Check whether your content qualifies before you apply

Content ID can't protect every kind of video. YouTube only lets us claim content that one owner controls exclusively. That rules out a lot of good channels: compilations, gameplay, recordings of concerts. Until recently, people making that kind of content found out only after filling in the whole application and waiting for a review.

Sign-up now starts with three questions instead, so you find out in a minute.

The three questions

When you apply, the first step asks:

1. What do you want to protect? Your own videos, your own music, compilations, gameplay, recordings of events, content built on royalty-free or Creative Commons material, or something else. You can pick more than one.
2. How do you hold the rights? You made it yourself, you hold an exclusive license, you represent the owner, you hold a non-exclusive license, or you're not sure.
3. Is this content already managed by someone else who uses Content ID? For example a distributor, a label, an MCN or another rights service.

If an answer might be a problem

If your answers point to content that may not qualify, the page tells you which answers and why, in plain words. For example:

• Compilations, mashups and remixes. The clips belong to their original owners, so Content ID can't claim them, even when your edit is original.
• Gameplay and screen recordings. The game or software publisher owns the footage. Your own commentary, music or animation can still qualify.
• Already managed elsewhere. Two services can't hold Content ID rights to the same content. You would need to end the other arrangement first, or apply only for content it doesn't cover.

It's a warning, not a rejection

The check doesn't decide anything. Everyone can carry on with Continue with my application. If only part of your catalogue is like this, you can still apply for the rest. There's an optional box to tell our reviewers why you qualify, for example "The gameplay is from a game I developed", and they read it with your application. A person still reviews every application, as before.

If you choose Not for me right now instead, nothing is saved. We only count, without names, how many people stop at this step. You're welcome back any time your content changes.

Not sure about your rights?

That's common. If you made the content yourself and haven't signed it away, you own it. If you're unsure whether a video counts as fair use, read our guide to fair use on YouTube. Our guide on how independent creators get Content ID explains what qualifies in more detail.

Creators who join through an agency don't see these questions. Their agency adds them.

Ready? Use Apply Now at the top of this page to start your application.