Not every track can be distributed to UGC-enabled platforms, where your recordings are used to identify and claim music in user-generated videos. To avoid unfair claims or policy violations, it's essential to understand what content qualifies—and what doesn't.
Why This Matters
Platforms like Facebook Audio Library & Rights Manager, Lickd, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube Content ID rely on your distributed recording to match it across UGC content. If the recording isn’t fully original or uniquely owned by you, it may result in unauthorized claims on content you don’t actually control.
Common Misconceptions
Rules apply regardless of monetization settings (e.g., selecting “No TikTok Scanning” is not a workaround).
Facebook’s Rights Manager and Audio Library follow the same rules—there are no exemptions.
Submitting ineligible content can trigger a formal warning and may restrict your ability to distribute to these platforms.
Content That Is Not Eligible
Avoid distributing tracks that fall into any of these categories:
1. Not Exclusively Owned
Content licensed from third parties (samples, loops, production music, etc.), unless rights are exclusive.
Public domain recordings.
AI-generated music where dataset origins are unclear.
2. Not Sonically Distinct
Sound-alike/remix versions that can be mistaken for the original.
Covers, remixes, lo-fi or karaoke versions.
Generic ambient, meditation, or classical music.
Slightly altered versions (pitch-shifted, sped-up/slowed-down, remasters, live versions akin to originals).
DJ mixes, medleys, compilations.
3. Non-Musical or Common Sounds
Spoken word, podcasts, speeches.
Applause, ambient noise, nature sounds, or simple drum loops.
Sound effects, audiobooks, comedy recordings.
Is My Track Eligible?
Ask yourself:
“Does this recording sound like something else already out there?”
“Do I have exclusive rights to all audio assets in this track?”
If either answer raises doubts, it’s safest not to distribute it to UGC platforms.
What to Do With Ineligible Tracks
If a track isn’t suitable for distribution to UGC DSPs:
Option A: Remove UGC-related outlets (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube CID) from your distribution targets.
Option B: Exclude that specific track from distribution to those platforms.
Alternatively, upload the track directly through your own artist account on the platform, ensuring it's properly labeled with artist and track details—so UGC users can still discover it organically.