What is Content ID?


Content ID is an audio-fingerprinting technology that detects any unauthorized or otherwise infringing third party uploads of your music.


When Sparta delivers your release, YouTube, through their Content ID system, will scan their database of UGC (User Generated Content) that have been submitted to them by other content creators. When the Content ID system detects a match between your audio files and UGC, it will automatically block, monetize or track the content in question.  Sparta's ContentID policy is to monetize by default - this will allow UGC content to continue to use the audio (including your own user-uploaded videos), but will make video monetization ineligible as it is already being collected by Audiosalad on behalf of Sparta.


This process is automatic, and no further action is needed from your end in order to enable Content ID for your music.


Whitelisting 


If you want to allow other users to upload and directly monetize videos using your music, you will want to disable Content ID for the said accounts.  This is called Whitelisting, and is used to grant upload permission to third parties who have been authorized to use your music.


Once an account has been whitelisted, Content ID will NOT block, monetize, or track any content uploaded within the account. For more information about whitelisting, please refer to the following document - Whitelisting for Artist Profiles/Channels


Allowlisting


What actions are available through Content ID?


YouTube

  • Block - Takedown the whole video from being viewed
  • Monetize - Run ads against the video, sometimes sharing revenue with the uploader
  • Track - Records the video's viewership statistics, but claims no revenue


Note: our default YouTube policy is set to monetize; content identified by Content ID will not be automatically blocked unless specifically actioned by the rights-holder.


What if I want to disable Content ID / authorize third party uploads?


Sparta's ContentID policy is to monetize by default - this will allow UGC content to continue to use the audio (including your own user-uploaded videos), but will make video monetization ineligible as it is already being collected by Audiosalad on behalf of Sparta.