A beat lease lets an artist release a song on a beat while the producer keeps selling the same beat to other people, usually with limits on streams, sales and music videos. Exclusive rights mean only that artist can use the beat from then on, and the producer stops selling it, though anyone who leased it before can normally keep their song out. Leases are cheap; exclusives cost much more. Whichever you choose, put it in a licence you both sign. Our free beat licence maker writes one in plain English, with no account needed.
Below is what each option gets you, what to check before you pay, and why the signature matters more than people think. Tonivo is ours, and the licence maker is free to use without a Tonivo account.
What a beat lease is
A lease (also called a non-exclusive licence) gives an artist permission to use a beat in their own song and release it, within set limits. The producer still owns the beat and can lease it to as many other artists as they like.
A typical lease sets limits on:
- how many streams the song can get
- how many copies or downloads can be sold
- how many music videos can be made
- paid live performances and radio play
- how long the lease lasts, if it has an end date
When a song hits a limit, the artist usually needs to upgrade or buy a new licence to keep it out. Leases are the cheapest way to get a quality beat, which is why most independent artists start here.
What an unlimited lease is
An unlimited lease removes the caps on streams and sales, but it is still non-exclusive. The producer can keep leasing the same beat to other artists. It suits artists who expect a song to do well but do not need to be the only one on the beat.
What exclusive rights are
With exclusive rights, the producer stops selling the beat and only you can use it from that point on. Most "exclusives" are an exclusive licence: the producer still owns the beat itself, usually keeps their credit and a share of the songwriting, but no one new can lease it. A few are a full buyout, where the producer transfers ownership. The licence should say which one you are getting.
Two things catch people out:
- Old leases carry on. A producer can stop selling new leases, but cannot cancel ones already sold. Those artists can keep their songs out until their lease ends or hits its limits. Ask how many times the beat was leased before you buy the exclusive.
- Exclusive does not always mean all the money. The producer usually keeps a share of the songwriting royalties, and sometimes a share of the master. Read what you are buying.
Lease vs exclusive at a glance
- Lease: the cheapest. Limits on streams and sales, and the producer keeps selling the beat to other artists.
- Unlimited lease: costs more. No limits, but the producer still sells the beat to other artists.
- Exclusive: the most expensive. Only you can use the beat from now on, though earlier leases carry on.
In all three, the producer usually keeps a share of the songwriting.
For real numbers, see how much to pay a producer.
Who owns the master on a leased beat?
It depends on what the licence says, which is why it should say it. The producer keeps ownership of the beat itself. Many leases let the artist own their new recording (the master, with their vocals on it) within the licence limits. Others say the producer keeps it and the artist only has permission to release it. Neither is wrong, but both sides need to know which it is before the song comes out.
The producer's songwriting share
The beat is part of how the song is written, so producers commonly keep a share of the songwriting (publishing) royalties, often 50% of the song, with the artist and any other writers sharing the rest. This is separate from the price of the lease or exclusive. Put the number in the licence, and on a split sheet if other writers are involved.
Why the licence has to be signed
An unsigned licence may not count. On 6 November 2026 a US federal judge threw out a copyright case over Flo Milli's song "Never Lose Me". The artist suing said he had bought a $200 exclusive licence to the beat, but the producer had never signed it, and in the US an exclusive licence has to be in writing and signed by the owner (Music Business Worldwide has the story). Rules differ between countries, but a licence both sides have signed is the clearest proof everywhere.
How to write a beat licence
- Pick the type: a lease with limits, an unlimited lease, or an exclusive.
- Name both sides with legal names, plus the beat title and the song it will be used in.
- Set the price and limits: streams, sales, videos, performances and how long it lasts.
- Agree the credit, for example "prod. by" in the title or the credits.
- Say who owns the master and what share of the songwriting the producer keeps.
- For an exclusive, say whether the beat was leased before and that those leases continue.
- Both sign and date it, and both keep a copy.
Our beat licence maker walks through each of these and gives you a plain-English PDF to sign. It runs in your browser, and nothing you type is sent to us.
Common questions
What is the difference between a beat lease and exclusive rights?
A lease lets you release a song on the beat with limits while the producer keeps selling it to others. Exclusive rights mean the producer stops selling it and only you can use it from then on, though earlier leases normally carry on.
Can I put a leased beat on Spotify?
Yes, as long as you stay within the lease's limits. Once the song passes the stream or sales cap, you usually need to upgrade the licence to keep it up.
What happens when I hit the limits on my lease?
Most producers let you upgrade to a bigger lease or buy the exclusive. Check the licence: it should say what happens when a limit is reached.
Can I buy the exclusive after leasing a beat?
Usually, yes, if no one else has bought it first. Ask the producer before your song takes off, and get the new licence signed.
What does "free for non-profit" mean on a beat?
It means you can use the beat in songs you do not make money from, such as a free upload, but you need to buy a licence before you release it for money or on streaming services that pay out. If in doubt, ask the producer and get it in writing.
Is there a free beat licence template?
Yes. Our beat licence maker is free, needs no account, and covers leases, unlimited leases and exclusives.
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