UGC (User Generated Content) Monetization - YouTube, Meta, and TikTok – UnitedMasters

Understanding UGC (User Generated Content) Monetization: YouTube, Meta, and TikTok

When content is created using your music on YouTube and social platforms—this is called User-Generated Content (UGC).

UnitedMasters allows you to monetize this content through digital fingerprinting technology. These platforms identify your content and allow you to monetize it.

YouTube Content ID

YouTube Content ID is an automated system that scans every video uploaded to YouTube against a database of copyrighted music.

How it Works: When a match is found, a "claim" is placed on the video. This is not a copyright strike and does not harm the uploader; it simply enables monetization for the artist.
The Benefit: Once claimed, ads run on the video, and the revenue is shared with you.
Your Own Channel: If you upload your own music to your own channel, Content ID will still "claim" it. To avoid this, you can contact UnitedMasters support to allowlist your channel.
The Cost: It costs $4.99 per release to opt-in, and UnitedMasters retains 20% of the gross royalties generated specifically from Content ID.

For more information about YouTube Content ID.

Meta (Facebook & Instagram)

Meta uses "Rights Manager" technology to identify your music across Reels, Stories, and feed posts.

Audio Libraries: Delivering your music to Meta will add your tracks to their official "Audio Libraries," making it easy for fans to select your song for their content.
UGC Monetization: UnitedMasters will now be offering a self-service feature to opt-in your eligible releases for monetization directly through your UnitedMasters account.
- The cost will be $2.99 per release that is opted in for Meta only.
- UnitedMasters will also offer a “Bundle” price of $7.99 to opt in a release for all services (YouTube Content ID, Meta, and TikTok).
- AI Content: PLEASE NOTE - AI Generated Content may be ineligible for monetization. It is possible that Meta could reject AI Generated Content at their discretion in some cases.
Background Usage (2025 Update): As of January 2025, UnitedMasters does not automatically monetize "background" usage (music playing in the ambient background of a video) on Facebook/Instagram.

For more information on Facebook/Instagram eligibility—please see our additional help article HERE.

TikTok

TikTok uses a similar "Rights Manager" technology to identify your music across creations on the platform.

Audio Libraries: Delivering your music to TikTok will add your tracks to their official "Audio Libraries," making it easy for fans to select your song for their content.
UGC Monetization: UnitedMasters will now be offering a self-service feature to opt-in your eligible releases for monetization directly through your UnitedMasters account.
- The cost will be $2.99 per release that is opted in for TikTok only.
- UnitedMasters will also offer a “Bundle” price of $7.99 to opt in a release for all services (YouTube Content ID, Meta, and TikTok).
Background Usage (2025 Update): As of January 2025, UnitedMasters does not automatically monetize "background" usage (music playing in the ambient background of a video) on TikTok.

For more information on TikTok eligibility—please see our additional help article HERE.

Eligibility: Is Your Music Ready?

Because these systems trigger automatic financial claims, the platforms have strict zero-tolerance policies regarding what can be fingerprinted. Your music must be 100% exclusively owned.

Ineligible Content (Do Not Opt-In):

If your music contains any of the following, it is ineligible for UGC monetization:

Non-Exclusive Beats: Beats purchased or licensed from sites like BeatStars where other artists may have a license to use the same instrumental.
Samples & Loops: Any audio from sample libraries (GarageBand, Splice, Epidemic Sound), even if you have modified them.
Generic/Non-Musical Audio: Nature sounds, white noise, sound effects (sirens, car horns), spoken word, or podcasts.
Public Domain & Covers: Re-recordings of songs you didn't write or audio extracted from existing movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos.
AI-Generated Material: Fully AI-generated vocals or instrumentals are currently ineligible for Meta and TikTok.

Eligible Content:

You are the sole creator and owner of all sounds and compositions.
The recording is distinct and does not use third-party material or loops.
You have not used another distributor to submit this same release to Content ID.

Refunds

Please note that refunds will not be given for YouTube Content ID or social platform monetization purchases in any case.

If a release is taken down, YouTube Content ID or social platform monetization purchases for releases will need to be repurchased and opted in again if the release is redelivered.