If you're unsure of the differences between Christian Copyright Licensing International and Christian Copyright Solutions, you certainly aren't alone.
Both companies have similar names, and both serve the church by providing licensing solutions. However, each offers licenses for a unique group of music rights that churches need to legally cover everyday activities. It’s not a case of one license over the other - depending on your activities, you may require a combination of both.
In summary:
CCLI's licensing solutions primarily address reproduction (or copying) rights.
CCS's licensing solutions primarily address performance rights.
Now, let's dive a little deeper:
CCLI’s Church Copyright License allows churches to copy more than 500,000 worship songs and hymns to assist congregational singing, including:
• Storing lyrics and music on digital devices to enable the visual projection of songs
• Printing songs
• Recording services
• Making custom arrangements
• Projecting lyrics
• Translating songs
CCLI also offers a Streaming License covering nearly 450,000 songs authorized by the CCLI Church Copyright License giving churches the right to post live-recorded worship services online, either on their own website or social media.
The CCS PERFORMmusic License authorizes churches to legally perform live or play pre-recorded versions of more than 28 million songs from the catalogs of ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC anywhere outside of religious services, including:
• Music before and after services
• Onsite cafes and bookstores
• Conferences and retreats
• Special events
• Youth groups
• Social events
• Ceremonies
• On-hold music
CCS also offers the WORSHIPcast Streaming License which permits churches to stream those same 28 million songs from their church website.
The great news is that CCLI and CCS work together to provide the broadest comprehensive licensing available, making the use of copyrights simple, legal, and affordable, and ensuring churches and ministries are protected.