How to Let Someone Use Your Song on YouTube

DistroKid is a popular music distribution service that allows artists to share their music on a variety of digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Before diving into how you can let someone use your song on YouTube through DistroKid, it's essential to understand what DistroKid is and how it can benefit your music career.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a music distribution service designed to help musicians upload their music to various streaming platforms quickly and efficiently. Unlike traditional record labels, DistroKid operates on a subscription model, where artists pay an annual fee to distribute unlimited songs and albums. This service not only ensures that your music reaches a broader audience but also ensures you retain 100% of your royalties.

Why Use DistroKid for Music Distribution?

Using DistroKid offers several advantages:

• Speedy distribution. Your music can be available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music within 24-72 hours.
• All-in-one dashboard to manage all releases and earnings.
• Access to key promotional tools that help boost your music's visibility.
• Support for global distribution, ensuring your music reaches international audiences.

Now, let's explore how you can let someone use your song on YouTube via DistroKid.

Allowing Others to Use Your Song on YouTube

As an artist, you might come across opportunities where other content creators wish to use your music in their YouTube videos. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can facilitate that through DistroKid:

Step 1: Distribute Your Music Through DistroKid

If you haven’t already, you need to upload your song to DistroKid. To do this, log into your DistroKid account, select “Upload,” and follow the prompts to upload your song. Be sure to fill out all required fields accurately.

Step 2: Register Your Song in YouTube's Content ID

DistroKid offers a specific service for managing YouTube Content ID. This service ensures that when your music is used in YouTube videos, it can be monetized. You need to opt into this service during the upload process or from the song's management page if it’s already uploaded.

Step 3: Provide Permission to Content Creators

To allow a YouTube creator to use your song in their video, you need to provide them with official permission. Here’s how:

1. Direct Communication: Communicate directly with the content creator and give them written permission. Make sure this permission is in clear terms, specifying how they can use your song and under what conditions.
2. License Documentation: Draft a simple license agreement that covers the usage rights. This document can include your terms, such as proper attribution, non-commercial usage, or revenue sharing if monetized.
3. Email Confirmation: An email confirmation can sometimes suffice, but ensure it contains all necessary details about the content creator's permissions.

Step 4: Managing Claims and Disputes

Even after giving permission, YouTube's algorithm may flag videos using your music. To manage this, DistroKid offers support for handling claims. If a video using your song is flagged, both you and the content creator can submit the necessary proof of permission directly to YouTube for resolution.

Maximizing Benefits with Music Distribution Platforms

While DistroKid is a great distribution service, it's essential to know about other platforms such as SoundOn. SoundOn not only helps artists distribute their music globally but also offers unique promotional tools that can help you build a robust career in the music industry. Exploring multiple platforms can give you a broader reach and better promotional avenues.

Conclusion

Allowing someone to use your song on YouTube through DistroKid involves a few straightforward steps. By ensuring your music is properly distributed and registered with YouTube's Content ID, and providing clear permissions to content creators, you can expand your audience and leverage new promotional opportunities. Remember, managing your music’s usage rights is crucial to maintaining your creative control and maximizing your revenue potential.

Ready to distribute your music to a global audience? Sign up with SoundOn today and take the next step in your music career!