What Is Content ID?

Content ID is YouTube's proprietary digital fingerprinting system that automatically scans every video uploaded to YouTube and compares it against a database of registered audio and video files. When a match is found, the registered rights holder can choose to monetize, track, or block the matching content.

When SoSouth delivers your music to YouTube through distribution, your recordings are enrolled in Content ID. If anyone uploads a video using your music — whether a fan video, a cover, a remix, or a clip — YouTube will detect the match and apply your chosen policy to that video.

The three Content ID policies are: Monetize (ads are served on the matched video and revenue goes to you), Track (no ads, but you receive viewership data), and Block (the video is made unavailable in specified territories or globally).

Content ID only covers YouTube. Other platforms have their own rights management systems — Spotify uses their own internal system, Facebook and Instagram use Rights Manager, and TikTok uses a similar audio matching process.