What is a Content ID Claim?
If you upload a video containing copyright-protected material, you could end up with a Content ID claim. These claims are issued by companies that own music, movies, TV shows, video games, or other copyright-protected material.
Depending on the copyright owner’s policy, some Content ID claims prevent certain material from being available on YouTube. Others allow the video to remain live while directing the advertising revenue to the claimed content's copyright owners, like music.
In most cases, getting a Content ID claim isn’t a bad thing for your YouTube channel. It just means we found some material in your video that’s owned by someone else.
It’s up to copyright owners to decide whether or not others can reuse their original material. In many cases, copyright owners allow the use of their content in YouTube videos to put ads on those videos. These ads may play before or - if the video is longer than 10 minutes - during the video.
However, there are some cases when copyright owners don’t want their material reused:
- Blocking a video: Sometimes, copyright owners may block your video, which means people won’t be able to watch it. They can decide to block your video worldwide or just in certain countries.
- Muting a video: If your video contains copyright-protected music, the owner may choose to mute it. This means that people can still watch your video, but they won’t be able to hear the soundtrack. This won’t affect your account standing.
- Blocking certain platforms: In some cases, copyright owners may restrict the devices, apps, or websites on which their content can appear. These restrictions won’t change the availability of your video on YouTube.com.
If you see Symphonic claiming music on your profile, please do not worry. This is the automatic YouTube Content ID system, and it can be released so that we don't monetize on your videos but do so on any other videos across YouTube.
How long does it take for a claim to be removed/released?
The only way a claim can be removed is if we release it. We can do this if you and/or the channel disputing the claim notify us via our help desk. This can also be done by disputing the claim via the YouTube CMS with a valid reason. If the reason for releasing the claim is valid, we will release it as soon as possible.
How fast does YouTube Content ID Service detect music being used?
"How fast" depends on YouTube. Every distributor uses the same system (YouTube Content ID). Sometimes it can take days, and sometimes longer. If something has not been picked up, you can provide us with the video URL and the corresponding UPC to check.
Will I get contacted when a claim comes up, or is it Symphonic who gets contacted first?
We would email you only in case of copyright-related issues or if someone is trying to upload your song in the system, and it matches the song we've uploaded.
Keep in mind that whenever we generate a claim, the channel may receive an email and then see a "Matched Third Party Content" next to the claimed video. If you or the channel that received the claim wants us to release it, we need notification and a reason why it should be released.
Is there a way I can allowlist specific YouTube channels so they can use my music without receiving any claim from content ID?
In short, no. But, as a client, you can provide us with the URL of the specific video your allies uploaded, and we can release the claim on that video.
Can I take down a video that is using my music on YouTube?
Our default policy is to help you monetize. If we are to claim a video, then the ad monetization would go towards your asset by default. If you definitely need us to issue a takedown, you can submit us a request via the help desk.
What is original content? (Youtube Content ID)
According to Copyright Law and YouTube’s requirements, if you will be distributing content, you need to make sure that it is entirely original. This means that the music should be free of samples, downloaded beats, content from music libraries, content from templates, content in the Public Domain, or copyrighted content.
What if I used a downloaded beat, but the rest of the instruments and lyrics are mine?
Unfortunately, if the loop is used across the whole song, it wouldn't be a good fit for content ID.
Content ID finds audio matches around YouTube globally, so if anyone used the same loop around the internet, you would be illegally claiming content made by other people. The same happens when using samples and/or loops, remixes, and covers. So… beware! If you were to use content that belongs to another party, you would always need a license to take advantage of YouTube Content ID tools.
What if I used copyright-free content?
It is the same situation! If many users include the same copyright-free content in their songs, it wouldn’t be correct to claim property on their videos or tracks. Please do not attempt to monetize copyright-free content.
Following these rules will allow you to find your own sound and will set you apart from the rest of your colleagues. Remember your favorite songs and music from your idols. It’s all unique and memorable! Benefit from your own talent and creativity!
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