YouTube Content ID Eligibility Guidelines

Not all content is eligible for YouTube Content ID. YouTube has strict guidelines to determine what audio can be fingerprinted and monetized. Please review the following rules carefully before requesting Content ID activation.

✅ Requirements for Eligibility

To qualify for YouTube Content ID, your submission must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must hold exclusive copyright ownership of the audio content.
• You must have full rights in all territories worldwide.
• The content must be original, distinct, and free from third-party claims or shared licensing.

❌ Content Types That Are Not Eligible

1. Third-Party or Non-Exclusive Content

• Beats or samples licensed non-exclusively from third parties
• “Type beats” or leased instrumentals
• Use of uncleared samples, acapellas, or instrumentals from other songs
• Speech-only recordings (motivational talks, public speeches, etc.)
• Music released under Creative Commons or open licenses
• Royalty-free production music
• Public domain recordings or compositions
• Clips used under “fair use” principles
• Video gameplay footage (unless you're the game’s official publisher)

2. Derivative or Non-Original Works

• Karaoke tracks or sound-alike recordings
• Remasters or re-recordings of existing songs
• Covers (instrumental or with vocals)
• Unofficial remixes or re-arrangements of songs not published by the original artist

3. Generic or Ambiguous Audio

• Nature sounds (rain, wind, ocean, etc.)
• Ambient beds or soundscapes
• Sound effects and production loops
• Background or library music used across multiple tracks

4. Mixed or Multi-Track Submissions

• Compilations (e.g., “Top 10 of 2024”)
• Continuous DJ mixes or megamixes
• Mashups of multiple songs
• Countdown videos or ranking lists
• Full albums submitted as one track (must be submitted as individual songs)

⚠️ Important Submission Guidelines

Even if you own 100% of the content, do not submit compilations, mixes, or albums as a single file. Each song must be submitted individually so that YouTube can create an accurate and distinct fingerprint.

If you have questions about your content’s eligibility or how to prepare it for Content ID, feel free to contact our support team.