Some copyright owners use Content ID, YouTube's automated content identification system, to easily identify and manage their copyright-protected content on YouTube.
What does Content ID do?
Using a database of audio and visual files submitted by copyright owners, Content ID identifies matches of copyright-protected content. When a video is uploaded to YouTube, it's automatically scanned by Content ID.
If Content ID finds a match, the matching video will get a Content ID claim. Depending on the copyright owner's Content ID settings, a Content ID claim results in one of the following actions:
- Blocks a video from being viewed
- Monetizes the video by running ads against it and sometimes sharing revenue with the uploader
- Tracks the video’s viewership statistics
Keep in mind that any of these actions can be geography-specific. For example, a video can be monetized in one country/region and blocked or tracked in a different country/region.
Who uses Content ID?
Content ID is available to copyright owners who meet specific criteria. To be approved, they must own exclusive rights to a substantial body of original material that is frequently uploaded to YouTube.
YouTube also sets explicit guidelines on how Content ID can be used. Content ID use and disputes ;are monitored on an ongoing basis to make sure these guidelines are followed.
If you're a copyright owner and believe your content meets the criteria for Content ID, you can fill out this form to let us know more about your copyright management needs.
