What kind of content can I monetise?

For your videos or Shorts to be eligible for monetisation, the content must be original and non-repetitious, among other requirements of our YouTube channel monetisation policies. Also ensure that you have all the necessary rights to commercially use all visual and audio elements in your content.

Guidelines for content that you created:

  • Follow YouTube Community Guidelines
  • Create all elements of the video yourself. Examples include:
    • Daily vlogs
    • Home videos
    • Do-it-yourself videos
    • Tutorials
    • Original music videos
    • Original short films
    • Shorts with or without remixed content
  • Make sure that you have all the necessary rights to commercially use all visuals created by you.
  • Bear in mind that advertisers are more likely to place ads on advertiser-friendly content.

Guidelines for content that you didn't create:

You can include tracks from Creator Music in videos without losing monetisation. Some songs can be licensed up front, allowing creators to retain full monetisation. Other songs may be eligible to share revenue with the track's rights holders.
Fair use – Copyright on YouTube
Subscribe to the YouTube Creators channel for the latest news, updates and tips.

Can I monetise my video if…?

Click below to find out if your type of content is monetisable and if you need to prove commercial use rights to use it.

I created all the audio and visual content


You can monetise content that you created as long as you still hold the rights to the video.

If you're signed with a music label, you can possibly monetise your video depending on the terms or limitations of that agreement. You may need to consult a lawyer.

I use audio or visual editing software to create my own content

Audio and visual editing software can be used to create monetisable content. Monetisation will depend on the scope, limitations and commercial permissions of the licence. If you have used samples or loops, make sure that the licence specifically allows for their commercial use. For remixing content on Shorts, follow these guidelines.

I use royalty-free or Creative Commons content


You can monetise royalty-free or Creative Commons content when the licence agreement grants you rights to use it commercially. Sometimes rights owners require you to credit the creator of the content or give proof of purchase to use it in your video for commercial purposes.

Learn more about how to read licences to understand your rights.

I have permission to use audio or visuals created by someone else

You can monetise such content, but you must have explicit written permission granting you commercial use rights at any time by the rights holder.
I'm playing or doing a walkthrough of a video game

If you would like to monetise video game content, you will need the commercial use rights granted to you by the licence from the video game publisher. Some video game publishers may allow you to use all video game content for commercial use. This info can be confirmed in their licence agreements.

In other licence agreements, publishers may not grant commercial rights for videos that simply show gameplay for extended periods of time. For licence terms, video game use must be minimal unless the commentary:

  • Gives instructional/educational value
  • Is strictly tied to the action shown
Learn more about video game and software content and see our ad-friendly guidelines for gaming and monetisation.
I'm doing a tutorial demonstrating use of software

Software user interface content that you produce can be monetised, but that also depends on the commercial use rights granted by the licence of the software.

Sometimes, you may need a contract with the publisher or proof that you've paid a licence fee. The use of software user interfaces must be minimal unless the commentary:

  • Gives instructional/educational value
  • Is strictly tied to the action shown

Learn more about video game and software content.

I use content that's in the public domain
 

In order for content to be in the public domain, the copyright of the work must either have expired, have been forfeited or must no longer be applicable. If you can prove that the content in your video is part of the public domain, you can monetise.

Note: This depends on the scope, limitations and commercial permissions of the licence.

The criteria to qualify as public domain may vary depending on many factors.
Learn more about the public domain.
It contains my original recording of a cover song

Some cover songs may be eligible for monetisation. To be eligible, the music publisher must claim the song through the Content ID system and elect to monetise it.

If the song has not been claimed, you cannot monetise your video. Explicit written permission from the rights owner of the song should be given beforehand.

The use of any commercial sound recording, such as an instrumental, karaoke recording or live concert performance by the artist, is not eligible for monetisation.

Learn more about monetising eligible cover videos.

I use my personal recording of public concerts, events, shows and so on

Although you may have recorded something yourself, usually the original creator or author of the underlying content holds the rights needed to commercially exploit this content.

If you want to monetise your recording of a performance at a concert or show, you need explicit written permission from the original rights owner.

I made a recording from TV, DVD or CD

Although you may have recorded something yourself, the creator or author of the content being recorded may hold the rights needed to commercially exploit this content.

To monetise your recording of a TV show, DVD or CD, you need written permission from the rights owner of the audio or visual elements recorded.

I upload content that I purchased

Although you may have purchased something yourself, usually its actual creator or author holds many of the rights needed to exploit this content commercially.

You cannot monetise third-party content that you've purchased unless its rights owner grants you commercial use rights.

I upload content that I found online

Although you may have found the content online free of charge, usually its actual creator holds many of the rights needed to commercially exploit the content.

If you want to monetise such content, make sure that you have all the necessary commercial use rights for it.

It contains music from the YouTube Audio Library

You can monetise music from the YouTube Audio Library.

I used third-party content under fair use

Commercial uses are less likely to be considered 'fair use', though it's possible to monetise a video and take advantage of the fair use defence. For more info, take a look at the article Fair use on YouTube.

Still need help?

If you're still not sure what kind of content you can or can't monetise, review our advertiser-friendly content guidelinesLearn more about how copyright works at YouTube.

The material on this page is given solely for educational purposes and is not legal advice. You should only seek legal advice from a lawyer or legal representative.

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