If you have ever uploaded a video and received a sudden claim, then you have already met Content ID. YouTube prioritizes protecting creators’ work; therefore, the platform has an automated system that scans every piece of content to flag potential copyright issues. Content ID is a powerful tool that many creators initially overlook, but when understood correctly, it can open doors to new content creation opportunities.
What Does Content ID For YouTube Mean?
If you are wondering what is Content ID in YouTube, in simple terms, it’s YouTube’s automated system that flags copyrighted content. YouTube has explicit guidelines for using Content ID. As a result, copyright owners have been empowered to take action against people who plagiarize their content. This process is also known as “Content ID Claim.”
However, it’s important to note that only classified copyright owners can attain content ID YouTube, provided they satisfy certain conditions. Google also monitors Content ID disputes on a regular basis to ensure policy compliance.
How Does The Content ID System Work?
When creators upload videos, the Content ID system (YouTube) automatically scans them. On raising a ticket, a copyright owner can use this feature to find all creators who used their work without seeking approval.
Plagiarized content would qualify for either of the following penalties:
- Geographical Restrictions: The video would be blocked in certain areas, which would affect views.
- Revenue Splitting: YouTube would monetize the said video and share a portion of its revenue with the copyright owner.
- Video Metrics: The video won’t be blocked or removed, but the dashboard of that particular video will be accessible to the copyright holder.
Listed below are assets that copyright holders can register with Content ID on YouTube:
1. Audio Files
This includes music, audio podcasts, soundbites from a webinar, or famous quotes from television shows or movies.
2. Composition
The content ID system is equipped to recognize even minor similarities in melodies or lyrics, which discourages people from performing an existing song.
3. Video
This applies to any kind of video uploaded on the YouTube platform.
Origins Of Content ID Claims YouTube
Content ID is a decades-old tool that has existed since 2007, but people have only recently become aware of it.
Known as “Video Identification” tool during earlier stages, it gained a damaging repute amongst creators owing to several high-profile cases which also involved court! Notably, an expensive Viacom lawsuit of $1 billion was settled in 2014.
Hence, YouTube and Google developed an automated system to cross-check the copyright credentials of every video posted on their platforms.
How To Use Content ID On YouTube in 3 Steps?
1. Set up a content owner account
Once you are approved for Content ID, your YouTube partner creates your content owner account. This account grants you access to Content Manager tools. Just configure your account according to your needs!
2. Uploading Protected Content
Upload the protected video to the content management system while submitting metadata and reference files (audio/visual). YouTube will encode your data and store it as an asset within its database.
3. Content ID Scans
Content ID will continuously compare newly uploaded videos to your submitted references.
Is Content ID a Boon or Curse?
Imagine what would happen if there was no content ID? The feed of viewers would be spammed with multiple videos, each with duplicate content. This, in the long run, would cause a massive decline in the user engagement rate.
Once you realize that Content ID is there to enable ethical content marketing by crediting original creators, you’ll also discover that this tool, despite being shrouded in controversies, is a blessing in disguise.
Simply put, refrain from using other people’s work without permission. If you intend to buy YouTube views, then you need to ensure that you qualify for YouTube ads. Any community violation, including a mere copyright claim, will render your channel ineligible.
3 Ways To Tackle Content ID For YouTube
Keep in mind that if you want to promote video on YouTube, then you need to ensure that there’s not even a single content ID or copyright violation from your channel.
Here are ways to overcome content ID claims.
1. Edit & Crop Content
YouTube allows creators to edit videos without making a new upload every time. Thus, you can remove the disputable sections without seeing a decline in traffic and user engagement.
2. Dispute Unreasonable Claims
You will still have the option of appealing the Content ID claim. This will either result in your video being released or taken down completely. Copyright holders will have a maximum of 30 days to address their claims.
3. Avoiding Content ID
Use royalty-free content, or seek permission from the original content owner beforehand if you use their work.
Copyright Claim V/s Content ID Claim YouTube
As per Google guidelines, content ID claims are different from copyright claims. Copyright claims usually lead to the removal of videos, demonetization, or even legal consequences in rare cases. In comparison, the repercussions for content ID claims are not as harsh. Content ID claims affect videos but usually don’t impact your channel or account.
Conclusion
Now that you know what Content ID for YouTube is and how it works, you’ll also be confident enough to resolve any problem if and when it arises. With a deeper understanding of this tool and its functioning, you will not be discouraged or easily threatened by content ID claims any longer! This system was engineered keeping the best interests of creators in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is YouTube content ID free?
Yes, YouTube doesn’t charge owners for its content ID services. However, it is only eligible to copyright owners.
Q2. Is content ID only for music?
Content ID is not only for music. Gameplay, software visuals, trailers, events, speeches, and shows also qualify for a YouTube Content ID claim. However, Distrokid YouTube Content ID is targeted explicitly at songs.
Q3. Does Content ID use AI?
Yes. Content ID uses machine learning to identify policy violations by examining audio tracks & visuals.
Q4. How long does YouTube Content ID take?
Once you have submitted the videos that you want to protect from intellectual or creative theft, YouTube’s Content ID system will take up to a month to find and match all the videos that use your work.
Q5. Can Content ID Claim Videos Be Monetized?
Yes, content ID claims can be monetized, but the copyright owner will collect the revenue. Your video will be visible, but you won’t earn from it.