When you release music with The Artist Platform, it can appear on YouTube in a few different ways. Here's what each one is, what you can do with it, and how to avoid claims on your own videos.
Where your music appears on YouTube
Art Tracks. For each song we deliver, YouTube creates an Art Track: your audio with the cover art and song details. These are the official audio versions of your music.
Your Topic channel. Art Tracks appear on an automatic channel called "Your Artist Name - Topic". They don't go on your own channel. To have them there, upload your own videos. What happens when I deliver audio to YouTube?
YouTube Music. Your releases are also available in the YouTube Music app.
Content ID. If you choose it, YouTube scans uploads for your music, so you can earn from other people's videos that use it.
Get an Official Artist Channel
An Official Artist Channel brings your channel, your Topic channel and your Art Tracks together in one place, with your subscribers combined. It also gives you YouTube's tools for artists.
The main requirements:
the channel represents only one artist or band
you have at least 3 official music releases distributed through The Artist Platform
the channel meets YouTube's other requirements
If your channel qualifies, send us your request and we'll ask YouTube on your behalf. It can take from a few weeks up to 6 months, depending on how popular your channel is and how busy YouTube is. YouTube doesn't send a confirmation, so check your channel to see when it changes. YouTube Official Artist Channel
Content ID: earning from your music, and avoiding claims
Content ID finds your music in videos across YouTube. Not every track can use it. For example, tracks with samples, beats or sounds you don't own exclusively aren't eligible. What can't be claimed on YouTube, Meta and other UGC platforms
Add your own channels to the allowlist before you upload. Otherwise Content ID may claim your own videos. Send us the channels you use, and we'll make sure your uploads aren't claimed. How to whitelist your channels
Fixing common problems
What's happening | What to do |
My own video got a Content ID claim | Ask us to allowlist your channel, then tell us which video was claimed. Someone uploaded or claimed my music |
My songs aren't on my own channel | Art Tracks go to your Topic channel. An Official Artist Channel brings them together. |
Someone else is using my music without permission | |
My release isn't on YouTube yet | Stores usually have releases within 7 days of our review. If it's past your release date, see Music missing in stores. |
Need help?
Message us through the chat in The Artist Platform with your release title, UPC and your YouTube channel link. We aim to reply within 1 business day.
Other store guides: Spotify · Apple Music