Simpler Cover Song Permission with Creates

Choose a song from participating publishers, submit your request in a few steps, and track everything from one dashboard until your cover is ready for the next stage.

Registration and the initial request have no upfront fee. Usage terms follow publisher approval and the Digital Agreement.

Search the catalog Request permission Upload assets Track status

How to request cover song permission through Creates

The request is submitted before the audio master and artwork so the publisher can review use of the composition first.

  1. Sign in or create an account

    Activate your Creates account and complete the Digital Agreement before submitting a request.

  2. Find the song in the catalog

    Select a title from a participating publisher’s catalog. Songs that are not listed cannot currently be submitted through CTM.

  3. Complete the cover details

    Provide the cover artist, label, genre, YouTube channel, and terms acceptance accurately.

  4. Publisher reviews the request

    If approved, upload the final WAV master and artwork for the next review and activation stage.

Everything you need to prepare your cover

From finding a song to tracking its status, the complete process is organized in one Creates account.

Publisher song catalog

Find available songs and see the publisher responsible for the request.

Your own recording master

After approval, upload the final version you produced together with its release artwork.

Connected publisher review

The request is sent to the relevant publisher and the result appears directly in the dashboard.

Status and reporting

Request progress, asset status, activation, and available reports are tracked in the dashboard.

From choosing a song to going active, everything stays connected.

Search the catalog, submit a request, continue with uploads, and track the result without moving between services. Creates brings the complete process into one dashboard.

CATALOG

Find the song that fits you best

Search by title, songwriter, or publisher, then choose the song you want to perform.

ONE DASHBOARD

From approval to royalty reports

Request status, assets, activation, analytics, and reports are organized within the Creates ecosystem.

Start simple. Add assets after approval.

For the initial request, simply choose a song and complete the cover details. The audio master and artwork are uploaded after publisher approval.

  • A title selected from the Cover to Master catalog
  • Cover artist, label, genre, and YouTube channel
  • Complete and accurate usage information
  • Final WAV audio master after approval
  • Square JPG or PNG artwork, at least 3000 × 3000 px

Track every request stage

Dashboard statuses show the next action without leaving you to guess where the request stands.

Under review

The publisher is reviewing your request.

Upload assets

It is time to upload the final audio master and artwork.

Awaiting activation

Creates is preparing the assets for activation.

Active

The cover is active and ready to track from the dashboard.

Cover song permission questions

Answers about the catalog, publishers, copyright claims, monetization, audio, artwork, and review process.

What is Cover to Master?

Cover to Master is a process for requesting permission to use a song composition in a new cover recording. Creates sends the request to the relevant rights publisher, and the next stages follow the publisher’s decision and the Digital Agreement.

How do I request permission for a cover song through Creates?

Sign in or register, find the song in the Cover to Master catalog, complete the cover artist, label, genre, and YouTube channel details, then submit the request. The relevant rights publisher will review it.

Can every song be submitted?

No. Requests are available only for titles listed in the Creates catalog. Catalog availability may change, and the final decision remains with the relevant rights publisher.

Is there a fee to submit a Cover to Master request?

Account registration and the initial request have no upfront fee. Revenue sharing, permitted uses, and other terms follow the publisher’s approval and the applicable Digital Agreement.

When do I upload the audio master and artwork?

The audio master and artwork are uploaded after the publisher approves the request. Audio must be a final WAV recording, while artwork must be square, at least 3000 × 3000 pixels, and supplied as JPG or PNG.

How does Creates handle copyright for cover songs?

Creates connects your request with the publisher administering the composition. Once approved and processed, usage and asset information can be tracked in the dashboard. A Content ID claim also does not automatically mean a copyright strike.

Can a cover song earn revenue on YouTube?

Yes, eligible cover videos may receive revenue sharing when a publisher claims them through Content ID. Eligibility follows channel status, YouTube policies, territory, the song, and the rights holder’s terms.

What is the difference between a cover, remix, and sample?

A cover is a new recording you produce from a composition. A remix or sample uses part of an existing recording. Creates Cover to Master is designed for new cover recordings.

Can I create my own arrangement?

Yes. You may create your own arrangement and performance style as a new recording. If you plan to change the lyrics, title, or principal melody, disclose it so the publisher can provide the appropriate guidance.

How long does publisher review take?

Review times vary depending on the publisher, data completeness, catalog status, and any required revisions. The latest status is available in the CTM dashboard.

Have you chosen the song you want to cover?

Search the catalog and request permission through Creates.

Start a Cover to Master request