Do You Need a Mechanical License for Suno AI?
Gary WhittakerWhat Is a Mechanical License – And Do You Need One with Suno?
Reader Question:
"I am using paid Suno Plan here. But what exactly is getting a mechanical license? How to know or go about it?"
What Is a Mechanical License?
A mechanical license gives you the legal right to reproduce and distribute someone else’s copyrighted song composition — that means the lyrics and melody, not the original recording. This license is required when you release a cover version of a song (like "Imagine" by John Lennon) to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or iTunes.
- It does not give you the right to use the original recording.
- It is only for audio formats (not video — video use requires a sync license).
How This Applies to Suno AI Music Creators
If you're using Suno AI (especially with a paid plan) to create original music, then:
- You do not need a mechanical license if you're using your own lyrics, melodies, and prompts.
- Suno’s Covers feature does not allow remakes of known songs. It only re-records your own AI-generated tracks in new styles. So no mechanical license is required there either.
However, here’s the complication:
Suno claims to block the creation of copyrighted or trademarked material, but:
- Suno’s filters are not perfect. Some generated tracks may unintentionally resemble known songs.
- This happens in cases where:
- A) You get flagged for copyright when uploading a song to a social platform.
- B) Friends or fans message you saying "this sounds like another song."
- C) You hear it yourself and feel a melody, line, or groove sounds familiar. One example currently under review is this Suno track: https://suno.com/s/oxN0ejWR00CwqNM5
In these edge cases — where the similarity is accidental but recognizable — you may still be at risk.
Should You Get a Mechanical License in These Situations?
If you suspect your track resembles a copyrighted work:
- A mechanical license can act as preventive coverage — it shows good-faith effort to license the composition, even if it was AI-generated.
- You don’t need this license unless you're distributing a real cover. But if your song feels like one (to you or others), it's worth reviewing and possibly licensing.
Legal history shows that even original songs can be sued for similarity. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Cardi B have faced this issue.
If you distribute something that even unintentionally resembles a protected work, you carry risk. Licensing is one way to manage it.
DistroKid: Built-In Licensing Option for Covers
If you decide that your track is close enough to an existing song to treat it as a cover, DistroKid offers a built-in licensing solution:
- $12/year per cover song
- DistroKid handles the mechanical license through HFA (Harry Fox Agency)
- Covers distributed to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.
- Royalties auto-handled (you keep all after statutory songwriter share)
- Affiliate Link: Sign up for DistroKid – 7% Off for New Users
This is not an encouragement to make covers using Suno — which is against their terms — but a way to protect yourself if the AI-generated result ends up too close.
Can You Just Rely on Suno to Block Copyrighted Material?
No.
Suno’s Terms of Use prohibit copyrighted input or output and attempt to block lyrics or melody reuse, but:
- Tests have shown that Suno can sometimes generate copyrighted lyrics or melodies (even exact lyrics)
- Their tools are improving, but there is no guarantee of protection
- If your Suno track sounds like a known song, and you distribute it, you could still be sued
The system doesn’t protect you. You are responsible.
DistroKid vs. BandLab for Suno AI Music Distribution
Once your track is ready, where should you distribute it?
DistroKid: For Fast, Wide, Legally-Compliant Distribution
- Annual Price: $19.99/year (unlimited uploads)
- Cover Licensing: Yes ($12/year per cover)
- Stores: 150+ platforms (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube Music, TikTok)
- Speed: Fastest in the industry (1–2 days)
- Royalties: You keep 100%
Optional add-ons exist but are not required.
Best for: AI music creators releasing frequently, needing quick and easy distribution, and planning to cover known songs legally.
Affiliate Link: Distribute Your Suno AI Music with DistroKid – 7% Off
BandLab: For Editing, Stems, and Fan Monetization
BandLab offers:
- Free DAW: Edit your Suno AI track in browser (mobile or desktop)
- Stem Separation Tool: Split your track into vocals, bass, drums, etc.
- Stem Replacement: Swap any part that might be risky
- Mastering Tool: Free online mastering
- Royalty-Free Loops & Sounds: 100,000+ sounds you can safely use
- Distribution: Unlimited, but requires a monthly membership
- Fan Monetization: Offer subscriptions or tip jars
Important: BandLab distribution requires a paid Membership (~$14.99/month) to keep 100% of royalties. If you cancel, BandLab keeps 20% of future streaming royalties until you reactivate.
First-Time Discount:
- 58% off annual plan
- 20% off monthly plan
Affiliate Link: Join BandLab Membership with First-Time Discount
Quick Comparison
| Feature | DistroKid | BandLab |
|---|---|---|
| Upload Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Price | $19.99/year | $14.99/month (for distro) |
| Cover Licensing | Yes (built-in) | No built-in |
| Stems / Editing Tools | No | Yes |
| Mastering | Paid Add-on | Free |
| Royalties | 100% | 100% (if subscribed) |
| Fan Monetization | No | Yes |
Final Recommendation
If your AI music is 100% original and ready to go:
- Use DistroKid for fast and affordable global release
If you want to edit, test stems, or offer subscriptions to fans:
- Use BandLab to polish and monetize creatively
If you want both? You can use BandLab to prepare your music and DistroKid to distribute it everywhere.
Let your Suno tracks move right. Don’t just drop them — distribute them smart.
Affiliate Link – DistroKid (7% Off): Start Here
Affiliate Link – BandLab (First-Time Discount): Start Here
