Most beat-license comparisons are bloated checklists nobody actually reads. This one's different — here's exactly what each tier covers, what it doesn't, and which one fits your release. No filler, no upsell tricks.
The short answer
If you're recording a demo or testing a song that won't go past 10,000 streams in its lifetime, the $29 Basic is the right pick. It's a true entry-level lease — limited streams, no radio, one music video.
For pretty much any real release — a single you want to push, an EP, anything you're putting promotion behind — go straight to $79 Unlimited. It raises streams to 500,000, removes the distribution-copy cap, and unlocks radio rights. The extra $50 covers everything you'd actually need before going exclusive.
The $29 Basic license: what it covers
Basic is designed as a starter tier. It's the right choice when you want to legally release something small without overpaying. Here's exactly what you get:
- 10,000 audio streams across Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming platforms combined
- 500,000 non-monetized video streams on YouTube and similar platforms
- 1 music video (monetized or non-monetized — pick one)
- 2,000 paid distribution copies — Bandcamp downloads, CDs, vinyl, paid sales
- Unlimited free downloads — give the song away as much as you want
- Unlimited paid and non-profit live performances
- Untagged MP3 file delivery
- 10-year license term
What's not included on Basic: no radio broadcasting rights, no untagged WAV, no stems, and no monetized YouTube video streams. The 10,000-stream cap is the one that catches most people — a single song that picks up any momentum at all will blow past it.
The $79 Unlimited license: what it covers
Unlimited is the real release tier. It's what you want if you're putting effort or money behind a song. Here's the upgrade:
- 500,000 audio streams — 50× the Basic cap
- Unlimited non-monetized music videos (Basic only allows 1)
- 1 monetized music video with ad revenue allowed
- Unlimited paid distribution copies — sell as many CDs, downloads or vinyl as you want
- Radio broadcasting on up to 2 stations — Basic doesn't allow radio at all
- Untagged WAV + MP3 files for proper mixing
- Everything Basic includes (live performances, free downloads, 10-year term)
This is the tier most independent releases should default to. The $50 jump from Basic doesn't just bump numbers — it unlocks formats (radio, paid distribution) that Basic flat-out blocks.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Basic $29 | Unlimited $79 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio streams | 10,000 | 500,000 |
| Distribution copies (paid sales) | 2,000 | Unlimited |
| Free downloads | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Monetized music videos | 1 | 1 |
| Non-monetized music videos | 1 | Unlimited |
| Monetized video streams | 0 | 1 |
| Non-monetized video streams | 500,000 | 500,000 |
| Radio broadcasting | No | Yes — 2 stations |
| Paid live performances | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Non-profit performances | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Audio files delivered | Untagged MP3 | Untagged WAV + MP3 |
| License term | 10 years | 10 years |
Which one fits your release?
Pick the scenario closest to what you're doing:
You're recording a demo or testing a song
10K streams is enough for a small first release or a song you want to put out without much push. If it picks up traction, you can upgrade later.
You're dropping a SoundCloud freestyle or mixtape track
Free downloads are unlimited on Basic, and SoundCloud streams count under the audio cap. Fine for casual drops.
You're releasing a single you're seriously pushing
Once you're promoting a song — paid ads, playlist pitching, anything that drives real streams — 10K disappears fast. Unlimited's 500K cap covers a normal independent release.
You want to pitch to radio or DJs
Basic flat-out doesn't allow radio play. Unlimited covers up to 2 stations — enough for college radio, community stations, internet radio shows.
You're selling paid downloads, CDs, vinyl, or merch with the song
Basic caps you at 2,000 paid copies total. Unlimited removes that cap — if you're actually selling music in any volume, you need Unlimited.
You want the untagged WAV files and proper-quality audio
Basic delivers an untagged MP3. Unlimited gives you the clean WAV — better quality, no tag, easier to mix vocals against.
A label's involved, you're pitching for sync, or the song is already taking off
Exclusive transfers full rights, removes the beat from the store so no one else can buy it, and includes all stems and the project file. Negotiated case by case — reach out if you're at that stage.
Basic ($29) is honest entry-level — small caps, no radio, MP3 only. Unlimited ($79) is the tier for any release you're putting real effort behind. If you're unsure which side you're on, start with Basic and upgrade if the song starts working. You're not locked in.
What about going exclusive?
Both leases let the beat stay on sale to other artists, so multiple people could release over the same instrumental. For most independent releases that doesn't matter — your audience and theirs likely never overlap. But once a song starts performing seriously, or a label gets involved, you'll want the beat removed from sale.
Exclusive licenses are negotiated directly. They include full stems, the project file, full publishing transfer, and the beat is permanently pulled from the store. Reach out if you're at that stage.
The three tiers at a glance
- Untagged MP3
- 10K audio streams
- 2K paid copies
- No radio
- Untagged WAV + MP3
- 500K audio streams
- Unlimited paid copies
- Radio: 2 stations
- Full ownership transfer
- Beat removed from store
- All stems + project file
- Custom publishing terms
Pick your beat. License it in minutes.
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Browse Beats →Frequently asked questions
What's the real difference between the $29 and $79 license?
Basic caps you at 10,000 audio streams, 2,000 paid copies, 1 music video, no radio. Unlimited raises streams to 500,000, removes the paid-copy cap, allows unlimited non-monetized music videos, includes radio broadcasting on 2 stations, and delivers untagged WAV files.
Can I release on Spotify with the $29 Basic license?
Yes, up to 10,000 audio streams total. That's enough for a demo or a low-promotion drop. If you expect more, go straight to Unlimited.
Can I sell physical or digital copies on Basic?
Up to 2,000 paid copies total (CDs, vinyl, Bandcamp downloads, etc.). Free downloads are unlimited on both tiers.
Does Basic allow radio play?
No. Radio broadcasting starts at the Unlimited tier ($79), which covers up to 2 stations.
When should I go exclusive?
Label release, sync pitch, full publishing transfer needed, or a song that's already moving and you want the beat off the market. For everything else, Unlimited is the right ceiling.
What happens after 10 years?
Both leases have a 10-year term. After that, the rights revert and you'd need to re-license to keep the song commercially available. Exclusive licenses are full transfers, not 10-year terms.
Final word
Basic exists for one job: get a song out cheaply for testing. Anything more than that — promotion, radio, paid sales — needs Unlimited. The extra $50 isn't an upsell, it's the difference between an entry-level lease and a real release license. Pick a beat and license what you actually need.