Mutes are frustrating, without a doubt, for us, just as much as they are for our users.

That said, we are hopeful to make them obsolete one day, but until then, here is what you need to know. 100% of the music in Pretzel's catalog is completely licensed for use on Twitch. We've worked hard to ensure we always have your back regarding DMCA. Outside of removing all music (potentially some game audio) from your VODs and routing audio to a different channel in your broadcasting software, there's not much anyone can do to prevent mutes right now. If you receive a mute on a Pretzel track, you can appeal the mute through Twitch to have it removed. Appeals are not an automated process (like mutes), and are handled by Twitch's team. It can sometimes take a few weeks for them to review your appeal and make changes.

Important: Mutes are not DMCA takedown notices. Only rights holders or an entity legally able to act on behalf of the rights holders can issue DMCA takedown notices.

Here's what you can find in this article:

• Why do mutes happen if your catalog is licensed for Twitch?
• What is Pretzel doing to resolve the issue?
• I've filled out a VOD Mute form but continue receiving mutes for the same track/artist.
• How do I appeal my Mute with Twitch?
• My Appeal was denied. Now what?

Why do mutes happen if your catalog is licensed for Twitch?

Twitch doesn't check content themselves against an internal copyright ID system. Instead, they outsource this responsibility to a third-party company called Audible Magic.

If your VOD is muted, it's due to content being flagged as "copyrighted" within Audible Magic's database. In response, to protect themselves legally, Twitch will automatically mute a portion of your VOD (often at least 6 minutes) to remove any flagged content. Audible Magic manages content ID for many sites other than Twitch, and occasionally, a song will be flagged due to the permissions set by the rights holders. Music can be flagged for different reasons, including numerous albums under multiple alias names for the same artist, sample packs being widely used by different artists, or, as is often the case with Classical tracks, there could be several recordings of the same composition that various artists have used.

Regardless of the case, if you are using Pretzel, you have the proper licenses to use our catalog on Twitch, including in your clips and VODs.

What is Pretzel doing to resolve the issue?

We've been in discussion for some time with Twitch and Audible Magic about the problem. For various reasons, we've been unable to reach a permanent resolution. That said, our current meetings are auspicious, and as soon as we've got the solution, we'll be sure to clue you in!

I've filled out a VOD Mute form but continue receiving mutes for the same track/artist.

We greatly appreciate your VOD Mute form submissions and send those directly to our music team for review. In most cases, we'll contact the artist directly to resolve the issue and avoid further mutes. But, in some cases, the artist is responsible and will notify their fans about the problem, i.e., social media, email, website, etc. If you have not done so already, try checking with the artist to see if they've addressed this in a public forum.

How do I appeal my Mute with Twitch?

Easy peasy: follow this link for step-by-step instructions from Twitch's platform.

Be sure to select the Appeal Reason: "I have permission from all applicable rights holders to use the audio and distribute it on Twitch as part of my video."

Important:

The signing portion may look daunting, and that's because it's meant to be. Acquiring legal permission from artists to use their music is serious business, which is why we toiled endlessly to create Pretzel. Each of our tracks has pages of legal connected to it, and each artist has signed and granted the permissions you need through Pretzel, so you can be confident in signing off on this part of the appeals process.

Finally, you can check the status of your appeal by clicking on the appeal video. When your video has been reviewed, you will receive an email with the outcome.

My Appeal was denied. Now what?

We're sorry to hear it; the artist agreement was most likely updated before we were made aware, and the track may no longer be "Twitch Safe." Rest assured, if this is the case, we'll be made aware, and the status of that track will be updated in our player to avoid further confusion moving forward.

The most important takeaway is that you will not receive a DMCA Takedown request or Copyright Strike, and your Twitch account has had no negative impact!