For creators
A creator-friendly licensing guide for NightHawk22 music
Use my music in your videos, levels, streams, and projects - here's how.
Quick permissions summary
The essentials at a glance.
- Free for non-commercial creator use — YouTube, TikTok, Shorts, Reels, streams, edits
- Geometry Dash use is free for all tracks
- Covers (new recordings) are allowed for free
- Content ID claims are normal — they are not strikes and do not hurt channels
- Monetized videos are fine — Content ID may claim them automatically, no action needed
- Commercial, brand, or sponsored use requires a license
- Re-uploads and standalone audio uploads are not allowed
What you can do for free
Most creator use is free — no permission needed.
Free to use
- YouTube videos — including monetized (Content ID may claim)
- TikTok / Shorts / Reels
- Geometry Dash levels
- AMVs / GMVs / gameplay edits
- School and personal projects
- Twitch streams (non-commercial)
- Covers — new recordings of the song without using original NightHawk22 audio
Most creators can use the music without ever contacting me — including on monetized videos. A Content ID claim may appear; that's normal and not a problem. A license is only needed for commercial or brand use, or if you specifically want a claim released to retain your video's monetization.
Content ID explained
What a claim actually means — and what to do about it.
- A Content ID claim is not a strike — your channel is not penalized.
- Claims do not affect your channel standing, health, or ability to monetize other content.
- Content ID is active on all tracks by default. Seeing a claim is completely normal.
- Many creators use the music with a claim active and never take any other action — that's the default path. It's how the music stays supported, and it's completely fine.
What is not allowed
The following uses are not permitted without explicit permission.
- Uploading full tracks or standalone audio files
- Distributing to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, or similar platforms
- Remixing or sampling original NightHawk22 audio
- Altered versions: slowed, sped up, reverb, nightcore, or similar edits
- Use in AI training datasets
- NFT or blockchain use
Please link to official releases instead.
Monetization & licensing
If you want to keep monetization on a video, a license is required. Otherwise, you can use the music normally and a Content ID claim may apply.
Monetized YouTube videos
- You can use the music in monetized videos. A Content ID claim may apply, which is normal and helps support the music.
- Most creators leave the claim active and move on. You don't need to do anything.
- A license is only needed if you want to keep your video's monetization.
- Licenses are case-by-case, typically per video.
Shorts, TikTok & Reels
- Short-form content is free to use. Content ID may place a claim.
- Claim releases for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels are rare and handled case-by-case.
- Sponsored or brand-deal content requires a license.
Games & interactive use
Free for non-commercial use — license needed for commercial projects.
Free — non-commercial
- Non-commercial and fan-made games
- Game jams and personal projects
- School or educational game projects
- Mods and community levels
Requires a license
- Games sold on Steam, itch.io, or mobile app stores
- Roblox games with Robux revenue or in-game purchases
- Apps or games with paid access, premium content, or monetized gameplay
Indie licensing is available case-by-case and may cover one game with one or more tracks. Approved licenses may include promotional trailers.
Crediting / attribution
Required for licensed uses. Strongly recommended for everything else.
Preferred credit format
Music: NightHawk22
Track: [Song Name]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4td9WXh9BhCVysTFUXcOmr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NightHawk22Official
You can also find all tracks on Spotify and YouTube.
Platform examples
- Geometry Dash:Song by NightHawk22
- Short-form (TikTok / Reels / Shorts):Music: NightHawk22
- Streams / videos:Music by NightHawk22, Track: [Song Name]
When is attribution required?
Attribution helps viewers discover the music and supports future releases.
- Licensed or commercial use: Required
- Covers: Required. Please clearly indicate it is a cover.
- Free creator use (YouTube, Shorts, GD, etc.): Strongly recommended
Licensing & professional use
Primarily for commercial projects, brand use, and larger creators who need monetization retained.
Licensing is intended for commercial projects, brand campaigns, and established creators who specifically need a claim released. If that describes your use, reach out with a few details:
- Project type and track(s) you want to use
- A link to your project or channel if available
- Whether the content is monetized, sponsored, or commercial
Not all requests can be approved. Permissions may be revoked for misuse or violation of these guidelines. Some tracks may involve third-party rights and may require additional permission.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use your music in Geometry Dash levels?
My Newgrounds tracks are officially whitelisted and available in Geometry Dash.
To use a track:
- Visit my Newgrounds profile
- Open the song you want
- Copy the Song ID (the number in the URL)
- Paste it into the Geometry Dash level editor's Custom Song field
If it loads, it's approved for use. No permission needed.
Appreciated: If you showcase your level on YouTube, please credit: Music by NightHawk22
Do I need a license if my video is monetized?
No, you can still use the music. A Content ID claim may apply, which is normal. A license is only needed if you want to keep monetization on that video.
Will a Content ID claim harm my channel?
No. A Content ID claim is not a strike and does not affect your channel standing, health, or ability to monetize other content. Do not dispute a claim unless you have a valid license. Disputing without one can escalate to a copyright strike.
Can I remix your music?
Remixes are not allowed by default. They may be considered case-by-case if the remix is meaningfully transformative and does not compete with or create confusion around the original release.
Can I re-upload your full tracks?
No. Please link to the original platforms instead. Uploading full tracks or standalone audio is not allowed.