Cover Songs vs Originals — What’s Better Online? A Complete Guide for Musicians & Listeners

Author By: Rajab Ali

Introduction: The Digital Music Dilemma

In today’s online music world, the question of cover songs versus originals is more relevant than ever. Streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok have given every musician a global stage, but the competition is fierce. Should aspiring artists focus on creating original tracks, or can cover songs help them gain visibility?

Understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and online performance of both options is crucial for musicians, content creators, and even casual listeners. This guide explores the topic in depth, covering:

• Definitions and types of cover songs

• Differences between covers and originals

• Audience preferences

• Revenue and royalties

• Marketing strategies for both

• Legal considerations

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for leveraging music online effectively.

What Are Cover Songs and Originals?

Original Songs

An original song is a composition created by the artist, featuring:

• Original lyrics

• Unique melody and arrangement

• Creative ownership

Pros of Originals

• Full creative freedom

• Exclusive rights and royalties

• Builds long-term brand as a musician

Cons of Originals

• Harder to gain initial visibility

• Takes longer to produce and perfect

Cover Songs

A cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously released track. Covers can range from faithful reproductions to unique reinterpretations.

Pros of Covers

• Leverages existing popularity

• Easier audience discovery

• Ideal for social media virality

Cons of Covers

• Revenue sharing with original copyright owners

• Limited creative control

• Risk of comparison with the original

The Popularity of Cover Songs Online

Why Covers Go Viral

1. Familiarity – Listeners are drawn to songs they already know

2. Searchability – Covers appear in searches for original songs

3. Algorithm Boost – YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram often promote covers with high engagement

Examples

• YouTube cover stars like Boyce Avenue

• TikTok cover challenges

• Instagram reel covers gaining millions of views

Audience Perception: Originals vs Covers

Why Listeners Love Originals

• Authentic storytelling

• Fresh musical ideas

• Personal connection with the artist

Why Listeners Love Covers

• Comfort and familiarity

• Unique reinterpretations

• Discovering new talent through songs they know

Engagement Insights

• Covers tend to attract short-term attention

• Originals build long-term loyalty

Monetization & Royalties

Original Music Revenue

1. Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music)

2. Synchronization licenses (TV, films)

3. Performance royalties

Pros

• Higher revenue per stream

• Full ownership

Cons

• Harder to monetize without marketing

Cover Song Revenue

1. Ad revenue on YouTube (with proper licensing)

2. Performance royalties via mechanical licenses

3. Platform monetization dependent on permissions

Legal Tip: Platforms like YouTube have automated copyright systems; ensure you obtain mechanical licenses to monetize covers legally.

SEO & Discoverability Online

Original Songs

• Harder to rank initially

• Requires strategic keywords: artist name + song title + genre

• Promotion via playlists, blogs, and social media

Cover Songs

• Leverage keywords from original hits

• Often easier to appear in trending searches

• Great for driving traffic to artist’s profile

Creative Strategies: Blending Covers and Originals

Many successful musicians use a hybrid approach:

1. Covers for Visibility

   • Short, engaging content

   • Target trending songs

   • Attract new listeners

2. Originals for Branding

   • Showcase artistic voice

   • Build loyal fan base

   • Monetize fully

Example Strategy:

• Release weekly cover clips on social media

• Direct traffic to original releases on Spotify or YouTube

• Gradually grow your own catalog

Platform-Specific Considerations

YouTube

• Covers can generate massive views quickly

• Monetization requires licensing

• Originals benefit from long-term subscriber growth

Spotify & Streaming Services

• Originals dominate for royalties

• Covers may require mechanical licensing via platforms like DistroKid or Loudr

TikTok & Instagram

• Covers thrive in short-form video

• Virality can boost both cover and original tracks

Pros & Cons Table: Covers vs Originals

Tips for Making Cover Songs Stand Out

1. Add a unique twist – Change arrangement, tempo, or instrumentation

2. High-quality production – Invest in good audio and visuals

3. Engage with trends – Use TikTok challenges or YouTube shorts

4. Credit the original – Build credibility and avoid copyright issues

Tips for Promoting Original Songs Online

1. Optimize titles and descriptions – Include genre and mood keywords

2. Submit to playlists – Spotify editorial and independent curators

3. Collaborate – Work with influencers or other musicians

4. Leverage social media snippets – Short clips for TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

5. Engage fans – Encourage shares, comments, and user-generated content

Legal Considerations for Covers vs Originals

Covers

• Require mechanical licenses for distribution

• Monetization without license can lead to strikes or demonetization

• Platforms like YouTube have built-in tools for revenue sharing

Originals

• Copyright automatically belongs to the creator

• Enables full monetization, licensing, and royalties

Case Studies of Success Online

Cover Song Success

• Boyce Avenue – Millions of YouTube subscribers built on covers

• Pentatonix – Started with covers, transitioned to original hits

Original Song Success

• Billie Eilish – Original catalog drove global success

• Ed Sheeran – Originals built long-term streaming dominance

Lesson: Covers can be a springboard, but originals define long-term career.

Audience Engagement & Fan Growth

• Covers attract new listeners quickly

• Originals cultivate loyal fans

• Combining both helps maximize reach

Engagement Tips

• Ask viewers for song requests

• Release behind-the-scenes content

• Offer exclusive original content to returning fans

Final Verdict: Covers or Originals?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer:

• Cover songs: Best for exposure, social media engagement, and quick views

• Original songs: Best for building a music brand, monetization, and long-term career

Optimal Strategy: Use covers strategically to attract attention, then transition to originals for sustained growth.

SEO-Friendly Tags

• cover songs online

• original songs vs covers

• music monetization tips

• YouTube music strategy

• Spotify covers

• music discovery online

• online music marketing

• cover vs original comparison

• musician tips for online growth

Conclusion: Smart Music Strategy Online

The online music space rewards strategic thinking, creativity, and consistency. For new musicians and content creators:

• Covers can open the door

• Originals secure your legacy

• A hybrid approach maximizes visibility and revenue

By understanding audience preferences, platform rules, and creative potential, you can thrive in a world where both cover songs and originals have a place.

🎵 Remember: Covers spark attention, originals build identity, and the right combination leads to sustainable online success.