A lot of creators may have heard of (or even had run-ins) with YouTube Content ID, but may not fully understand it. Don’t fret – we’re here to demystify Content ID, and talk about how it is helpful for both creators and artists. Let’s get started!
What Is YouTube’s Content ID?
Essentially, Content ID is a massive database full of audio files which YouTube uses to find copyrighted materials. When registered audio files are discovered within YouTube videos, the Content ID system alerts the content owners of its use on the Platform. This ensures the users have permission to use these works within their videos.
As a music creator or artist, you can upload your files to YouTube’s Content ID to tell them that you own these files. If they are then used without your permission, you have an opportunity to Claim your content on YouTube. If the uploader has rights to use the identified content, they can notify YouTube that they have permission. This, of course, means that as a video creator, if you use copyrighted music, this may be flagged by YouTube.
Why Is YouTube Content ID Good For Creators?
There are lots of ways that YouTube Content ID is great for creators. We at Audiosocket are pro Content ID for the following reasons:
- Content ID protects artists and creators from copyright infringement, ensuring their work is protected
- A lot of issues with the Content ID system have been ironed out. The rightful party receives all the revenue driven by ad revenue when monetizing videos
- Both content creators and artists are given the opportunity to receive ad revenue that YouTube collects
YouTube Content ID can be somewhat of a headache for creators, but it is put in place for good reason. We’re also proud to say that we haven’t ever had a dispute that wasn’t released! Remember that the system isn’t there to penalize, it’s simply there to protect artists and creators alike.
YouTube Music Policy & Copyright Infringement
So, what happens if copyright infringement occurs?
Copyright owners can:
- Leave the video up to make money on the ad revenue
- Remove the video
- Leave the video up to receive stats
If a creator sees a video that is using their content without their permission, they can submit a copyright infringement notice to YouTube. The video will then be taken down and YouTube will contact the uploader of the video.
If this happens, the uploader will receive a strike against their YouTube channel. These disappear after 90 days, as long they go through YouTube’s copyright school. If they receive three strikes within this period, YouTube can terminate the account.
Some Top Tips
If you’re not monetizing your video, it is a good idea to leave the Content ID Claim alone. This is so that the artist can receive money from the use of their work. Your account will not be impacted negatively from a claim, only a strike. If the system indicates that there is copyrighted music in your video but your video is not impacted, you don’t have to do anything. However, the artist will still share in the revenue that YouTube receives.
As A Creator, What Music Can I Use?
To avoid copyright issues, you either need to license the music correctly or use music without copyright. Music without copyright (because it has expired) exists in the public domain, but the choices are limited and you need to do your research. You can also use music from Creative Commons and license it. YouTube also has its own audio library which you can use music from.
Or, you can use music from a music licensing company. This will save you money, time and allow you to browse top quality music for your YouTube videos.
Final Thoughts & How Audiosocket Can Help
Although it may seem somewhat oppressive, YouTube Content ID is a great thing for artists and creators. It allows work to be credited properly, artists and creators to earn royalties, and to protect copyrighted work. Flags can be disputed, and if you do have express permission to use a copyrighted work, YouTube will listen!
As a video creator, your best option is to license your music properly through a company such as Audiosocket. Starting at $15 a month, you can have unlimited access to over 80,000 tracks! With various genres and moods, it couldn’t be easier to find music to match the content in your videos.
