It has been a long time since the first video was uploaded in 2005 to YouTube, and since then, the platform has become the most popular audiovisual social network thanks to the multitude of content creators who upload videos and music tracks to their channels to share them with the world. But their creative ideas not only entertain millions of people, but can also become an important source of income. To help them, the platform has created Content ID.
The YouTube Content ID software has been designed to help artists and other content creators protect their copyrights and obtain the income they are entitled to when other people use their work. So if you own a channel on the platform, this article is for you. In it, we will tell you what Content ID consists of, how it works, how to get the Youtube Video ID and much more.
YouTube Content ID: What is it?
In simple words, Content ID is a tool created by the audiovisual platform to help content creators and musicians to track possible copies of their creations. That is, each video or music file that you upload to YouTube will have a digital fingerprint that can be easily identified when used in the content of other YouTubers.
Thanks to this software, any user who activates it on their content will be registering their intellectual property and, when locating their content in other videos or audios, they will be able to claim part of the monetary benefits obtained. Keep in mind that you must own all the rights to your content, because otherwise, if you activate YouTube Content ID on your channel you may have conflicts on the platform and may even be sanctioned. With this tool, YouTube aims to give creators absolute control over their content, so that no one can use your videos and music without your permission.
With this tool, YouTube aims to give creators absolute control over their content, so that no one can use your videos and music without your permission.
How Does YouTube’s Content ID Work?
The operation of this program is very simple. As we have explained, Content ID creates a digital fingerprint of all the content you have uploaded to the platform, so that when another user uploads a video in which your work appears, the software automatically detects it and makes a Content ID claim, and you will also be notified.
Upon receiving the notification, you can act in three different ways:
· Block the video on YouTube so that no one can see it and, therefore, the other user cannot monetize it.
· It is possible to track the viewing statistics of the video to check its popularity.
· Allow the use and monetize the video with ads, being able to share the income with the user who uploaded it.
These actions can be limited by geographic areas, being able to monetize in certain locations, while in other areas the video will be blocked or monitoring the statistics.
Who Can Use YouTube Content ID?
Content ID has been designed to protect the intellectual property of content creators who meet a number of specific conditions, among which is being the legitimate and exclusive owner of the content. In addition, it is necessary to demonstrate that the channel has sufficient videos that justify the need to use this tool.
Some of the elements that users cannot have exclusive ownership of are mashups, remixes or compilations of other works, gameplays, movie or video game trailers, software, unlicensed music or videos, the recording of a concert, program or events and the like.
YouTube monitors the use made of its tool and verifies that the challenges made by users comply with the specified guidelines. Therefore, if many erroneous claims are made, it is possible to lose access to Content ID and the YouTube Partner Program. If you are a regular content creator and the exclusive owner of the copyright to your work, you can request activation of this system or entrust its management to a specialized company, such as 2btube.
How to get the ID of a Video on YouTube?
The YouTube Video ID is the identifier that the platform assigns to each video that is uploaded to it –whether in shorts, vertical video or other format-, which is used by Content ID to track the content and the copyright of the users. For this reason, it is important to know how to obtain this code from any video.
The series of letters that appear at the end of the link of each YouTube video is the YouTube Video ID. When it comes to sound content, this same identifier code is known as YouTube Audio ID, and it fulfills the same function. You will only have to select the link to be able to see the ID of all the content hosted on the platform. In the event that you want to check the YouTube Video ID of a video embedded in a different web page, simply right-click on it with the right mouse button to copy the URL of the video and get it.
YouTube users and channels also have their own ID assigned by the platform. You can check yours by logging into YouTube and going to the “settings” option by clicking on your profile picture. Then choose “advanced settings” and in the window that opens below you will see your user and channel ID.
How is YouTube Content ID Activated?
Given the level of protection provided by Content ID, you are surely looking forward to knowing how to activate it on your channel. There are two alternatives to ask YouTube to take your work into account:
1. Direct Request to the Platform
The first way to get Content ID to take your content into account when protecting copyrights is to request it directly from the platform. Making the request is as easy as following these three simple steps:
1. Enter the “Help Center” of the YouTube website.
2. Find the form called “Content ID Application”.
3. Fill out the form with your data and on what content you request activation.
YouTube will review the request and grant access to Content ID if you meet the criteria they specify for its activation, such as owning the exclusive rights to a large amount of original material and uploading videos frequently. This means that even if you complete the application form, YouTube does not guarantee the activation of the tool.
2. Through an Intermediary
The other option available to activate YouTube Content ID is to work with an intermediary. This is the most recommended option for independent content creators and for those who manage a large number of videos and audios. The intermediaries that can help you are:
· Digital distributors that offer the service to activate Content ID.
· Joining the YouTube Partner program.
This type of companies, as is the case of 2btube, take care of all the technological and legal procedures that the authors have to carry out with Content ID and the YouTube platform. As intermediaries they will charge a percentage of the benefits obtained with the content. In addition, they are able to create creative strategies to maximize the reach of each video or premium advertising on YouTube.
In addition, to be part of the Partner program, you will have to meet a series of requirements, which are modified from time to time, but are usually related to the number of subscribers, not having faults, living in a country where it is available, among others.
Reasons to Start Using Content ID Today
Throughout this text we have highlighted on several occasions the importance of Content ID to protect the copyright to your work, but this is not the only reason why you should consider its activation.
In addition to creating a digital fingerprint of each content you upload, this program will help you monetize the use of your work by other users. In this way, you can claim the benefits of the videos where your material appears, but you can also share them to promote its legitimate use.
This tool also automates the control over the use that the rest of the users make of your content, saving you a lot of time and effort. And, previously the only way to manage the protection of intellectual property was to manually check video by video.
How to get Maximum Protection on YouTube?
In short, YouTube Content ID is a powerful ally for content creators who want to protect their copyrights and increase monetization opportunities, so it is a very valuable resource that can help you grow on the platform.
If you are looking for professional advice or customized solutions to implement Content ID in your channels, at 2btube we can help you. As YouTube experts, our team is ready to help you optimize the protection and monetization of your content on digital platforms. Discover more about our services and get in touch with us to see how we can boost your growth as a content creator or brand. We will be happy to offer you advice without any commitment!