Not all sound recordings are appropriate for distribution to DSPs that contain user generated content (UGC):

  • Facebook Audio Library & Rights Manager (which includes Instagram)
  • Lickd
  • Snap
  • TikTok
  • YouTube Content ID


The reason is that those DSP use the sound recording that you distribute to them to identify all matching sound recordings across their UGC content. So if your sound recording is not fully original or exclusively owned by you, distributing to those DSPs will cause you to claim content which is not yours to claim.


Please remember that Revelator is penalized by the DSPs for inappropriate distribution and that you risk having your access to these DSPs removed if you distribute inappropriate content to them.



QUICK WAYS TO IDENTIFY IF A RECORDING IS AUTHORIZED FOR UGC DSPs

  1. Generally speaking, you can ask yourself the following question to determine if your recording is appropriate for the UGC DSPs: "Does this recording sound similar enough to another recording that has been distributed to the UGC DSP?" If the answer is "yes, is not unique/distinct enough", then you should NOT distribute it to a UGC DSP.
  2. You can also refer to this article to more easily identify which sound recordings are appropriate for UGC DSPs.


Although the above methods are helpful rules of thumb, this doesn't mean that you should not read and fully assimilate the more detailed guidelines below.



MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF WHAT CONTENT IS AUTHORIZED FOR UGC DSPs


Only the following types of sound recordings are eligible for distribution to DSPs dealing with UGC content:

  1. Sound recordings for which you have exclusive rights. Examples of invalid content (note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive):
    • Recordings using a beat/sample from a 3rd party — unless that 3rd party has given you an exclusive license, which is rare.
    • Public domain content or audio files that contain public domain content.
    • Content that contains very generic and common sounds. For example, audience applause, white noise, or simple drum loops. But the following may also be invalid: meditation, yoga, or sleep music.
    • Content that contains non-exclusive beats or sounds. For example, songs that contain drum loops or samples that are contained in sample packs or music creation software.
    • Content that you licensed from another party on a non-exclusive basis. For example, content that was licensed for soundtracks or compilations, or that you licensed from a production music catalog.
    • Any audio where you do not control the right to claim UGC videos that use 100% of the delivered audio.
    • Video gameplay footage.
  2. Sound recordings that are sonically distinct from other recordings. Examples of invalid content (note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive):
    • "Soundalike" covers or remixes: any recording which can be confused for the original. You can verify this by Shazaming your recording and seeing if Shazam recognizes your recording or the original.
    • Derivative versions of recordings owned by other parties. For example, remixes of songs for which you do not own the original version.
    • Classical music content.
    • Nature recordings (rain, birds, water…) since all of those will sound too much like other recordings.
    • White/brown noise and all types of "sleep" music.
    • Sound effects — unless you can guarantee that they are unique.
  3. Unique sound recordings that are NOT variants of other recording you have already distributed to the UGC DSP. Examples of invalid content (note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive):
    • Karaoke
    • Instrumental or "beat" versions
    • Live versions of songs that sound very similar to the recorded version of that same song.
    • Re-recorded masters, re-mastered tracks, or remixed tracks of songs where you do not own the original recording.
    • An alternate version of a sound recording that has already been distributed to the DSP. For example:
      • a remaster version
      • a lofi version
      • a sped up or slowed down version
      • a pitch shifted version
        Please note: these versions may be acceptable in some rare cases. If you find an instance of an alternate recording that is not being claimed by your original track, please email our Support team to request whether it would be appropriate to distribute the alternate recording. Please provide the ISRC of both the original and alternate recordings.
    • A variation of a sound recording that has already been distributed to the DSP. For example:
      • a shorter/longer version (for example a medley, a mashup or a live/concert version where the sound recording is not significantly different from the one previously distributed to the DSP)
      • DJ set, a continuous mix, or other similar compilations where the individual sound recordings have already been distributed to the DSP
  4. Non-music content. Examples of invalid content (note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive):
    • prayer recordings
    • comedy recordings
    • film recordings (that are not the musical score to a film)
    • speeches
    • audiobooks
    • podcasts