Monetization on YouTube is a bit different than downloads (like Beatport) or streams (on Spotify). This article explains the key concepts behind monetizing your music on YouTube.
How does it work?
Monetization of music on YouTube is handled automatically by Content ID, a powerful audio recognition system. Proton sends your music to YouTube, then YouTube identifies ANY video on YouTube that features your music:
Music uploaded to your OWN YouTube channel.
Music uploaded by ANY user across ALL of YouTube.
When Content ID matches your music in a video, YouTube sends royalties to Proton so royalties flow correctly to rights holders like artists and label managers.
Do I need to do anything?
Nope! By default Proton sends music to Content ID automatically. You're good to go.
Someone received a claim from "Proton LLC" on their video...
Great! This means your video is being correctly monetized by YouTube.
What is a "claim" on YouTube?
When Content ID identifies your music in a YouTube video, Proton generates a "claim" on that video automatically. The original author that uploaded the video will not be able to monetize their video on their own, which sometimes causes them to complain!
What if someone complains about a claim?
It's common for original authors to get confused or upset about Content ID claims. They might write you to complain about it! Some things you need to know:
A claim does not prevent the video from being viewed on YouTube. Some original authors may say their video is blocked from viewing because of the claim, but this is not true.
A claim DOES prevent the original author from monetizing the video on their own, without generating any money for the label or artists.
If you want Proton to *release* the claim on a video, send us a URL to the video. IMPORTANT: When the claim is released, the artists and label will not receive any royalties from the video.