What's Included in a Custom Song Package?
Custom song packages vary wildly by service. Some hand you a single MP3 and call it done. Others include video, lyrics, keepsakes, and shareable links. Here's a full breakdown of what to expect, with Odesongs as the reference, and what to ask any service before you pay.
The core: the song itself
Every package includes the song. The questions to ask are about format and quality:
- MP3 or higher. Should be at least a 256kbps MP3. Cheaper services sometimes deliver a low-bitrate file that sounds compressed.
- Length. Standard is 2:30 to 3:30 of actual music. Shorter is usually a clip, not a song.
- Vocals. Real-sounding lead vocals are the difference between a gift and a curiosity.
- Full instrumentation. Drums, bass, harmonic instruments, lead melody. Not just an acoustic guitar over a phone mic.
What Odesongs delivers in the digital package ($14.99)
- A complete personalized song with real vocals, full instrumentation, and the recipient's name and your memories woven into the lyrics
- Two complete versions to choose between, generated from the same brief with slightly different feels
- An MP4 music video with on-screen animated lyrics, ready to play on a TV or share on social media
- A shareable link for sending via text, message, or email
- A high-quality MP3 download you can keep, transfer to a phone, or burn to a USB
- The full written lyrics in plain text
Optional physical add-ons
Every Odesongs digital song can be paired with a physical keepsake. None are required. Each one makes the gift more substantial without changing the underlying song:
- Personalized hardcover lyric book ($69.99). A premium printed book with the full lyrics, photos you provide, and the dedication you wrote. Shipped to your door.
- Acrylic lyric plaque ($49.99). Wall art with the song's waveform, key lyrics, the recipient's name, and a QR code that plays the song when scanned.
- Song greeting card ($24.99). A premium printed card with a QR code that plays the personalized song when scanned. Mailable.
- Full keepsake bundle ($119.99). The digital song plus all three physical keepsakes, priced lower than buying separately.
What's sometimes called "included" but really isn't
Be alert to these gotchas when comparing services:
- Watermarked previews. Some services let you hear a watermarked snippet and charge to unlock the clean version. Always check what you get after paying.
- Single-version delivery. If a service only sends one version and the brief was misinterpreted, you're stuck. Two versions is the safer norm.
- Streaming-only. A song that only lives on the company's website disappears if they shut down. Make sure you can download a file you own.
- Lyrics by request. Some services charge extra to send you the lyric sheet. The lyrics should be standard.
The rights you get
Odesongs grants personal-use rights. You can play it at private gatherings, share it with friends and family, post it to your personal social media, and use it however you'd use a song you bought on iTunes for a personal moment. Commercial use (selling it, syncing it to a paid ad, using it for business) is a separate conversation. Contact us if that's the goal.
The guarantee
Every Odesongs order is backed by a love-it guarantee. If the song misses the mark, we'll work with you to make it right.
What to ask any service before paying
- How long is the finished song?
- How many versions do I get?
- Will the lyrics include the specific name and memories I provide?
- Can I download the file or is it streaming only?
- What format do I receive (MP3, MP4 video, lyric sheet)?
- What rights do I have to share it?
- What's the policy if I'm not happy?