What is YouTube Content ID?
Content ID is YouTube's system that automatically finds videos using copyrighted audio or video and lets rights owners block, track or earn money from them.
Definition
Rights owners upload reference files of their music or video to YouTube. Content ID scans new uploads and compares them with those references.1 When a new reference is added, it also scans videos that were uploaded before.2 When it finds a match, it creates a claim on the video and applies the policy the rights owner chose.1
The three policies
- Monetize: ads run on the video and the revenue goes to the rights owner, or is shared12
- Track: the video stays up and the rights owner sees viewing statistics12
- Block: the video is not viewable, worldwide or in selected countries12
Who gets access
YouTube gives Content ID only to approved copyright owners who hold exclusive rights to the content and show a real need for it.13 Many artists, labels and creators use Content ID through a partner, such as a distributor, a multi-channel network or a rights management company, which manages the system for them.4
Why it matters for revenue
For music rights owners, Content ID turns fan uploads, covers and videos using their tracks into income. For creators, a claim can move the revenue of a video to someone else, so understanding claims protects their earnings.
How Talentir helps
Agencies, networks and labels use Talentir to pay creators and artists their share of YouTube revenue. See Talentir for agencies
Further reading
Related topics
Content ID claims and disputes
A Content ID claim applies a rights owner's policy to a video. The uploader can dispute a claim if they have the rights or a valid exception.
YouTube royalties
YouTube royalties are the payments YouTube makes to creators and music rights holders from ads and YouTube Premium subscriptions.
Music distribution
A music distributor delivers releases to streaming services and stores, and collects the master royalties they pay.
Creator agencies and MCNs
Creator agencies manage talent and campaigns for creators. Multi-channel networks (MCNs) work with many channels, usually for a share of their revenue.