Is it legal to record music from the radio?
Short answer: yes – recording radio for private use is generally allowed in many countries. In Germany the basis is the private-copy rule (§ 53 UrhG): it permits individual copies of a work for private use, provided no copy protection is circumvented and the source is not obviously unlawful. A freely receivable, licensed radio stream regularly meets these conditions – recording it is the digital successor of taping radio onto cassette.
What's allowed – and what isn't
Allowed (private use):
✓ Recording radio streams and keeping the songs for yourself
✓ Listening on your own devices (Mac, iPhone, in the car)
✓ Individual copies for close family members
Not allowed:
✗ Uploading, publicly sharing or trading recordings
✗ Selling recordings or using them commercially
✗ Circumventing copy protection or paywalls (e.g. recording DRM-protected services)
Why recording radio is a special case
Radio stations pay license fees to collecting societies for the music they broadcast – the program is transmitted lawfully. In addition, levies on storage media and devices compensate rights holders for exactly this kind of private recording. Recording radio for yourself has been an established practice for decades – from the cassette recorder to a modern radio recorder on the Mac.
Note: This page explains the legal situation in general terms and is not legal advice. Last updated: July 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to record music from internet radio?
For private use, in many countries yes. In Germany, for example, the private-copy rule (§ 53 UrhG) allows recording radio for yourself and your close family, as long as no copy protection is circumvented and the source is not obviously unlawful. Public, licensed radio streams regularly meet these conditions.
May I share or sell my recordings?
No. The private-copy exception only covers private use. Uploading, publicly sharing or selling recordings is not allowed.
Is recording radio the same as illegal downloading?
No. When you record radio you capture a freely receivable, licensed broadcast – like taping radio with a cassette recorder. Illegal downloading refers to obviously unlawful sources.
Does this apply outside Germany?
Many countries have similar private-copy rules, but the details differ. When in doubt, check the law of your country.
