Protecting your content on youtube

Katie Melua
Katie Melua

Lesson time: (1min 47sec)

How is original content protected on youtube? Rebecca explains how Youtube's content ID works.

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This lesson is part of the course Become a Pro Musician
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Lesson transcript:

Understanding YouTube's Content ID

Content ID is YouTube's fingerprinting system that plays a crucial role in how music is used on the platform. Here's how it works:

  • Scanning Process:

    • Every time someone uploads a video to YouTube, it gets scanned against the fingerprinting system.
    • If the video contains music that is not owned by the uploader, the system identifies this music.
  • Third Party Claims:

    • Once music is identified, a third party claim is applied.
    • This means that the owner of the music can start serving ads on that video.
  • Monetization:

    • The music owner receives revenue from these ads.
    • Therefore, if you use music that you do not own, the rightful owner will monetize the video, and you are not allowed to profit from it.
  • Original Music:

    • If you upload a video featuring your own original composition, you are allowed to monetize it.
    • Furthermore, if anyone else uses your song in their video, you have the right to earn money from those videos as well.

Thank you!

About the instructor

Katie Melua
Katie Melua

Katie Melua is one of the UK's most successful recording artists, with more than 11 million albums sold worldwide and a string of multi-platinum releases. Born Ketevan Melua in Kutaisi, Georgia, in 1984, she moved with her family to Belfast as a child and later studied at the BRIT School in London, where she was discovered by songwriter and producer Mike Batt. Her debut album 'Call Off the Search' (2003), released when she was 19, spent six weeks at No. 1 in the UK and went six-times platinum, driven by the hit single 'The Closest Thing to Crazy'. Its follow-up 'Piece by Piece' (2005) topped charts across Europe and featured her signature song 'Nine Million Bicycles'. In 2006 she earned a place in the Guinness World Records book by playing the deepest underwater concert ever staged, 303 metres below sea level on a North Sea gas platform. A remarkable run of top-ten albums followed — 'Pictures' (2007), the William Orbit-produced 'The House' (2010), 'Secret Symphony' (2012) and 'Ketevan' (2013) — as Melua refined a sound that moves effortlessly between jazz, folk and classic pop songwriting. 'In Winter' (2016), recorded in Georgia with the Gori Women's Choir and produced by Melua herself, revealed a new depth to her artistry. Her recent work is her most personal: 'Album No. 8' (2020) and 'Love & Money' (2023) drew some of the strongest reviews of her career, and 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' (2024) celebrated two decades at the top of British music. She remains a captivating live performer, touring extensively across Europe and beyond. read more

What's included?

40 lessons (2h 33m)
Advanced video features
Mobile, tablet & desktop
100% satisfaction guarantee
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