This section explains how YouTube Content ID and YouTube Music work together.
BASIC RULE
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can Content ID be used alone? | No |
| Is YouTube Music required? | Yes |
Content ID cannot work by itself.
WHY BOTH ARE REQUIRED
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Art Track | Must exist on YouTube |
| Source | Art Track comes from YouTube Music delivery |
| Content ID | Needs that Art Track to function |
Without an Art Track, Content ID cannot identify or track the song.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED
| Action | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Content ID only | No |
| Content ID without YouTube Music | No |
You cannot enable Content ID unless the release is also sent to YouTube Music.
WHAT IS ALLOWED
| Action | Allowed |
|---|---|
| YouTube Music only | Yes |
| YouTube Music without Content ID | Yes |
You may choose to distribute to YouTube Music and skip Content ID.
SIMPLE SUMMARY
| Point | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Content ID needs YouTube Music | Always |
| YouTube Music can stand alone | Yes |
| Content ID cannot stand alone | Never |
