How to Clear a Sample in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

You sampled a song in your beat. It sounds incredible. But can you actually release it?

Sample clearance is the legal process of getting permission to use someone else's recording in your music. Skip it and you risk takedowns, lawsuits, and losing all the revenue from your release. Here's how it actually works.

What Needs to Be Cleared?

When you sample a song, you're using two separate copyrights:

You need both clearances. Getting one without the other doesn't protect you.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear a Sample

Step 1: Identify the Rights Holders

Find out who owns the master recording and who owns the publishing:

• Master: Check the original release. The label name is on the cover art, streaming page, or physical media. For older music, masters may have been sold multiple times.
• Publishing: Search ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC databases. Enter the song title and you'll find the publisher(s) and writer(s).

Step 2: Contact Both Parties

Reach out to the label's A&R or licensing department for master clearance. Contact the publisher for composition clearance. Many labels have online submission forms for sample clearance requests.

In your request, include:

• Your name and artist name
• The song you're sampling (title, artist, specific section)
• How you're using the sample (loop, chop, interpolation)
• Your release plans (single, album, streaming, physical)
• A demo of your track with the sample

Step 3: Negotiate Terms

There's no standard rate for sample clearance. Deals typically involve:

• Upfront fee: A one-time payment. Can range from $500 to $50,000+ depending on how famous the original song is and how prominently you use it.
• Revenue share: A percentage of your song's royalties. Common range is 15-50% of publishing and/or master revenue.
• Advance + revenue share: The most common structure. You pay an upfront fee plus ongoing royalties.

Step 4: Get It in Writing

Never release a track based on verbal permission. Get a signed agreement that specifies:

• Exactly what you're allowed to use
• The financial terms (fees, royalty splits)
• Territory (worldwide or limited)
• Duration (perpetual or time-limited)
• Formats (streaming, physical, sync)

Step 5: Release

With both clearances signed, you can distribute your track through any platform. Keep copies of all agreements. You may need to provide them if a platform flags your release.

How Much Does Sample Clearance Cost?

For independent producers, these costs are usually prohibitive. That's why alternatives exist.