Why is my release blocked on Content Recognition Stores?

Content Recognition stores (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) can be blocked on a release for multiple reasons:

Non-exclusive content

If your release contains any non-exclusive samples, we cannot deliver it to services that run content recognition systems. These services include YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. YouTube Music will still remain available, as it does not use a content recognition system.

Non-exclusive samples are samples that anyone can access and use in their own music, whether purchased or downloaded for free, including royalty-free libraries.

Content recognition technology compares audio against a large database of existing material. If a sample you used already appears in other releases, or is widely available for public use, this can cause incorrect matches and claims when another track using the same sample is delivered to those Content ID stores.

Examples include:

• Samples from Splice, Tracklib, Cymatics, etc.
• Public domain or Creative Commons material (for example from Wikipedia or out-of-copyright speech recordings)
• Third-party backing tracks, whether leased or royalty-free

Samples that commonly confuse content recognition systems:

• Nature sounds and ambience (birds, flowing water, etc.)
• White noise, static, and similar textures
• Audience and Crowd noises
• Vocaloid voices and AI-generated speech

Types of Releases that CR Stores Will Block

**Most common blocks 

• AI-generated content**
• Ambient soundscape-style releases
• ASMR content
• Chanted mantras or prayers
• Classical music
• Compilation albums made from previously released songs**
• Covers of public domain music such as traditional folk songs or out-of-copyright material (for example pre-war jazz or show tunes)
• DJ sets or continuous mixes
• Film scores
• Karaoke tracks
• Live recordings**
• Meditation, yoga, or sleep music**
• Nature sound recordings
• Production library music, including loop-based material
• Production music created for use in other media such as videos or games
• Remixes of other artists’ tracks, even when you hold the rights**
• Sound-alike recordings**
• Sound effects
• Soundbeds
• Soundtracks that may match original media

These restrictions are defined within the stores’ terms and conditions and cannot be appealed or disputed. Contact support if you believe any errors were made concerning the block.

We apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this may cause.