Clean version vs. radio edit: what's the difference?

People use “clean version” and “radio edit” to mean the same thing, but they are made differently.

Radio edit

An official version created by the artist's label, usually re-mixed or re-recorded to remove or replace explicit lyrics for broadcast. It only exists if the label made one, and you cannot make one yourself.

Clean version (DIY)

A version you create from a song you already have, with explicit words muted automatically. It is not official and is not made by the artist or label, but it works for personal use when no radio edit exists, or when you specifically want the words removed from the version you already have.

When to use which

• Official radio edit: if one exists and you can find or buy it, and you want the exact label-approved version.
• DIY clean version: if no radio edit exists, if you cannot find it, or if you want to clean a specific recording (a remix, a live version, a different mix) that never got an official radio edit.

Clean My Song makes the second kind: upload the song you have, get a version with explicit words muted, keep the instrumental intact. Free, no editing skill required.