YouTube Content ID music distribution

By Madeleine AmosJuly 11, 20227 mins read

How does YouTube Content ID work when you upload songs to a digital music distributor like RouteNote?

Wondering how to make money from your music on YouTube? Make sure your music distributor offers YouTube Content ID service when you upload your tracks.

Unlike other distributors, RouteNote offers YouTube Content ID at no extra cost, so you can generate income from your music.

What is YouTube Content ID?

YouTube Content ID is an automatic system that makes sure artists, labels and copyright holders get the credit for their music on YouTube and ensures you get paid when your music is used in user-generated videos.

How does YouTube Content ID service work?

Every time someone uses your music in their video, even if it’s just a small clip of your song, YouTube Content ID will find it. Once your music has been approved, YouTube Content ID scans the entirety of YouTube looking for any instances of your music being used in videos on the platform.

The system will then monetise the video by running ads alongside it. It’s not a copyright strike, so there’s no effect on the uploader’s channels.

Is YouTube Content ID music distribution free with RouteNote?

Yes! Content ID is something that RouteNote offers for no extra charge – with our free music distribution, putting your music online won’t cost a thing.

YouTube Content ID comes at a cost from most other distributors, often at an extra charge to what they already make artists pay. Others simply don’t offer artists Content ID distribution.

For example: UnitedMasters requires a yearly subscription, Amuse Start doesn’t distribute YouTube content ID at all, and DistroKid charges an extra $10 for YouTube CID.

How do I get YouTube Content ID for my music?

At RouteNote we make use of YouTube Content ID to generate revenue for your releases through us. It doesn’t cost you a penny extra.

YouTube Content ID is an automated system – just tick the box in the stores section when you submit your music, and we’ll collect money on your behalf. All you need to do is sit back and watch the royalties roll in.

When you distribute your music for free using RouteNote you keep 85% of the revenue generated through plays on YouTube as well as our other partners, which include streaming services like Amazon Music and Spotify and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Our Premium distribution lets you keep 100% of earnings for a small fee. It’s up to you which tier you choose – and you can switch or leave at any time.

Head here to find out more about how RouteNote can help you monetise your music online for free.

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Join the conversation

13 replies

jaswant shorya says:

December 8, 2021 at 7:00 pm

How does YouTube Content ID service work?

Reply
Raphael says:

February 25, 2022 at 11:56 am

Why some releases are not suitable to be sent to Content ID services like YouTube Content ID? Is there something wrong with the release? If there is then what is it? Please let me know thank you.

Reply
1. Jacca-RouteNote says:
  
  February 25, 2022 at 5:15 pm
  
  Hi Raphael, You can find YouTube’s terms for music going onto Content ID here which should give some explanation and context to what is and isn’t allowed into their catalogue: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2605065?hl=en-GB#zippy=
  
  Reply
  1. Gabor says:
    
    March 18, 2022 at 4:22 pm
    
    This is bullshit. I’ve been trying to upload multiple songs which meets all given criteria and all have been rejected by Routenote moderation for no reason. Useless service.
    
    Reply
    1. Jacca-RouteNote says:
      
      March 21, 2022 at 11:20 am
      
      Hi Gabor, we wouldn’t disallow music for no reason. We have certain guidelines that need to be met for music that brings releases in line with the policies of our partners. If you’d like to ask more about why your music might not have been accepted, you can get in touch with us at support@Routenote.com and include the UPC of your release(s).
      
      Reply
      1. jayant says:
        
        May 10, 2022 at 4:50 am
        
        Hi, routenote
        What are the requirements to get content ID for my music ??
      2. LucyLH says:
        
        May 11, 2022 at 10:12 am
        
        Hey,
        
        Non-exclusive samples, or audio that is already available on the content ID system will not be eligible for YouTube’s Content ID system.
        
        Here are YouTube’s guidelines on what is eligible for Content ID – https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2605065?hl=en-GB
        
        If you are having trouble with your release, please reach out to our support team – support@routenote.com
Kamran says:

June 23, 2022 at 10:03 pm

Can I block specific country with Routenote content ID?

Reply
1. LucyLH says:
  
  June 27, 2022 at 12:25 pm
  
  Hey,
  
  You can block specific territories for stores, check out are support guide for more information – https://support.routenote.com/kb-article/where-can-i-add-or-amend-territory-information/
  
  Reply
Daniel says:

July 5, 2022 at 11:05 am

Hi,

I upload my music onto a personal YouTube channel prior to it going live through RouteNote’s distribution; should I be concerned over any ContentID claims that appear on those uploads, or can submit I disputes to them no problem? That said, since my personal channel isn’t monetised, I presume that any revenue gained from ContentID on those personal uploads goes to me anyway.

Reply
1. LucyLH says:
  
  July 6, 2022 at 9:29 am
  
  Hey,
  
  Please contact our support team (support@routenote.com) and we can release any claims for you, and if eligible add your channel to the allowlist to prevent any further claims in the future.
  
  Please note – Content ID is for protecting your rights to your tracks and making sure that any instances of usage are claimed and royalties are collected. It is not to be used to monetise channels if they are not eligible for YouTube’s YPP.
  
  To monetise your channel, you will need to apply for the YouTube Partner Programme. Here’s their information on eligibility: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851?hl=en-GB
  
  Reply
Tomoro Onaga says:

August 7, 2022 at 12:53 pm

Hi, I’m Tomoro from Japan. I have a few questions.

1. Can I receive a revenue through a business bank account in Japan in case I don’t have paypal?

2. Can I have a youtube ID without my tracks release on the platform like Apple music?

Thank you in advance! l’m looking forward to your reply.

Tomoro Onaga
onaga1867@gmail.com

Reply
1. LucyLH says:
  
  August 8, 2022 at 10:59 am
  
  Hey,
  
  We now make payments via bank transfer, PayPal or Payoneer.
  
  Please see our support article for more information – https://support.routenote.com/kb-article/what-are-the-payment-options/
  
  Yes, you can select which stores and even which territories you would like your release to be distributed to.
  
  If you have any other questions or concerns please reach out to our helpful support team – https://routenote.com/contact
  
  Reply