If you sample an existing song, the original songwriters and publishers are entitled to a piece of your Composition (Publishing). There is no “5-second rule”—any recognizable sample requires clearance. In many cases, if the sample is the “hook” of your song, the original writers may demand 50% to 100% of the publishing, leaving you with only the royalties from your new recording (the Master).
1. The Two People You Have to Pay
When you sample a track, you are using two different copyrights, and you must get permission (clearance) for both:
- The Master Clearance: You pay the Record Label (or whoever owns the original audio) for the right to use the recording. This is usually an upfront fee + a small percentage of your sales/streams.
- The Publishing Clearance: You negotiate with the Original Songwriters/Publishers for the right to use the melody or lyrics. This is where they take a “split” of your songwriting ownership.
2. Common Publishing Split Scenarios
Every sampling deal is a negotiation, but here is what is “standard” in 2025:
| Use Case | Typical Publishing Split to Original Owner |
| Minor Background Loop | 10% – 25% |
| The Main Hook / Chorus | 50% – 75% |
| Complete Re-work (Interpolation) | 25% – 50% (No Master fee, but Publishing still applies) |
| Extremely High Profile Sample | 90% – 100% (e.g., Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings”) |
3. The “Sync Killer”: Why Uncleared Samples are Dangerous
Music supervisors for TV and film have a “Zero Tolerance” policy for uncleared samples.
- The Liability: If a supervisor puts your song in a Netflix show and later discovers an uncleared sample, the original publisher can sue the show for millions.
- The “One-Stop” Standard: Most sync deals require you to be “One-Stop” (meaning you control 100% of the rights). If you have an uncleared sample, you are not one-stop, and you will be skipped for the placement.
4. Interpolation vs. Sampling: The “Hack”
If you love a melody but the Master Fee from the record label is too high, you can “Interpolate” it.
- What it is: You re-record the melody yourself with your own instruments/voice instead of using the original audio file.
- The Benefit: You don’t have to pay or ask the record label for the Master Clearance.
- The Catch: You still have to clear the Publishing with the original songwriters. You save money on the recording side, but you still lose a split on the songwriting side.
5. How Audiobulb Protects Your Sample-Based Tracks
At Audiobulb, we help you navigate the transition from “Bedroom Producer” to “Professional Rights Holder.”
- Sync Eligibility Vetting: Before we pitch your music through our Sync Pitching Service, we help you confirm that your samples are cleared. This makes you a “Safe Bet” for music supervisors.
- 0% Commission Administration: For a flat $19.99/year, we manage your publishing. Even if you only own 25% of a song after a sample split, we ensure you collect 100% of your 25% share globally.
- Metadata Accuracy: We link your ISRC/ISWC with the original writers’ data. This prevents your royalties from getting stuck in a “conflict” at your PRO, ensuring the money flows to all parties correctly.
Summary
Sampling is a partnership. If you use a sample, be prepared to share the “Songwriting” credit. If you want to keep 100% of your publishing, use Royalty-Free libraries (like Splice or Tracklib) or create 100% original melodies. But if you have a hit that uses a sample, clear it early—before it becomes a legal nightmare.
Your Next Step: Have a track with a sample that you’re ready to clear and pitch? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to access our Sync Pitching Service and ensure your global publishing splits are managed professionally.