TuneLockr or SACEM: which to choose to protect your music?
Many artists ask the same question: should they register with SACEM, use TuneLockr, or choose one instead of the other? In reality, these two solutions do not serve the same purpose. Here is a clear comparison, without legal jargon, to understand when to use TuneLockr, when to join SACEM, and why the two are often complementary.
TuneLockr or SACEM: two very different roles
🎵 TuneLockr: proving prior authorship
TuneLockr is a service for online deposit of musical works. It timestamps a creation (music, text, lyrics, demo, beat) to establish a proof of precedence.
In practical terms, this means you can demonstrate that you are indeed the creator of a work at a specific date, even before its official release.
➜ Official site: tunelockr.com | TuneLockr application
🎼 SACEM: managing rights and remuneration
SACEM is a collective management organisation. Its role is to collect and redistribute copyright royalties when your music is broadcast (radio, TV, streaming, concerts, public venues).
It doesn't get involved during the creative process, but after the release.
➜ Information official: sacem.fr
TuneLockr or SACEM: comparison table
| Criterion | TuneLockr | SACEM |
|---|---|---|
| Moment of use | Before release | After release |
| Main function | Proof of prior art | Rights collection |
| Quick deposit | Yes (a few minutes) | No |
| Required for distribution | No | No |
| Remuneration | No | Yes |
| Legal value | Legally admissible proof of prior authorship | Legal rights management |
Practical scenarios: what to do depending on your situation
📤 You're sending a demo to a label or an artist
Deposit your work on TuneLockr before sending it. This protects you in case of a dispute or uncredited reuse.
🚀 You're releasing a single on Spotify
TuneLockr helps secure the creation. SACEM then handles the royalties related to broadcasts/streams.
🤝 You're collaborating with several authors/beatmakers
A TuneLockr deposit helps avoid authorship disputes. Each version can be timestamped.
Why TuneLockr and SACEM are complementary
Contrary to common belief, it's not about choosing between TuneLockr or and SACEM.
👉 TuneLockr protects the creation.
👉 SACEM manages rights after exploitation.
This combination is today one of the most coherent for artists independents, especially in a context of rapid creation and AI music.
TuneLockr or SACEM: Useful resources
- Protecting your music before SACEM: Beathoven comprehensive guide
- Uploading your music online: how to
- eIDAS regulation (European framework): European Commission
Conclusion
TuneLockr and SACEM do not address the same need. If you create music today, the question is not "TuneLockr or SACEM?" but rather:
How do I secure my creation before releasing it, then get paid afterwards?
In this logic, TuneLockr operates upstream, SACEM downstream.
➜ Before any release or collaboration: deposit your music on TuneLockr .
