
- Non-Exclusive License
What It Includes:
✔️ MP3 file of the beat
✔️ Limited usage rights (e.g., up to 10,000 streams)
✔️ No ownership of the beat
Ideal Scenario:
An MP3 Lease is an excellent option for new artists experimenting with their sound. If you’re planning a SoundCloud release, Instagram video, or mixtape without monetization, this is the most cost-effective way to legally use a beat without investing too much upfront.
2. WAV Lease (Also Known As: Premium Lease, Trackout Lease, Studio-Quality License)
Who is it for?
✔️ Independent artists preparing for Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming platform releases.
Alternative Names:
- Premium Lease
- Trackout Lease
- Studio-Quality License
What It Includes:
✔️ MP3 + high-quality WAV file
✔️ Higher streaming & sales limits (e.g., up to 100,000 streams)
✔️ No ownership of the beat
Ideal Scenario:
If you’re an artist planning a streaming release, EP, or single and want better sound quality than an MP3 file, a WAV Lease is an affordable upgrade. This license provides more flexibility while keeping costs reasonable.
3. Unlimited Lease (Also Known As: Platinum License, Professional License, No-Restriction Lease)
Who is it for?
✔️ Independent artists serious about monetizing their music.
Alternative Names:
- Platinum License
- Professional License
- No-Restriction Lease
What It Includes:
✔️ MP3, WAV, and Stems for better mixing
✔️ Unlimited streams, sales, and radio play
✔️ No ownership of the beat
Ideal Scenario:
Artists with a growing fanbase and ambitious plans for their track should consider an Unlimited Lease. If you’re planning a music video, radio promotion, or marketing campaign, this license eliminates restrictions on how much exposure your song can get.
4. Exclusive License (Also Known As: Full Rights License, Ownership License, Exclusive Rights)
Who is it for?
✔️ Artists planning major commercial releases or label-backed projects.
Alternative Names:
- Full Rights License
- Ownership License
- Exclusive Rights
What It Includes:
✔️ Full ownership of the beat – the producer cannot sell it again
✔️ Unlimited usage rights
✔️ Complete creative control
Ideal Scenario:
An Exclusive License is best suited for serious artists, labels, or those planning commercial releases. If you want to ensure no one else can use the same beat, purchasing exclusive rights guarantees full control over the music.
Real-Life Examples
Case Study 1:
🎤 A new artist purchases an MP3 Lease to use for a non-monetized YouTube freestyle. The Standard Lease provides a cost-effective way to legally use the beat without worrying about ownership issues.
Case Study 2:
🎧 An independent artist buys a WAV Lease for their debut EP. This allows them to distribute the song on major platforms while ensuring they have a high-quality version of the beat.
Case Study 3:
📀 A rapper planning a viral campaign opts for an Unlimited Lease to remove restrictions on streams and sales. This ensures their track can reach the widest audience without licensing limitations.
Case Study 4:
💿 A record label purchases an Exclusive License for a signed artist’s album release. This guarantees the song has a unique beat that will never be resold to another artist.
Final Thoughts: Which Beat License is Right for You?
Selecting the right beat license depends on your goals, budget, and long-term plans for your music. If you’re just starting out, a Standard or WAV Lease may be a good fit. If you’re aiming for a larger audience and unlimited monetization, an Unlimited Lease is a great investment. Meanwhile, artists looking for full ownership and long-term exclusivity should consider Exclusive Rights.
🎯 Pro Tip:
Always review the terms of the license before purchasing a beat to ensure it meets your needs. This will help avoid potential legal issues and make sure your music is properly protected.
