SONOMUSE is a digital music distributor. You upload a track once and release it on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube Music and 450+ other platforms.

In how many countries will my music be available?

SONOMUSE delivers releases to 450+ digital platforms, available to listeners in more than 200 countries.

Does the artist keep the rights to the music?

Yes. The rights to your tracks stay with you. SONOMUSE does not become a co-owner of your catalog.

How fast does a release go live?

After review, a release can go live in as little as 24 hours. Your account is opened after you sign up on the website, usually within 24 hours.

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Monetization · 7 min read

How to Monetize Music on YouTube: YouTube Music, Shorts and Content ID

October 28, 2026

YouTube is one of the largest music platforms in the world. Many listeners don't use streaming services at all and only play music there. Artists have several revenue sources on YouTube, and they add up rather than replace each other.

1. YouTube Music and Art Tracks

When a distributor delivers your release to YouTube Music, an Art Track — a video with the cover art — is created for each song. These appear on an automatic “Artist Name – Topic” channel. Plays in YouTube Music and Art Track views earn like regular streams.

You don't need your own channel or subscribers for this — just release through a distributor that delivers to YouTube.

2. Content ID

Content ID finds your track in other people's videos — vlogs, reviews, edits — and monetizes them with ads in your favor. The more popular the track, the more videos use it and the more you earn.

Only music you hold exclusive rights to can be enabled. See our Content ID article for details.

3. YouTube Shorts

After release, your track becomes available in the Shorts sound library. When creators use it in their short videos, the artist receives a share of Shorts revenue. It's also free promotion: a popular sound on Shorts often brings listeners to YouTube Music and other streaming services.

4. Your own channel

Music videos, lyric videos, live performances and behind-the-scenes content on your channel can be monetized through the YouTube Partner Program. You need a certain number of subscribers and watch hours or Shorts views to join — check YouTube Studio for current requirements.

Remember to allowlist your channel in Content ID with your distributor so the system doesn't claim your own videos.

5. Official Artist Channel

An Official Artist Channel merges your personal channel and the automatic Topic channel into one, with a music note badge next to your name. All your music and videos live in one place, subscribers aren't split, and listeners immediately see it's your official profile.

Applying usually requires your own YouTube channel and several official releases delivered through a distributor. Check the conditions with your distributor's support.

How to grow your YouTube revenue

Release with delivery to YouTube Music — it's the foundation for every other source.

Enable Content ID on every track you hold exclusive rights to.

Make Shorts with your track and involve creators — every video with your sound extends your reach.

Post music videos and lyric videos on your channel and link to streaming services in the description.

Summary

On YouTube, music earns in several ways at once: YouTube Music streams, Content ID, Shorts and your own channel. With SONOMUSE your release reaches YouTube along with 450+ other platforms, and Content ID is enabled in the same dashboard.

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SONOMUSE — distribution to 450+ platforms in 200+ countries, and your rights stay yours.