UPDATE: I've cleared dozens of videos already without issue. Thank you all for getting in touch. Should you be hit with a claim, please PM me, or get in touch with me via email, facebook, YouTube, or twitter. If I don't respond within a day or two, please don't be afraid to follow up. I DO NOT want to claim your let's plays -- please bug me until it's cleared :). Cheers!
Hi friends! Many of you know about YouTube's Content ID system, but for those who don't:
Copyright owners can use a system called Content ID to easily identify and manage their content on YouTube.
Videos uploaded to YouTube are scanned against a database of files that have been submitted to us by content owners. Copyright owners get to decide what happens when content in a video on YouTube matches a work they own. When this happens, the video gets a Content ID claim.
Over the years, I've had quite a few of my tracks posted on Youtube (and other sites), with no attribution or crediting. I love that people are enjoying my music, and haven't really given it much thought (sometimes I'll leave a comment so people know who the author is). What I recently noticed, was that there are people who are posting my soundtracks (without permission), and monetizing them on YouTube -- with no attribution.
Recently, I've registered a large portion of my music catalogue to the Content ID system to help protect against theft. This doesn't change much; If you use my music in a let's play (with or without monetization), or post it without monetization, you are ok! If you do get hit with a flag, either dispute it, or contact me direct via newgrounds and I'll whitelist your video. I will not let you get a copyright strike on your account.
On a broader note: Content ID is here to stay, as much of a nuisance as it can be. If you're a YouTube content provider, it is a good idea to get comfortable with the system, and understand how to dispute/correct an incorrect copyright claim. I've been hit with a few myself -- one was MY OWN copyright! Hopefully the system improves over time, and people become more comfortable with it. It's not as scary as it looks, and you're only likely to run into problems if you are profiting off of other people's work (without permission).
I'm not an expert on Content ID, but I'd be happy to answer any questions I can. And please, if you do get hit with any Content ID claims -- let me know! I don't want this to happen, and will straighten a claim out ASAP.
3GreyLeaves
This is very nice to know.
As somebody who likes using Newgrounds music for youtube video, it's nice to see somebody actually caring about their music being used.
I try to ask people to use their music and I've never been told no. Even tho I've never been told no, I've had many people not replay. I'm sure it's because they aren't on Newgrounds anymore but it's really frustrating to not know what music is ok to use, and what isn't.
Thank you for this clarification on your part. It is a life saver coming from somebody that cares about fair use :)
DavidOrr
Thanks for the comment! Yes, it's a tough situation to be in for everyone. Right now, it's unfortunately "all or nothing" for us copyright holders. If I don't take steps to register with Content ID, people can (and do) upload and monetize my music without permission. If I do take steps, a lot of people who I've approved get bulk flagged.
Ideally, I'd rather Content ID work as follows: Instead of auto-flagging/disabling videos, they aggregate all flagged videos and let the Content ID owner do as they wish. Bulk flag, bulk ignore, single out videos, etc.. I'm really only concerned about people who have monetized my music without permission. I actually *want* let's players, people who upload without monetization (and credit), and remixers to be able to share their work hassle-free.
I am willing to do my part in the meantime, and hope that Google/YouTube improves the system!