Understanding Matched Third-Party Content on YouTube: Who Does It and How to Fix It

Have you ever encountered the issue of matched third-party content on your YouTube videos? This phenomenon can significantly impact content creators and creators of all kinds, especially when it comes to revenue. In this article, we will explore the roles of humans and bots in adding third-party content matches, the tactics used by unscrupulous companies, and provide actionable solutions to deal with matched third-party content effectively.

Who Adds Matched Third-Party Content to YouTube Videos?

When discussing matched third-party content on YouTube, the primary agents involved are unscrupulous companies. These companies use automated tools and human efforts to track down videos that they believe can provide them with revenue opportunities. Here are the roles of both humans and bots in the process:

Role of Humans

Humans play a significant role in identifying and reporting videos that are violating their rights or using their content without proper attribution and compensation. While the primary intent of human actions is usually to stop copyright violations, it can sometimes lead to misidentification. Content owners may hire human entities to track down videos that are using their content illegally.

Role of Bots and Automated Tools

Bots and automated tools, often used by unscrupulous companies, are designed to scan the internet for videos using their content without proper attribution or compensation. These bots are incredibly fast and efficient, which explains their widespread use. They can quickly track down videos across multiple platforms and flag them for content removal or other actions.

Unscrupulous Companies and Their Tactics

Unscrupulous companies are known for using dubious methods to track down videos. They often work with YouTube, Facebook Monetization for Music and Video, and HAAWK, among others. These companies promise content creators a quick and easy way to monetize their videos, but they often involve shady practices.

For instance, a company like Identifyy might charge a 30 fee to content creators for their services. This fee is a significant amount and is justified with the claim that these services can help creators earn more. However, many creators end up paying these fees only to find out that their videos are being matched with third-party content, reducing their revenue and potentially causing frustration.

It's important to note that these unscrupulous companies may sometimes make mistakes, leading to false matches. The automated nature of their tools often results in a higher rate of false positives. False matches can be extremely detrimental to content creators, as they can lead to the removal or monetization of their videos incorrectly.

Fixing Matched Third-Party Content on YouTube Videos

Dealing with matched third-party content can be a frustrating experience. However, there are effective solutions to fix these issues and protect your content and revenue. Here are a few steps you can follow:

Review the Matched Content

Firstly, review the matched content to understand why it is being flagged. YouTube provides detailed information about the content match, including the start and end times, the title, and the video URL. This information can help you determine if the match is valid or not.

Contact YouTube Support

If you find that the match is false, contact YouTube support immediately. Provide them with the necessary information and evidence to support your claim. YouTube may need to review the video to determine if the match is accurate or not.

Use the Custom Overlay for Notifications

YouTube also provides a custom overlay for notifications. This feature allows you to display your own custom message to viewers, which can help you clarify any confusion about the matched content. This can be particularly useful if the match is false and you want to inform viewers of the situation.

Consider Hiring a YouTube Monetization Expert

If you are consistently facing issues with matched third-party content, it might be a good idea to consider hiring a YouTube monetization expert. These experts can provide you with valuable insights and actionable steps to protect your content and ensure that you are getting the most out of your video monetization efforts.

Conclusion

The issue of matched third-party content on YouTube can be complex and challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, you can protect your content and revenue. Whether you are a human or a bot, understanding the roles and actions involved can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to deal with matched content.

By following the steps outlined in this article and being proactive in managing your content, you can ensure that your videos are monetized fairly and accurately.