In an effort to facilitate the process of uploading a video and receiving advertising revenue, YouTube is launching a new tool called ‘Checks’ that tells the creator early on whether their video contains copyrighted material and comply with the advertising guidelines.
Before the investigation, creators uploaded their videos to YouTube, hoping that everything would go smoothly. The new feature displays the uploads for copyrighted content, which could lead to removals or copyright holders claiming advertising revenue, and whether the video is incorrect in relation to advertising guidelines. YouTube’s goal is to effectively reduce the amount of “yellow icons” creators see next to their video, referring to the yellow dollar signs that indicate advertising revenue is being held for copyright or guideline issues.
This new system depends on Content ID. If YouTube’s copyright infringement system violates after a video is scanned, the rightsholder’s policy will be automatically applied to the video, according to the company. This can lead to the video being blocked completely, or the right holders earning the money instead.
If Content ID matches content in the creator’s video with another rightsholder, the YouTuber who uploads the video will be notified via Checks to find a way to remove that portion of the video ahead of time. This means that videos can start earning revenue once they are uploaded instead of a claims dispute, which can affect the total advertising revenue that a creator earns.
So, what happens if a copyright claim is found but the creator does not think they are doing something wrong? YouTube will allow creators to dispute the claim before it is published. Since claims take a few days to process, YouTubers can choose to wait until the dispute is resolved before publishing, or they can publish the video while they wait for the final result. If the dispute finds that the creator did not use copyrighted content, advertising revenue earned during that time will be paid to the person. If the dispute finds that the right holder is correct, the advertising revenue is rather paid out to them.
YouTube simply makes it easier for creators to find claims ahead of time – and dispute them. It is part of the ongoing efforts of the company to ensure that creators can make money as quickly and effectively as possible. Other methods, including how creators explore how changes to metadata and labeling can affect post-publication revenue, are at the heart of a new Creators Insider video.