Switching from one music distribution service to another, especially for YouTube Content ID, is a significant decision that requires a clear understanding of the processes involved to ensure that your music continues to generate revenue without any disruptions. If you decide to switch from Deliver My Tune to another service, here are the key steps and considerations involved in the transition:
1. Transfer of Content ID Ownership
Deliver My Tune, like many music distributors, manages your YouTube Content ID claims on your behalf. This system allows YouTube to identify your music across its platform and helps to monetize content that uses your music, whether in official uploads or user-generated videos. When you switch to another distributor, one of the first tasks is transferring the ownership of your YouTube Content ID to the new service.
- Why it’s important: Content ID is crucial for protecting your intellectual property on YouTube. It automatically scans all videos on the platform and detects where your music is being used. If your new distributor doesn’t take over the Content ID claims, you could lose out on revenue from unauthorized use of your music.
- How it works: Once you sign up with a new distributor, they will request ownership of your existing YouTube Content ID claims. This is typically done in coordination with YouTube, and it ensures that your new distributor manages all claims and revenue associated with your music. If this step is skipped or delayed, there could be a gap in coverage, leaving your music vulnerable to misuse.
2. Re-Registering Your Music with YouTube Content ID
After switching distributors, your new service will need to re-register your music with YouTube’s Content ID system. This ensures that any future videos uploaded to the platform, either by you or by third-party users, are properly tracked and monetized.
- Avoiding conflicts: To prevent any potential conflicts or duplicate claims, you should ensure that your previous distributor (Deliver My Tune) has removed your music from their Content ID system. Duplicate claims can lead to revenue disputes, which can take time to resolve. Most reputable distributors, including Deliver My Tune, provide support to help artists remove their music from the previous system to ensure a seamless transition.
- Ensuring continuous protection: The registration process with the new distributor should be completed before your agreement with Deliver My Tune ends, so there’s no gap in Content ID coverage. Your music remains protected, and your new distributor can begin managing claims as soon as the transfer is complete.
3. Impact on Revenue Collection
One of the biggest concerns when switching distributors is ensuring that there is no disruption in the collection of revenue from YouTube Content ID. It’s important to understand that during the switch, there may be a short period where revenue collection could be paused as your new distributor takes over.
- Timing matters: It’s crucial to plan the switch carefully. Communicate with both Deliver My Tune and your new distributor to ensure there’s a clear timeline for when the transition will occur. The goal is to minimize any gap in revenue collection, which can happen if one service stops collecting before the other begins.
- Outstanding revenue: Any revenue that has been earned up to the date of your switch will be paid out by Deliver My Tune according to their payment schedule. Be sure to review their payment terms to know when you can expect to receive any remaining earnings.
4. Content Retention on YouTube
Switching distributors does not mean that your content will be removed from YouTube. However, it does mean that the control over your YouTube Content ID claims and monetization will be transferred to your new distributor.
- Existing videos: Your music will remain available on YouTube, but the responsibility for managing claims and collecting revenue will shift to your new distributor. If your agreement with Deliver My Tune included video distribution services (such as uploading your music videos to YouTube), you will need to work with your new distributor to ensure those videos remain live or are re-uploaded under the new service.
- New uploads: After the switch, any new videos that feature your music will be managed by your new distributor. They will handle Content ID claims for these videos and ensure that your music is monetized properly.
5. Terminating Your Agreement with Deliver My Tune
Before making the switch, it’s essential to review your contract with Deliver My Tune. Most distributors have specific terms regarding the termination of service, including how and when you can cancel. You may also need to provide notice before terminating the agreement, so it’s important to check the specifics outlined in your contract.
- Handling ongoing claims: Once you’ve notified Deliver My Tune of your intention to switch, they will begin the process of removing your music from their Content ID system and transferring any outstanding claims or revenue to your new distributor. It’s important to ensure that all claims are properly closed out with Deliver My Tune so that no issues arise with your new distributor.
- Customer support: Deliver My Tune’s support team can guide you through this process to make it as smooth as possible. They will help you understand any final payments you are owed and what steps are necessary to ensure a clean exit.
6. Communication with Fans and Partners
If your switch also impacts other aspects of your distribution (such as social media promotion, playlist pitching, or marketing services), you may need to inform your audience and business partners about the change. Communicate with your fan base through social media or newsletters to let them know about any potential changes, especially if it affects the availability of your music on certain platforms temporarily.
Switching from Deliver My Tune to another music distribution service for YouTube Content ID involves a few key steps, but with proper planning and communication, it can be done without significant disruption. It’s essential to ensure a smooth transfer of Content ID ownership, properly register your music with the new service, and coordinate with both distributors to avoid gaps in revenue collection. By managing these aspects carefully, you can continue to monetize your content effectively on YouTube and protect your music from unauthorized use.