This is a hill I will absolutely continue to die on.

Let’s talk facts:
Crumbl Cookies is currently being sued by Warner Music Group for allegedly (yes, ALLEGEDLY) using at least 159 sound recordings from Warner artists, spread across 286 videos and they reportedly did not take them down after being notified. (Source: Restaurant Business Online)

To the tune (HA! Pun absolutely intended) of $24 Million dollars.

I have warned you. I have told you time and time again.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

And this Crumbl case is proof positive:
🎵 If you use copyrighted music to sell your products without permission, you’re not “riding the trend,” you’re putting a giant target on your back.
🎵 Music labels will come after you when they find out you’ve been profiting off their intellectual property.
🎵 They are not interested in your good intentions. They are interested in their fair share.

“But Mo, why does TikTok/Instagram let me use these sounds then?”

They don’t “LET YOU” do anything. They licensed the music for PERSONAL USE, not for COMMERCIAL USE. (It’s in the fine print.)

For your cat videos ✅
For your dance-offs ✅
For your ads, sales promotions, brand reels, sponsored posts, or product launches ❌

How to Safely Use Trending Sounds on Social Media (The Do’s and Don’ts):

✅ DO use royalty-free music or music explicitly marked for commercial use.
✅ DO check platform-specific commercial music libraries (Meta, TikTok have them!)
✅ DO invest in a music license if you must use a popular song.
✅ DO stay updated on platform guidelines. Your responsibility, not theirs.
❌ DON’T assume “everyone else is doing it” protects you. It doesn’t.
❌ DON’T think that because a sound is trending, it’s free game for your business.
❌ DON’T ignore take-down warnings or copyright strikes. They escalate. Fast.
❌ DON’T jeopardize your business over a few seconds of hype. It’s not worth it.

Hope this helps you out the next time you decide you’re gonna “Be one of the cool kids…” and wind up with a million dollar lawsuit on your hands.

Deuces,
Mo