As one of the world’s largest platforms for playing music and videos, it was clear to YouTube that it needed a system to control all the content that passes through the platform, and so it created YouTube Content ID.
If you are an artist or content creator you may have already heard about this software but, if not, in today’s post we will tell you all the keys you need to know.
What is YouTube Content ID?
YouTube’s Content ID feature is a software created by the platform that allows artists and content creators to track possible copies of their work on YouTube. Basically, Content ID creates a digital footprint for each piece of content on the platform.
Content ID allows you to track copies of your work
YouTube added the Content ID tool to the platform in order to give you full control over your creations. Thus, by owning the rights to your work, Content ID ensures that no one can use it without your permission.
In case it’s not clear to you how this YouTube tool works, you can always take a look at this video!
Would you prefer someone else to manage your channel, Content ID and all the information that goes with it? We can help you! Learn more about our YouTube Channel Management service.
How does Content ID work?
As we have explained, this YouTube’s tool is responsible for creating a digital footprint of your work. So, when a user uploads a video using your content, Content ID will register that they match and YouTube will automatically notify you.
Once you have received this notification, the platform will allow you to take different actions:
- Block the video from YouTube
- Study video statistics
- Monetize the video through ads
You can block, track or monetize the video that uses your content
Remember that each country has its own copyright laws and therefore this may affect the actions you can take on the claimed video.
If you are not very clear about how royalties work within YouTube, we recommend you to read our guide to discover how to make money with your music through royalties.
What are YouTube assets?
To better understand how Youtube Content ID works, we need to explain what are known as assets.
YouTube describes assets as “a collection of info about a piece of intellectual property”.
An asset is a set of information about a protected work
In this way, the rights owner or a Multi-Channel Network that manages their channel can create assets in the YouTube content manager and administrate the videos as well as protect it with Content ID.
Within a YouTube asset we find information such as:
- The digital file with the protected content.
- Metadata, which is information about the content.
- Information about the owner, such as the percentage of ownership you have over the content.
- Instructions that tell YouTube what to do when it finds matching content.
Assets are not mutually exclusive, so a song video may contain both a music video asset and a sound recording asset. Similarly, a sound recording asset may contain percentages of participation assets.
Did you know that we manage assets through the YouTube CMS? If you didn’t know these acronyms, you are already taking your time to read what is the YouTube CMS and what is it for!
How do I get Content ID on YouTube?
You have two options to request YouTube Content ID to consider your content:
1. Request Content ID to YouTube
The first option is to directly request it from YouTube using this form.
You can request Content ID by submitting a form
Even so, you should keep in mind that there is content that cannot be claimed via Content ID, for example:
- Mashups of songs, Tops or “best X” lists, compilations or remixes of other works
- Gameplays of video games or visual elements of software
- Unlicensed music and videos
- Music or videos with non-exclusive licenses
- Recordings of public events (concerts, shows, speeches, etc.)
Therefore, YouTube notes that “in order to use the tool, you must own the exclusive rights to a substantial amount of original material that the YouTube user community frequently uploads”.
2. Through a YouTube partner
Another option to get this useful tool is to do it through a YouTube partner or by becoming one.
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) provides creators with more tools and monetization methods within the platform.
Some of the advantages you can get are:
- Support for Creators
- Access to monetization features
- Access to Copyright Match Tool
Even so, you should keep in mind that there are several requirements to be part of the YouTube Partner Program:
- Not violate the YouTube Channel Monetization Policies
- No violations of the Community Rules or strikes on your channel.
- Live in a country where the program is available
- Have more than 4000 hours of valid public viewing in the last 12 months.
- Have more than 1000 subscribers
- Have a Google AdSense account linked to your channel
Still, in 2023, YouTube will modify the requirements to be part of the YouTube Partner Program to support YouTube Shorts creators:
Republic Network, as a YouTube partner, can set up Content ID to protect your content, as well as perform all technological and legal steps whenever necessary.
Do you prefer to submit the claims manually when you find a matching video? You can always learn how to make a copyright claim on YouTube.
Is Content ID free?
Yes, you don’t need to pay anything at all to use Content ID on your YouTube channel.
As we told you, you only need to meet the requirements shown above.
How to get the ID of a YouTube channel?
To keep track of everything that exists within the platform, YouTube gives a channel ID to each channel that a user opens to start uploading videos. Likewise, there is also an ID for each user.
Each Channel has a unique YouTube ID
Search for user and YouTube channel ID
You can always check your channel and user ID when necessary. To do so, you just have to:
- Log in to YouTube
- Click on your profile picture and then click on “settings”
- When the menu appears, select the “advanced settings” option
- In the window that will appear, you can check what your channel ID and user ID are
What is a YouTube video ID?
The ID of a YouTube video is the identifier code that carries this content within the platform. That is, the ID are those letters that appear at the end of the video link.
The ID of a YouTube video is the identifier code of the content
In this image we have selected the ID from this YouTube video for you to better understand what we are referring to:
Want to start creating YouTube videos to promote your channel? Whenever you need it, you can read our guide on YouTube pricing and how to create an ad.
Why use Content ID?
In general, if you have a small channel, it is normal to wonder how important it is to have this type of protection on your side.
As mentioned above, you can always continue to make manual claims when you find a video that uses content created by you without your permission.
Even so, we must point out that, by doing so, you are probably losing money, since it is very complicated to locate absolutely all the videos that can use your content.
Therefore, if your goals are focused on prospering with your YouTube channel, our best recommendation is to request this feature or enjoy its advantages through a specialized service.
Would you like to request our YouTube Channel Management service or learn more about other services we offer? Request more information and find out what we can do for you.
