How Can I Monetize My Tracks With YouTube's Content ID?

YouTube's Content ID system is a unique identification code for your tracks, created by YouTube to trace your music on their platform. Whenever a YouTube video uses your music, YouTube collects the revenue generated by the ads placed on that video and shares it with you. Here’s a brief video explaining how it works.

If you're interested in monetizing your tracks on YouTube through Content ID, here’s how you can do it through your iMusician dashboard:

Steps to Monetize Your Tracks with YouTube's Content ID

1. Log in to your iMusician dashboard and start creating a new release.
2. When you’re selecting the platforms for distribution, make sure to select YouTube.
3. In the distribution settings, you will see an option to enable Content ID. Make sure this is turned on.
4. Once Content ID is enabled, you’ll need to select which tracks you want to monetize. Only select tracks that are eligible!
5. Toggle the CID switch for the tracks you wish to monetize and confirm that you've checked the eligibility guidelines.

Once your release is submitted, our team will review your order. If everything is in order, the Content ID monetization will be activated on the same day your release goes live on the platforms.

By requesting the Content ID monetization, you are confirming that all the tracks you selected adhere to YouTube's eligibility guidelines, and that you've made the necessary verifications beforehand. If your tracks do not meet YouTube's criteria, we reserve the right to reject your order without a refund.

Mandatory YouTube Distribution

It’s mandatory to distribute your music on YouTube/YouTube Music in order to monetize it with Content ID. You will have access to the Content ID switch toggle only when YouTube is selected in the list of available stores during the release creation process.

You Forgot To Request The CID Monetization?

If you forgot to request the CID monetization during your order, don’t worry! Just reach out to our team and we’ll see if we can still activate it. However, before you reach out to our team, keep in mind that: 

• CID revenue is not retroactive. This means that if you enable the monetization later on, you will start earning revenue only from the day the CID is activated.
• CID monetization is only possible if your release is distributed worldwide.

How to Check if The Content ID is Active

If you're not sure whether the monetization was activated or not, you can easily check the CID status directly from your iMusician dashboard:

1. Go to Library > Tracks
2. Look for the CID icon next to each track. If it’s greyed-out, it means it’s not active.

Activating CID allows YouTube to automatically find and monetize any video using your tracks. Because this system is fully automated, iMusician cannot manually claim videos for you. Also, claims generally apply to videos uploaded after CID activation. Older videos may not be detected for monetization.

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