Check the song’s copyright notice, credits, or liner notes
Look up the song in the U.S. Copyright Office public records
Search the publisher or record label’s official website
Check streaming platforms for rights and licensing information
Use a music rights database such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or PRS
Search the song title, artist name, and songwriter names together
Verify whether the song is in the public domain
Check the release date and copyright term
Review whether the recording and the composition have separate copyrights
Contact the publisher, label, or rights holder directly
Assume the music is copyrighted unless you confirm otherwise