What is Content ID?
Content ID is an automated system that eligible rights holders use to find videos that contain their material.
Content ID is YouTube's system for matching uploaded videos against reference files supplied by rights holders who have been approved to use it.
What it does
- A rights holder gives YouTube a reference file for something they own or control.
- New uploads can be compared against those files.
- When there is a match, the rights holder's chosen policy applies to that video, for example showing a claim on it.
What it is not
- It is not available to every YouTube account. Access is granted by YouTube to eligible rights holders and partners.
- A Content ID match is not the same as a copyright strike. See Claim or strike?.
Where to read more
Check the official page listed under Sources for the current description, eligibility and options. Policies change, so this article carries a review date.
Sources