Not all sound recordings are suitable for distribution to DSPs that handle user-generated content (UGC) such as YouTube Content ID, Facebook Rights Manager, and TikTok*.
Generally, only sound recordings that are sonically distinct from any audio you do not own and to which you have exclusive UGC rights are eligible for distribution to DSPs that deal with UGC content.
What to do if your release contains unauthorised content for UGC DSPs?
If your release didn't pass the inspection due to this issue, there are two possible workarounds:
A) Removing Facebook Rights Manager, YouTube Content ID, and TikTok* from the stores you wish to deliver to
OR
B) Removing the infringing track from the release and distributing it to the DSPs you intended.
💡 *Note that TikTok is launching a new service called TikTok Scanning. This service identifies sound recordings suitable for scanning UGC videos. By ensuring you apply the appropriate track copyright information and monetization policy, you can continue delivering your content to TikTok.
Examples of unauthorised content for UGC DSPs
The list below indicates types of sound recordings that are not permitted on these DSPs. This list is solely meant to provide examples and is not meant to be exhaustive:
Public domain content or audio files that contain public domain content.
Content that contains very generic and common sounds. For example, audience applause, white noise, or simple drum loops. But the following may also be invalid: meditation, yoga, or sleep music.
Content that contains non-exclusive beats or sounds. For example, songs that contain drum loops or samples that are contained in sample packs or music creation software.
Content that you licensed from another party on a non-exclusive basis. For example, content that was licensed for soundtracks or compilations, or that you licensed from a production music catalog.
"Soundalike" covers or remixes
Karaoke versions of songs.
Classical music content.
Live versions of songs that sound very similar to the recorded version of that same song.
Derivative versions of recordings owned by other parties. For example, remixes of songs for which you do not own the original version.
Re-recorded masters, re-mastered tracks, or remixed tracks of songs where you do not own the original recording.
Any audio where you do not control the right to claim UGC videos that use 100% of the delivered audio.
A variation of a sound recording that has already been distributed to the DSP. For example:
an instrumental version
a remaster
a shorter/longer version (for example a medley or a concert version where the sound recording is not significantly different from the one previously distributed to the DSP)
DJ set, a continuous mix, or other similar compilations where the individual sound recordings have already been distributed to the DSP
Video gameplay footage.
Non-music content such as (but not limited to):
comedy recordings
film recordings (that are not the musical score to a film)
speeches
prayer recordings
audiobooks
podcasts