YouTube Content ID has now paid $12 billion to rightsholders
YouTube’s Content ID continues to deliver for creators, with billions paid out to rightsholders since its launch.
What is Content ID and how does it support the music industry?
YouTube’s Content ID has become an essential tool for the music industry. It automatically detects copyrighted material in user-uploaded videos and gives rightsholders the choice to remove or monetize the content. Over 90% of rightsholders choose to monetize, earning ad revenue directly from these uploads.
Now, YouTube’s latest ‘Copyright Transparency Report’ has revealed the exact figure that Content ID has paid out in ad revenue to rightsholders. As of December 2024, YouTube has paid out a staggering $12 billion to rightsholders since it launched. That includes $3 billion in 2024 alone, up from a total of $9 billion at the end of 2023.
Why these payouts matter
This is a major milestone for the music business. Content ID ensures creators are compensated when their music is used- whether it’s a snippet in a viral video, or a background track in a vlog. It’s a system that not only deters unauthorized use but also rewards rightsholders at scale.
It’s not just for music either. While the system is a massive win for artists, labels, and publishers, other media like film and TV also benefit. These entertainment industries often see their work reposted across the platform, and Content ID gives them a way to claim ownership and earn revenue without needing to take legal action.
Billions of claims
In 2024, YouTube processed over 2.2 billion Content ID claims- 99% of all copyright actions on the platform. More than 99% of these were automatically detected and processed by YouTube’s Content ID system. Only 0.31% of these claims were made manually, which deceivingly still adds up to around 6.9 million manual claims.
Disputes were also rare. Less than 1% of claims were contested, but this still amounts to 22 million in total. Interestingly, manually filed claims were over twice as likely to be disputed compared to authentic ones (1.13%).
Who can use Content ID?
YouTube grants access to Content ID to partners who need copyright enforcement at scale. This includes record labels, movie studios, and collecting societies. Over 7,700 partners have access to the system, but just 4,564 actively use it.
If you’re a music creator or label looking to ensure your work is protected and monetized by YouTube, now’s the time to take advantage of what Content ID offers.
Start earning from Content ID with RouteNote
RouteNote partners with YouTube, helping to ensure your music is registered with YouTube’s Content ID system. If your tracks are being used in videos across the platform, we’ll make sure you get paid.
Get started with RouteNote for free today and make the most of your music on YouTube.