
304 YouTube's Hidden Payday: Tracking and Collecting Music Royalties
08/02/24 • 13 min
In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of tracking and collecting music royalties on YouTube. As an independent musician myself, I know how complex and often confusing this topic can be. That's why I'm breaking down YouTube's intricate royalty system for you, from the basics to advanced aspects. I'll walk you through:
- The four types of YouTube royalties and how to collect them
- Requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program
- The crucial role of Content ID in protecting your intellectual property
- Strategies to maximize your YouTube earnings
- Common misconceptions about YouTube royalties
Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing YouTube presence, this episode provides actionable insights to help you turn your music videos into a reliable income stream. Discover how to navigate YouTube's royalty landscape and tap into your music's earning potential.
Plus, get access to a FREE companion guide with a detailed action plan and valuable resources. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your YouTube channel from a promotional tool into a hidden payday for your music career.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode is powered by Podcast StartupPodcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don’t make it past their first few episodes? That’s right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain’t easy. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for a fast burnout and fade-out for podcasters. This is exactly what Podcast Startup was designed to help with.
Start your podcast the right way with Podcast Startup! Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more and to download a FREE Podcast Startup tip sheet.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Recommended ReadingEpisode Companion/Resource Guide (FREE download)
How Much Does Facebook Pay Per Music Stream
What's the difference between YouTube Music and YouTube Content ID?
What is YouTube's Content Management System (CMS)?
The Digital Music Royalties Landscape
How Artists Get Paid From YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and the Rest with Jamie Dee Hart
A musician’s guide to YouTube Royalties
How to Earn ASCAP Royalties for Your Music on YouTube
YouTube Partner Program overview
In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of tracking and collecting music royalties on YouTube. As an independent musician myself, I know how complex and often confusing this topic can be. That's why I'm breaking down YouTube's intricate royalty system for you, from the basics to advanced aspects. I'll walk you through:
- The four types of YouTube royalties and how to collect them
- Requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program
- The crucial role of Content ID in protecting your intellectual property
- Strategies to maximize your YouTube earnings
- Common misconceptions about YouTube royalties
Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing YouTube presence, this episode provides actionable insights to help you turn your music videos into a reliable income stream. Discover how to navigate YouTube's royalty landscape and tap into your music's earning potential.
Plus, get access to a FREE companion guide with a detailed action plan and valuable resources. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your YouTube channel from a promotional tool into a hidden payday for your music career.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode is powered by Podcast StartupPodcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don’t make it past their first few episodes? That’s right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain’t easy. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for a fast burnout and fade-out for podcasters. This is exactly what Podcast Startup was designed to help with.
Start your podcast the right way with Podcast Startup! Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more and to download a FREE Podcast Startup tip sheet.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Recommended ReadingEpisode Companion/Resource Guide (FREE download)
How Much Does Facebook Pay Per Music Stream
What's the difference between YouTube Music and YouTube Content ID?
What is YouTube's Content Management System (CMS)?
The Digital Music Royalties Landscape
How Artists Get Paid From YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and the Rest with Jamie Dee Hart
A musician’s guide to YouTube Royalties
How to Earn ASCAP Royalties for Your Music on YouTube
YouTube Partner Program overview
Previous Episode

303 Donations As A Monetization Option For Indie Musicians
This episode of The Unstarving Musician explores how independent musicians can effectively use donations as a viable income stream. The conversation covers:
- The historical precedent and modern relevance of fan support
- Crafting compelling donation requests
- Popular donation platforms and payment options
- Creating a dedicated donation page
- Offering incentives to encourage support
- Tips for successful crowdfunding campaigns
Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your income, this episode provides practical strategies to engage your fanbase and help sustain your musical journey through donations. Learn how to communicate your needs, maintain transparency, and build stronger connections with your audience while supporting your artistic endeavors.
Get the FREE companion download for this episode!
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesFREE episode companion download
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226)
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
Next Episode

305 Tara Brueske – Booking Tips Every Musician Needs And Creating Educational Content
In this episode of The Unstarving Musician, I speak with Tara Brueske, a seasoned musician, composer, and educator. Tara shares her experiences from early days of playing and composing to her current role as an active educator in voice, piano, performance, and gig acquisition.
The conversation covers:
- Tara's new book, "20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs"
- Making connections via social media
- Strategies for getting gigs and developing educational products
- Insights on finding an audience for educational content
- Segmenting and serving supporters and customers
- Email list engagement and paid social media advertising
- Collaborative partnerships with content creators
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Whether you're an aspiring musician looking to book more gigs or an established artist interested in diversifying into education, this episode offers valuable insights to help make your music journey easier and more profitable.
Visit TaraBrueske.com to learn more about Tara's work and offerings.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
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