If you’re part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you may be able to earn revenue from cover song videos when the music rights holders allow revenue sharing.
When Your Cover Video Is Eligible
A cover song video may be eligible for monetization when:
- The video shows a copyright claim in YouTube Studio
- The monetization status is set to OFF
- You see a message saying the video is eligible to share ad revenue
This usually means:
- A music publisher has claimed the song through Content ID
- They are allowing revenue sharing instead of blocking monetization
You may also see this information in:
- Video copyright details in YouTube Studio
- Your claim notification email
Important Note
- Eligibility can apply to both new uploads and older videos
- Revenue is shared with the music rights holders on a pro rata (split revenue) basis
How to Turn On Monetization for Cover Videos
If your video is eligible:
Step 1: Enable Monetization
- Go to YouTube Studio
- Open the Monetization tab
- Make sure monetization is enabled on your account
Step 2: Find Your Video
- Go to your Content page in YouTube Studio
- Locate the eligible cover song video
Step 3: Turn Monetization ON
- Change the monetization status from OFF → ON
- Or open video details and enable monetization there
Cover videos can earn money on YouTube only when the music rights holders allow revenue sharing through Content ID. If eligible, you can simply turn monetization on and share revenue automatically.
