What does proof of existence mean?

Proof of existence is a verifiable record showing that a specific file existed at a specific moment in time. It does not determine who created the file, who owns it, or what legal rights apply to it. It simply establishes that a file with a specific cryptographic fingerprint existed at a recorded timestamp.

What is a SHA-256 hash?

A SHA-256 hash is a fixed-length string of characters generated from the contents of a file. The same file always produces the same hash. If even one character in the file changes, the hash changes completely. This makes it useful as a fingerprint — you can prove that a specific file, unchanged, existed at the time the hash was recorded.

What is an RFC 3161 timestamp?

RFC 3161 is an internet standard for trusted timestamps. A trusted timestamp authority (TSA) records the exact moment a piece of data existed and signs that record cryptographically. The timestamp is independent — it does not depend on Lyricsmit's own servers to be valid. It can be verified by any party with access to the public TSA infrastructure.

What can proof of existence show?

A proof-of-existence record can show that a specific file existed at a specific moment in time. It can demonstrate that a file has not been altered since the record was created — because any change would produce a different hash. It provides an independent, verifiable reference point for when a piece of work existed.

What can proof of existence not do?

Proof of existence cannot establish who created a file, who owns it, or what rights apply to it. It is not a copyright registration, a legal filing, or a substitute for professional legal advice. It records existence and timing — nothing more.

Why do creators use proof of existence?

Creators use proof of existence to document their work at a specific moment — before sending it to a collaborator, a publisher, a label, or a studio. It creates an independent record that exists outside any platform or institutional system, establishing when a specific version of the work existed.

Explained

What is proof of existence?

Q: How does proof of existence work technically?

When you upload a file, Lyricsmit generates a SHA-256 cryptographic hash — a unique fingerprint of that file's exact contents. That fingerprint is then tied to an RFC 3161 independent timestamp, which records the precise UTC moment the record was created. The file itself is never stored. Only the fingerprint and timestamp are recorded.

A proof-of-existence record shows that a specific file existed at a specific moment in time. It is verifiable, independent, and permanent. It does not make a claim about who created the file or who owns it. It records existence and timing — precisely and nothing more.

How it works

Every file has a fingerprint.

When you upload a file to Lyricsmit, we generate a SHA-256 cryptographic hash — a unique string of characters derived from the exact contents of your file. The same file always produces the same hash. If even one character changes, the hash changes completely.

That fingerprint is then tied to an RFC 3161 independent timestamp. A trusted timestamp authority records the precise UTC moment the hash was submitted and signs it cryptographically. That signature is independent of Lyricsmit's own infrastructure — it can be verified by any party against the public TSA record.

The result is a record that shows: this exact file — unchanged — existed at this exact moment. Verifiable by anyone. Permanent.

What it can show

—That a specific file existed at a specific moment in time
—That a file has not been altered since the record was created (any change produces a different hash)
—An independent reference point for when a piece of work existed, outside any platform or institutional system

What it cannot do

—Establish who created a file or who owns it
—Replace copyright registration or any formal legal filing
—Constitute legal advice or a legal claim of any kind

Why creators use it

Creative work moves before it is formal. A songwriter sends lyrics to a producer before a deal is signed. A researcher shares methodology with a collaborator before publication. A screenwriter sends a draft to a director before any agreement is in place.

A proof-of-existence record is created before the work moves — establishing when a specific version existed, independently of any platform, portal, or third party.

How Lyricsmit creates a record

Upload your file

Any format. We generate a SHA-256 cryptographic fingerprint. The file is never stored on our servers.

Get the timestamp

An RFC 3161 independent timestamp is recorded at the exact UTC moment of submission. The record is permanent and verifiable.

Share or verify

Every saved record has a public verification link. Anyone can check the record — no account needed, at any time.

Common questions

Is this the same as copyright?

No. Copyright is a legal right that attaches to original creative works automatically in most jurisdictions. Proof of existence is a technical record showing when a file existed. The two serve different purposes and are often used together.

Does the file get stored anywhere?

No. Lyricsmit generates a cryptographic fingerprint from your file. Only the SHA-256 hash and the RFC 3161 timestamp are recorded. The file itself is never stored.

Can anyone verify my record?

Yes. Every saved record has a public verification link. Anyone with the link can check the record without creating an account.

Is the timestamp independent?

Yes. The RFC 3161 timestamp is issued by an independent trusted timestamp authority. It does not depend on Lyricsmit's servers to be valid or verifiable.

Protect your work before sharing How to timestamp creative work For researchers For songwriters Proof of existence vs copyright

Create a timestamped record Why it matters

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