I did use Google and found tons of stuff but in general it looks very complicated and a loooong procedure (lawyers & stuff) to properly license a song.. now, I'd just like to know if I missed something and if there is an easier way to license song for use in my video? I also found a lot of "stock music" websites where you can buy songs but the quality of music there is OK at best. Is there any really good "stock music" websites? Any info on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

Generally any "Popular" Record label song is going to require not only a lengthy application procedure, but a lot of cash (500 USD or more, depending on what it's being used for). Royalty free stuff is a good way to go, but as said, it's generally nothing worthy of a label. Youtube is an interesting subject on this. Especially since they have the ability to scan the sound and match it against a copyright holder's work. If you use a song without permission, you're putting yourself at risk to be sued, but they have to be able to prove damages (If you aren't selling the video it would be too difficult for too little gain on their part, so other than pulling the video nothing else is likely to happen (IM NOT A LAWYER< IM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF YOUR ACTIONS FROM THIS MESSAGE. It's definitely not advice, just my own insight.Like I said though, copyright holders have the final say, and what a lot of the copyright holders are doing on youtube, is making profit - They actually don't mind if you use their song, because now they get to put their advertisements on your video. That's good for google, and its good for the record label (And its good for you) On the other hand, you have labels who are strictly against their content being used without permission on youtube.It is an interesting subject, and legally, there is no alternative than to get permission, though as said, some copyright holders seem to sleep well at night with the idea of We let you use our song, we cover your video page in our own advertisements. (It is a win win situation for the label, and the videographer)Legally though, It's crap, or loads of cash - take your pick.

I did use Google and found tons of stuff but in general it looks very complicated and a loooong procedure (lawyers & stuff) to properly license a song.. now, I'd just like to know if I missed something and if there is an easier way to license song for use in my video? I also found a lot of "stock music" websites where you can buy songs but the quality of music there is OK at best. Is there any really good "stock music" websites? Any info on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

I make videos and use music (all types or 'genre') from FreePlayMusic dot Com. All their downloads are FREE and I never got any hassles from YouTube. You can preview 30 second sample (click on time and Win's Media Player will auto open and play it. X out anytime. There is 'Music for Videos', Jazz, Rock, etc. Some classical. And some whimsical (like 'Send In The Clowns', etc). Worth taking a look see. No use fighting it. With computers being good at what they do YOU WILL GET CAUGHT is you use copyrighted material.Just don't put the title in the description as there MIGHT be other 'copyrighted' music with 'simular' sounding names and that will Red Flag your video. But if it's from FreePlayMusic, even if you get 'tagged', it won't amount to anything (ie: no 'legal' action will result) as it's FREE for personal use!! If you charge people to watch your video than this resourse can't be (legally) used, of course. Otherwise, it's ok to use in YouTube videos. Cheers.CBNapamule

Generally any "Popular" Record label song is going to require not only a lengthy application procedure, but a lot of cash (500 USD or more, depending on what it's being used for). Royalty free stuff is a good way to go, but as said, it's generally nothing worthy of a label....

I thought so. Actually I don't mind paying but the whole procedure is complicated at least. For some instrumental music this royalty free websites may be the way to go, I'll check out FreePlayMusic too, thanks napamule for suggestion.