Music Licensing for All Star Cheer: What Coaches Need to Know
Why licensing matters in cheer
A cheer mix combines recordings, edits them, changes tempo and adds sound effects and voiceovers. Under US copyright law that requires permission from the owners of every recording and composition used. USA Cheer states that teams may not create a remix, mash up or medley without written authorization from the copyright owners. Source: USA Cheer Music FAQ.
Buying a song on iTunes does not cover remixing it. USA Cheer allows a single legally purchased song with minor timing edits only, and no added sound effects, tempo changes or mixing with other recordings. Source: USA Cheer Music FAQ.
What Varsity events ask for
Varsity Spirit states that teams must be able to provide proof of licensing as a printed copy at registration. Accepted forms include proof of purchase from a music provider, a receipt for a single song, proof from an editor that covers every sound effect and voiceover in the mix, or documentation from a non commercial provider that assigns all applicable rights to the team. Source: Varsity Spirit Music Guidelines.
Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube are not allowed. Source: Varsity Spirit 2025 to 2026 Event Guidelines (PDF).
What happens without proof
Per Varsity, a team without the required paperwork can buy a pre mixed track from a music provider that licenses immediately, or count the routine verbally. A team that chooses neither can be disqualified. Source: Varsity Spirit Music Guidelines.
At The Cheerleading Worlds, USASF reviews proof of licensing for all music during roster verification. Source: USASF Cheerleading Worlds Information Packet (PDF).
Where original and AI generated music fits
USA Cheer notes that teams can use original compositions created or commissioned by them, where they own or license the rights by written agreement. Source: USA Cheer Music FAQ. Music generated from scratch, with no copyrighted recordings sampled, falls into this original music category, but each event producer decides what documentation it accepts.
Every finished CheerMix AI™ download includes a license certificate with a unique ID, a file fingerprint and a public verification page. CheerMix AI™ is not listed in the Varsity Music Provider Directory and is not approved by USASF or Varsity, so check with your event producer before competing. USA Cheer says questions about whether music is acceptable should go to the event producer. Source: USA Cheer Music FAQ.
Build a custom mix in CheerMix AI™. Previews are free, and a finished mix is $49 with unlimited edits. See pricing.
FAQ
Can I use a song I bought on iTunes?
USA Cheer allows a single purchased song with timing edits only. Remixing, adding effects or changing tempo requires a license from every rights owner.
Do voiceovers and sound effects need a license too?
Yes. Varsity requires editors to provide proof of licensing for all sound effects and voiceovers included in the mix.