YouTube Content ID is an automated copyright management system that helps eligible rights holders identify and manage the use of their copyrighted audio and video content across YouTube.
How Content ID Works
- Reference file submission: Rights holders provide eligible audio or video files that YouTube uses as reference material.
- Automatic scanning: Videos uploaded to YouTube are automatically compared against the Content ID reference database.
- Claim creation: When Content ID detects matching copyrighted material, a claim may automatically be placed on the video.
Options for Copyright Owners
When a match is identified, the rights holder can apply a policy to:
- Monetize: Earn revenue from ads shown on the matched video, depending on the applicable settings and rights.
- Block: Prevent the video from being viewed in specified territories or worldwide.
- Track: Monitor the video’s performance and viewership data without blocking it.
Rules and Eligibility
- Rights requirements: Content submitted as a Content ID reference must meet YouTube’s eligibility and ownership requirements, generally requiring sufficient exclusive rights.
- Ineligible content: Certain material may not qualify as a valid reference, particularly content for which the claimant lacks sufficiently exclusive rights.
- Disputing claims: Uploaders can dispute a Content ID claim when they have the necessary rights or permission, believe the content was incorrectly identified, or have another valid copyright basis for its use, such as a copyright exception.
