How Artists Can Make Money by Using YouTube Content ID

As of January 2022, YouTube ranked as the second most popular social platform worldwide, hosting nearly 2.6 billion monthly active users. Those YouTube users consume an incredible one billion hours of video content daily, with approximately 80% of those videos featuring music. (Source: Statistica) This prevalence makes YouTube one of the best platforms for music discovery and a lucrative avenue for artists to generate revenue through YouTube’s Content ID system and YouTube's Official Artist Channel. 

What is YouTube Content ID?

YouTube Content ID is a digital fingerprinting technology, enabling creators to easily manage, track, and protect their work on the platform. Launched in 2007 by Google, YouTube’s Content ID system was designed to protect copyright owners from infringements. It automatically identifies copyrighted material in uploaded videos and notifies the content owner. For example, if a vlogger uses your song in their video, Content ID will flag it, notify you, and allow you to take control over how that content is used, including monetization.

‍

How Does Content ID Identify Music on YouTube Videos?

When you register your music with Content ID, the system creates a unique digital fingerprint for all reference files. This fingerprint is stored in YouTube’s database and scanned against new uploads to detect matches. If someone uploads a video with your music, YouTube’s Content ID system automatically flags it, as copyright protected content. At that point, as the content owner, you’re notified and can decide how to handle the situation. This seamless system is essential for musicians to maintain control over their work and claim ownership while capitalizing on its usage across YouTube videos.

‍

What Happens When Content ID Identifies a Video with Copyrighted Music?

Once Content ID identifies a video using your copyrighted material it alerts the copyright owner, and provides several options for managing the claim:

1. Block the video: If you don’t want your song associated with a particular video, you can block it from appearing on YouTube entirely.
2. Monetize the video: Ads can be placed on the video, allowing you to earn revenue from its views.
3. Track data: You can use Content ID to gather analytics on the video, such as where your content is most popular or who’s watching it.

This flexibility ensures that artists and copyright owners can manage their intellectual property as they see fit.

How Musicians Make Money Using Content ID

For independent musicians, the YouTube Content ID system has proven to be a powerful tool. Artists have been able to claim hundreds of thousands of YouTube videos that feature their music. By choosing to monetize these claims, artists earn money through ads placed on the videos. YouTube splits the ad revenue, with a percentage going to the original content owner.

‍

Since its launch, billions of dollars have been paid out to creators and content owners.

‍

‍

Types of Music Eligible for Monetization on YouTube

Monetization through YouTube Content ID applies to music you fully control. You must have the rights to both the master recording and the publishing. If your song is original, you’re good to go. However, not all music is eligible for monetization. Ineligible types include:

• Non-exclusive content: If your track contains third-party samples that are not exclusively licensed, it can’t be monetized.
• Public domain content: Songs, speeches, or recordings that are free to use, like old folk tunes or historical speeches, are not eligible.
• Cover version: Songs that you didn’t write or perform yourself are generally excluded.
• Audio library samples: Tracks made with readily available sound effects or loops from tools like GarageBand are also ineligible.

If you’re unsure whether your music qualifies, checking your rights ownership with a distributor can help clarify.

How YouTube Users Can Help You Make Money

YouTube users play a pivotal role in how musicians can turn their music into a revenue stream through the Content ID system. With nearly 2.6 billion monthly active users consuming vast amounts of video content daily, your music has the potential to be featured in countless videos. When a YouTube user uploads a video that includes your copyrighted music, Content ID identifies the match and alerts you, giving you the opportunity to monetize that video through ad placements. This system ensures that your music works for you, generating income every time it’s used, all while maintaining your control over its distribution and usage. By harnessing the power of YouTube's vast user base, you can turn your music into a steady source of revenue.

Monetizing YouTube Content ID by Country

Monetization through YouTube Content ID is not available in all regions. YouTube’s monetization policies allow advertisers to target ads only in countries where YouTube has an established, monetized presence. This means that, while YouTube offers significant global exposure, your potential revenue might be limited depending on where your audience is located. However, the platform’s broad reach still presents substantial earning opportunities for artists who manage to appeal to a global audience.

How Long Does It Take for Content ID to Identify and Claim Videos?

Once your tracks are registered in the YouTube Content ID system, it prioritizes scanning high-traffic videos first. If your music is widely used, it will likely be detected quickly in more popular videos. However, it may take anywhere from two weeks to six months for Content ID to finish flagging all videos containing your music.

Monetizing with Content ID: Two Main Options

If you want to monetize your music through Content ID, there are two primary routes:

Join YouTube’s Partner Program: This option allows you to capitalize on YouTube ads directly. To qualify, you’ll need:

• At least 1,000 subscribers on your channel.
• A minimum of 4,000 hours of video watch time on your videos in the past 12 months.

Once you meet these criteria, you can earn ad revenue from all of your uploaded videos.

Alternatively, you could become a Venice Pro Member to:

• Add YouTube Content ID to ALL of your tracks.
• 100% free with zero fees taken.
• No minimum subscriber to watch time

How Artists Make Money Through Ads

When your music is identified in a video by YouTube Content ID, YouTube places ads on that video. As content owners and copyright holders, you’ll receive a share of the revenue generated from these ads. This process allows musicians to earn royalties even if their music is used in contexts they hadn’t anticipated, such as background music in a vlog or a cover video. The more popular the video, the more ad revenue you can generate. Over time, this can build into a steady stream of income as your music continues to appear in YouTube videos.

Increasing Monetization Opportunities with YouTube

For musicians aiming to maximize their earnings, YouTube offers numerous features beyond just Content ID. By building your own channel, you can upload original content, such as music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and live performances, to engage your audience directly. Building a large subscriber base allows you to access more monetization tools, such as super chats and memberships, further enhancing your earning potential.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings on YouTube

It’s essential to actively manage your YouTube Content ID claims effectively. Here are a few tips:

• Regularly upload content: Keeping activity regular with new videos will help you grow your audience and increase watch time.
• Engage with your audience: Replying to comments and interacting with viewers can boost your visibility.
• Collaborate with other creators: Partnering with other artists or creators can expand your reach.

Conclusion

The YouTube Content ID system offers musicians an effective way to monetize their music while maintaining control over its use. By taking advantage of YouTube’s vast global reach and leveraging the opportunities offered by monetization through ads, musicians can build a sustainable income stream. Content ID has become a crucial tool to easily identify who is using your copyrighted content allowing you to protect and profit off your work in the world of online video content.