Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use ZOOM?
ZOOM allows you to legally license your synchronization uses for copyrighted music that has been cleared into the ZOOM catalog by record labels and music publishers at a cost that is less than a latte per use (between $3.50-$5.50 per song). By using ZOOM, and directing your clients to the ZOOM catalog to select their music, you and your clients have peace of mind in knowing that the copyrighted music you have used is legal and licensed for your production.
How much copyrighted music will be cleared into ZOOM and how often will music listings be updated?
ZOOM administrators are working continuously to clear music into the ZOOM catalog with priority given to the most frequently requested songs. Each clearance requires the record label AND publisher to approve the song for this purpose (and sometimes the other copyright holders) so it can take some time. But the major labels and publishers have already begun clearing their massive libraries for ZOOM. To request priority clearance for specific songs you would like to license, Click Here.
What if a song I want to use is not yet listed in the ZOOM catalog. How long do I have to wait?
It is up to you as a ZOOM customer to be proactive in requesting songs for clearance as soon as you think you will be needing them - now or in the months ahead. Ask your clients, especially wedding clients, to give you their music choices early and then submit your requests through ZOOM. There is no charge to request songs to be cleared, and no limit on the number of requests you can submit.
ZOOM administrators will be logging every song request and prioritizing clearances on a first-come basis. The clearance process may take several weeks so it's important for you to submit your requests as soon as possible. If a particular song is unable to be cleared we will let you know.
What if a song I want to use is not cleared in ZOOM and my clearance request has been denied by the labels or publishers?
In this case, we would strongly urge you to try and find another similar song and license that use. ZOOM will be adding a song recommendation feature to the website in the next few months to help streamline the process of finding alternative music choices.
What if I don't have an audio copy of the song I want to use/license?
Most of the music that is cleared by ZOOM is available online through digital music services. You may also ask your clients if they have a copy of the music that they could provide to you. Of course, you can also purchase the CD at retail outlets. ZOOM will be providing buy links in the coming months to songs that you license.
After I spend a License Credit from my bundle on a song, what am I allowed to do?
With a Standard Videographer License, you are allowed to use the entire length of the song in one video production or photo montage, for example. The video has to be for your personal use or personal use of your clients, and can be distributed on a DVD, VHS or equivalent digital movie file. You will need to use one License Credit from your bundle for each 25 copies that are distributed.
What is meant by "Personal Use?"
"Personal use" refers to the end use of the video production once it leaves your hands. In other words if a corporation is using a DVD that you produced internally, then you are covered. Special events, such as wedding videos given to the bride & groom, and photo montages, for example, are covered. Television broadcast use of any kind is NOT covered (to obtain TV clearances contact ZOOM administrators directly.) Use of copyrighted music licensed through ZOOM is not permitted beyond the scope of the specific use allowed by the Standard Videographer License (i.e. mass retail sale of the particular production as a store item, for example, is not permitted, but single purpose, work-for-hire is permitted).
Is Internet broadcast covered by ZOOM License?
Internet usage can be covered for an additional fee of $500 per song, per production project.
Am I allowed to resell my video production which has ZOOM Licensed Music in stores or via the Internet, as a mass-market product?
No. ZOOM License covers a custom video production that is for "personal use" only, not retail or broadcast use. It does not cover videos intended as mass-market products for retail sale, nor does it cover broadcast/cable TV usage. If you need these separate coverages, contact ZOOM administrators directly to obtain custom clearances.
If I make 6 DVD copies of a wedding or photo montage, does that mean I am spending 6 credits?
No. One ZOOM License credit from your bundle allows you to place your selected song in one production project and make up to 25 copies of that production project on a DVD or equivalent media to distribute. If you are making 50 copies for example, you would spend 2 credits for each song used on that particular production project.
If I use the same song on two different productions, such as two different weddings, or two different photo montages, do I have to spend two credits from my License Bundle?
Yes. Your license credits apply as one per song, per production where 25 copies (or less) of the production will be distributed. You can license as many songs as you like for use on a single production project, but you will need to use one license credit for each song used in the production.
How do I know I won't be sued by the RIAA or any other music industry organization?
For every song that you license for your production project, you will be able to print out the legal synchronization license for your records as proof of licensing. All tracks cleared into the ZOOM catalog have been approved by the record label that owns the Master Recording of the song and the publisher that represents the Composition.
I am based in Canada, can I use ZOOM to license music for my productions?
Yes, music licensed through ZOOM has been cleared for users based in Canada and the United States.
How long do I have to use the credits in my License Bundle?
There is no expiration date for your credits, use them as you need them.
I forgot my Password or Username, what can I do ?
No problem. You can click the "Forgot Password?" link located at the ZOOM login box.
Or you can click here to Reset Your Password.
What are ZOOM's Terms and Conditions ?
All Terms and Conditions for ZOOM Music Licensing are available here.
Song license fees are listed here. (Must be logged-in to access.)
You can also directly access the ZOOM Subscription & License Agreement and
ZOOM Privacy Policy.
I'm using Internet Explorer and I get a security warning when I log into zoomlicense.com, what's going on?
Don't worry about it. It's simply because we moved zoomlicense.com to a new server and a new SSL certificate. If you used the site prior to the move, you have the old SSL certificate saved in Internet Explorer's cache and when you log into the new site, it notices a discrepancy between both certificates.
All you need to do is : click Tools on top of the windows.. Internet Options.. Delete Files (in the General tab). This will clear your cache then you can try browsing the site again.