How to Protect Your Music against illegal use

As a musician, your creative work is one of your most valuable assets. When someone uses your music on YouTube without permission, it can be frustrating and damaging. If you don’t have YouTube’s Content ID system set up yet, you might feel like you have no control over how your music is being used. However, there are still several ways you can protect your music and take action if it is used without your consent. This article explores how you can safeguard your music on YouTube even without relying on Content ID.

Why Content ID Is Important but Not Always Available

Content ID is a powerful tool for rights holders to automatically monitor and manage the use of their content on YouTube. It scans videos and flags those that use registered music or videos, giving creators the option to claim, block, or monetize the unauthorized use of their content.

However, not all musicians have access to Content ID. The system is typically reserved for established labels, major artists, or musicians who work through third-party distributors. Independent artists, particularly those who are just starting out, may not have Content ID set up or may be unfamiliar with the process of getting access.

This does not mean that musicians without Content ID are powerless. There are other methods you can use to protect your music from unauthorized use on YouTube.

Monitoring Your Music Manually

Without Content ID, one of the first steps to protect your music is to actively monitor YouTube for unauthorized uploads. While this might sound time-consuming, it is important for independent musicians to stay vigilant. You can use tools such as Google Alerts, which notifies you when new content containing certain keywords (like your song title or artist name) appears online. Additionally, you can perform regular searches on YouTube to check if your music has been uploaded without your permission.

Third-party services like TuneMyMusic or ACRCloud can also help musicians monitor platforms for their music. These services allow you to track where your songs are being used and help identify unauthorized uploads.

Using YouTube’s Reporting Tools

If you find that someone has uploaded your music without permission, YouTube offers tools to report copyright infringement. While Content ID automates this process, the manual reporting system is still effective in protecting your work.

Here’s how to report copyright infringement on YouTube:

Identify the Unauthorized Video: Once you find the video that uses your music without permission, copy its URL.

Go to YouTube’s Copyright Infringement Page: YouTube has a dedicated page for reporting copyright violations, which can be found here.

Submit a DMCA Takedown Request: You will need to provide information such as your name, contact details, a description of your work, and proof of your ownership of the content.

Follow Up: Once you submit the request, YouTube will review it and may remove the video. If the uploader disputes your claim, the video might remain online, and you may need to provide additional proof or pursue legal action.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) gives you the legal right to request the removal of unauthorized content. YouTube’s compliance with DMCA means that your report will likely lead to swift action if the violation is clear.

Take Legal Action When Necessary

In some cases, reporting the issue to YouTube may not be enough. If your music is used by someone who disputes your ownership claim or if they repeatedly infringe on your rights, you may need to take legal action.

Consulting with a copyright attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you. A lawyer can send cease-and-desist letters to the offender, file lawsuits, or take further action to protect your intellectual property. While legal action can be expensive, it may be necessary to ensure that your music is not being exploited without your consent.

Registering Your Music with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

Another way to protect your music, even without Content ID, is by registering your work with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS for Music. These organizations help musicians manage and protect their performance rights, ensuring they are compensated whenever their music is used publicly.

While a PRO won’t automatically detect unauthorized use of your music on YouTube, it does provide an additional layer of protection. If your music is played in public settings, including YouTube videos, you may be entitled to royalties through your PRO.

Consider Third-Party Distribution Platforms

If you don’t have access to Content ID directly, one option is to use a third-party distribution service that provides this feature. Companies like CD Baby, DistroKid, and TuneCore offer services to distribute your music across various platforms, including YouTube. Many of these distributors include Content ID management as part of their service, allowing you to track and manage your music more effectively.

By working with a distributor, you can leverage their resources to ensure your music is protected across all platforms, including YouTube.

Future-Proofing Your Music

As an independent musician, taking immediate steps to protect your work is important. However, future-proofing your music by setting up systems like Content ID will give you more control over your content moving forward.

Conclusion

While YouTube’s Content ID system offers automated protection for musicians, not having it doesn’t mean you’re helpless. By actively monitoring YouTube for unauthorized uploads, using the platform’s reporting tools, registering with a PRO, and considering third-party distribution services, you can protect your music and ensure your rights are enforced. Though it may require more effort without Content ID, these steps are crucial in safeguarding your creative work on YouTube and beyond.