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SM Blueprint
Step 1 of 10 in this module#591 of 1,000

1. What is YouTube Content ID (YTM)?

Part 6 • YouTube Content ID (YTM) Cost and Commission

YouTube Content ID is a robust, automated system that scans all videos uploaded to YouTube for copyrighted material. When your music is registered with Content ID, the system creates a "fingerprint" of your audio. If this fingerprint is detected in any other video (e.g., a fan using your song in their TikTok compilation, a vlog using your instrumental), Content ID automatically identifies it. As the copyright holder, you then have several options, the most common being to "claim" the video and monetize it, redirecting the ad revenue generated by that video to you.

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In this module: YouTube Content ID (YTM) Cost and Commission10 steps
  1. 1What is YouTube Content ID (YTM)?
  2. 2The Cost: $4.95 per Single/Year
  3. 3The Hidden Commission: DistroKid Takes 20%
  4. 4Why the 20% Commission?
  5. 5Strategic Value: Monetizing User-Generated Content (UGC)
  6. 6The "Cover Song" Distinction
  7. 7Understanding Claims and Disputes
  8. 8Strategic Decision: Is it Worth the Cost?
  9. 9DistroKid's Content ID vs. Third-Party Solutions
  10. 10Your Actionable YouTube Content ID Strategy