YouTube Content ID - Reference Overlaps

3 min read

Reference overlaps are different from ownership conflicts. If you're unsure which issue you have, read the section below explaining the difference.

What is a reference overlap?

A reference overlap occurs when YouTube can't distinguish between part or all of your sound recording and someone else's sound recording.

What is a reference file?

When you distribute music to YouTube Content ID, YouTube creates an audio fingerprint reference file. This file allows YouTube to identify your music in videos uploaded by other users and determine how to monetize those videos.

Examples of reference overlaps

CASE A: Your reference file isn't 100% original. Examples:

  • Sampled content (licensed or not)
  • Content licensed non-exclusively from a third party
  • Content released under Creative Commons or similar open licenses
  • Public domain recordings or compositions
  • Clips from other sources used under fair use principles
  • Video game footage (unless you're the publisher)

CASE B: Your reference file isn't distinct enough. Examples:

  • Covers that sound too similar to the original (test with Shazam to see which version it recognizes)
  • Street sounds or birds chirping — everyday ambient noise
  • Karaoke recordings, remasters, some dubbed content
  • Sound effects, soundbeds, production loops

CASE C: YouTube has multiple copies of your reference file AND another party owns the other copy. (If you own both copies, YouTube merges them automatically and no overlap occurs.)

How to resolve a reference overlap

When YouTube flags a reference overlap, they're asking: some portion (1%–100%) of your sound recording matches another recording in the Content ID system. Which reference should we use when we detect that sound in a video?

You have two options:

ASSERT the reference overlap:

  • The sound segment is 100% original to you (or your licensor)
  • The sound segment is unique and distinct
  • You want to exclude the other reference file from claiming videos where that sound appears

EXCLUDE the reference overlap:

  • The sound segment isn't original to you — your recording uses someone else's sound
  • The sound segment isn't unique or distinct enough
  • YouTube should not use the overlapping segment to claim or track videos. It should only use the non-overlapping portion of your reference file.

Key differences between reference overlaps and ownership conflicts

  • The overlap may occur between two sound recordings where you own both.
  • When you exclude a reference overlap, you're not releasing ownership of your sound recording (unless the overlap is 100%). YouTube will continue to claim or track the non-overlapping portion of videos.

Understanding the information YouTube provides

Look at the Overlapping Asset Name (the name of the other asset that overlaps with yours). Your reference file can overlap with multiple other assets.

1. If the name is different from your asset:

  • Someone may be sampling your sound recording. ASSERT (and if the sample isn't legitimate or licensed, contact us to notify the other party).
  • Your sound recording may be using someone else's sound segment. EXCLUDE.

2. If the name is the same or similar to your asset:

  • Someone fraudulently uploaded your sound recording. ASSERT and ask us to contact the other party.
  • You (or your rights holder) previously used another company to manage this asset on Content ID and they haven't taken it down yet. ASSERT and contact the other company to request takedown. This is critical — if you don't, your assertion will fail. When two parties claim the same reference, YouTube defaults to whoever uploaded first.
  • You want the other company to manage your Content ID, not Hitskope. EXCLUDE and issue a takedown of your UPC from Content ID. If the UPC has other tracks you want us to continue managing, contact us to deactivate only the reference file for the track in question.
  • You uploaded a medley and the overlap is with the single track. EXCLUDE the overlapping segment of your medley.

If your case isn't covered here or you need help deciding, contact support@hitskope.com.