YouTube is a major platform for music discovery and consumption, making it important to ensure your music is correctly monetised.
For LabelWorx distribution clients, YouTube Content ID is set up automatically once your label has been approved during the initial account approval process, allowing you to monetise eligible music through YouTube.
What is YouTube Content ID?
YouTube Content ID is an automated system that allows copyright owners to identify their music when it is used in videos uploaded to YouTube.
LabelWorx delivers a reference file of your release to YouTube. Content ID then uses this reference to scan uploaded videos for matching audio. When a match is identified, the copyright holder can choose how the content is handled, including whether to block or monetise it. This policy is selected in advance through the LabelWorx LMS.
Content ID can identify full tracks, partial matches and audio that differs in quality from the original reference file.
What can I monetise on YouTube?
To monetise a track through YouTube Content ID, you must hold the exclusive rights to the master recording in the territories where monetisation is enabled. Where necessary, you may need to update your artist agreements to include exclusive YouTube monetisation rights.
YouTube can only recognise one rights holder for the master recording in each territory. Before enabling monetisation, ensure that you have the necessary exclusive rights across the territories selected for your release. If you need to adjust the territories for a release, you can do so from the 'Release Details' page.
If you attempt to monetise a track without holding the exclusive rights, and another rights holder also claims the same recording, a Content ID ownership conflict may occur. This can prevent the track from being monetised until the conflict is resolved.
The following types of content are not eligible for monetisation through Content ID:
- Content licensed non-exclusively from a third party.
- Content released under Creative Commons or similar free or open licences.
- Public domain footage, recordings or compositions.
- Clips from other sources used under fair use principles.
IMPORTANT: Only enable YouTube monetisation when you hold the necessary exclusive rights to the recording in the relevant territories.
How do I monetise my tracks with LabelWorx?
Once your LabelWorx distribution account has been approved, Content ID will be configured for your label. You can then select the appropriate YouTube monetisation policy when finalising your releases in the LMS.
This process is included in the standard release finalisation workflow:
- Complete your release details in the LabelWorx LMS.
- Set the release to 'Final Status'.
- On the 'Terms & Conditions' screen, locate the YouTube monetisation options.
- Select the appropriate policy:
- Monetise: LabelWorx will deliver your release to YouTube as a reference file for Content ID matching and monetisation.
- Third Party: Your release will not be delivered to YouTube as a Content ID reference because you do not hold the necessary monetisation rights.
- Complete the release finalisation process.
NOTE: A track must be finalised within the LMS before it can be monetised through YouTube Content ID.
How to View or Update Your YouTube Monetisation Settings
You can review the YouTube monetisation status of your catalogue and update individual track policies directly within the LMS.
- Navigate to Release Management ➜ Monetise YouTube
- Review your catalogue to see the current monetisation policy for each track.
- If you previously selected Third Party but have since obtained the necessary exclusive YouTube rights, you can enable monetisation for the relevant track from this screen.