YouTube Content ID setup for indie artists
People will upload your music. Content ID makes sure you get paid when they do.
What it does
Content ID scans YouTube for your music and lets you claim ad revenue from videos that use it, or block them. Your choice per video.
Most distributors offer it as an add on. Turn it on before release, not after someone goes viral with your song.
Claim, do not block
Fan uploads, reaction videos, and dance clips promote you. Claim the revenue and let them live. Blocking fans is bad business.
Reserve blocks for full album leaks and impersonator channels only.
Watch the dashboard
Check your claims monthly. False claims happen, and disputing quickly keeps your account healthy.
Next step: enable Content ID on your distributor before your next release goes live.
Monitor your claims
Check your Content ID dashboard monthly for false claims and disputes. Neglect costs you money and goodwill.
Whitelist your own channel and your collaborators. Do not claim yourself by accident.
Your Monday action plan
Enable Content ID in your distributor dashboard before your next release goes live.
Set your policy to claim, not block, and whitelist your own channels immediately.
Sources and further reading
Sources were checked for this article. Tool features, prices and availability can change. Product claims are attributed to their publishers.
