YouTube Content ID is a system that allows for the automatic scanning of videos on YouTube for usage of your music, and allows for the monetization of any videos that do use your music. Put simply, YouTube Content ID gets you paid when other people use your music in their YouTube videos.

Access to YouTube Content ID is part of our annually charged DistroKid Album Extra, Social Media Pack.

How YouTube Content ID Works

First, opt into Social Media Pack in the DistroKid upload form. The price is per release (album or single). You can also opt a release in after it's been uploaded to DistroKid, if you prefer.

Once you've opted in, DistroKid will add your music to YouTube's Content ID database, which detects when your music is used in any video. Here's a video that explains Content ID.

When YouTube detects your music in a video, ads will be enabled for that video. Revenue from these ads (minus 20%) will go to you. These earnings will be shown in your DistroKid "Bank" tab.

If you opt into YouTube Content ID but want to allow specific videos to use your music without Content ID claims, you can allowlist them here.