This is eligible
- Your own songs, for which you own the exclusive rights to the audio and video elements
- Songs that aren't registered for Content ID anywhere else
- Your own recordings without third-party material
YouTube Content ID
Earn money when your music plays on YouTube.
If your song is used in someone else's video, YouTube recognizes it and passes the ad revenue on to you. You turn on Content ID for each release with a single switch.
What Content ID does for you
- ✓Revenue from fan uploads and short videos
- ✓Your release is also available on YouTube Shorts
- ✓One switch in the release flow
- ✓Earnings added to your royalties
What is YouTube Content ID?
YouTube automatically compares newly uploaded videos against a database of protected music. If your song appears in a video, it gets recognized and matched to you.
The ad revenue from that video then goes to you – not to the person who uploaded it. That way, every fan clip featuring your song becomes a little bonus for you.
Get more out of YouTube
You don't have to search for videos yourself – the matching runs automatically.
Automatic detection
YouTube continuously compares new uploads with your song. You don't have to search for videos yourself.
Revenue for you
The ad revenue from detected videos goes to you instead of the person who uploaded the video.
YouTube Shorts
Your release is also available for Shorts, so your song can be used in short videos.
Adjustable per release
You turn on Content ID for each release individually – or leave it off.
Clear rules
Before activating, you confirm that you hold all the rights. This keeps your account in good standing.
Everything in one place
The earnings appear together with your other earnings in the Royalties section.
Content ID in four steps
You don't need to set up anything outside of OneCrewRecords.
01
Create a release
Upload your song and fill out the release flow as usual.
02
Turn on Content ID
In step 4 ("Stores"), you'll find the switch for YouTube Content ID & Shorts under "Advanced Stores".
03
Confirm your rights
You confirm a short list: You hold all the rights, the song contains no third-party material, and it isn't registered for Content ID anywhere else.
04
Track your earnings
As soon as your release is live, it gets matched. You can see earnings from detected videos in your royalties.
Which songs are eligible?
YouTube is strict about this. So take your time to read through the rules before you turn it on.
This is excluded
- Samples, loops or sounds from sample libraries and royalty-free audio providers
- Mashups, best-ofs, compilations and remixes of other people's works
- Cover songs and karaoke tracks
- Meditation, sleep and nature sounds
- Audio from video games, films, trailers or recordings of concerts and events
- AI-generated content
If your song doesn't qualify
Just leave the switch off. If other people's videos infringe your rights, YouTube offers its own options for that, such as the Copyright Match Tool or a form for copyright complaints.
Why the rules are so strict
YouTube enforces them consistently. Anyone who submits material they don't hold exclusive rights to risks having their account suspended and facing legal consequences. If in doubt, it's better to ask support beforehand.
Good to know
Content ID is an option – not a requirement.
You decide for each release individually. If you're unsure whether a song is eligible, leave the switch off and ask support before you submit.
Frequently asked questions about Content ID
How much does Content ID cost?
Turning it on is free. You activate it in the release flow under "Advanced Stores".
Who can use Content ID?
Anyone who releases through OneCrewRecords – as long as you own the exclusive rights to all audio and video elements of the song.
Which songs are excluded?
For example, songs with samples or loops from libraries, mashups, remixes of other people's works, cover songs, karaoke, nature sounds, live concert recordings, and AI-generated content. You'll see the full list when you turn it on.
My song is already registered for Content ID with another provider. Now what?
Then it must not be registered again through us. Duplicate registrations lead to conflicts on YouTube.
When do I get the money?
The earnings come with the statements and show up in your royalties. How much it is depends on how often your song is used in videos.
Let your music work for you on YouTube.
Sign up for free, upload your release, and turn on Content ID.