Introduction
This article explains the mandatory compliance standards and eligibility criteria for submitting music to User-Generated Content (UGC) platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and TikTok via the FUGA Interface. You will learn about the rights requirements, ineligible content categories, and technical metadata specifications necessary to maintain monetization and avoid platform rejections.
Core Ownership and Rights Requirements
To monetize content on UGC platforms, you must strictly adhere to rights-based protocols:
Exclusive Master Rights: You must hold exclusive ownership and control of the sound recording (master).
Underlying Composition: You must possess the necessary rights for both the master recording and the underlying musical work (composition).
Documentation: In the event of a platform claim, you must be able to provide documentation proving full clearance of all rights.
Originality: Your content must not infringe on any third-party intellectual property, including uncleared samples or loops.
Content Eligibility and Restrictions
Certain types of audio are strictly ineligible for UGC monetization and fingerprinting services:
Non-music categories and functional audio
Spoken Word: This includes audiobooks, podcasts, speeches, comedy recordings, and prayers.
Functional Audio: Sound effects, blank audio, and gameplay video footage are not permitted.
Ambient and Nature Sounds: Recordings of nature, white noise, ASMR, or binaural audio are ineligible.
Relaxation Content: Audio intended for meditation, yoga, or sleep aids is excluded.
Generic Artist Names: Using SEO-optimized artist names like "Baby Sleep Sounds" or "Music for Concentration" is prohibited.
Royalty-Free Music: Content created using samples or elements sourced from royalty-free libraries (e.g., Splice, Loopcloud) is ineligible for UGC monetization as it lacks the required exclusivity.
Reinterpretations and Derivative Works
Specific rules apply to derivative recordings and public domain material:
Public Domain: While a composition may be in the public domain, you cannot distribute it for UGC services unless you own or control the specific sound recording. Furthermore, the arrangement must be distinctively different from existing arrangements. This is particularly relevant for Classical compositions, where similar-sounding arrangements often trigger false claims.
Cover Versions: Covers are eligible only if a valid mechanical license for the composition is in place and the recording is a distinct interpretation. Sound-alike recordings that closely mimic the original's melody and instrumentation are ineligible.
Unauthorized Remixes: Unofficial remixes, mashups, and unauthorized edits cannot be submitted for monetization.
Multi-Track Assets and Medleys: Continuous DJ mixes or compilations containing multiple tracks in a single asset are prohibited. Medleys are also unsuitable for UGC delivery as they contain multiple audio references within a single asset. Each asset must represent a single piece of intellectual property.
Special Categories: Karaoke and Soundtracks
Karaoke: Content that consists of a backing track for the purpose of singing along is generally ineligible for UGC monetization.
Soundtracks: Music created for films, television, or games can only be delivered if you hold exclusive rights and are the official publisher of the content.
Technical and Metadata Specifications
To ensure successful delivery to a DSP (Digital Service Provider), releases must meet the following technical standards:
Track Duration: Assets exceeding 15 minutes may not comply with Meta’s policies and could be deactivated upon delivery. Conversely, "short track abuse"—the practice of releasing tracks of insufficient duration solely to maximize play counts—is strictly prohibited.
Promotional Content: Music used specifically for YouTube intros, end cards, or promotional clips is ineligible for monetization registration.
Metadata Consistency: You must use original ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) identifiers when including a track in a new release (e.g., a "Greatest Hits" album) and avoid repetitive re-packaging of the same content under a different UPC (Universal Product Code).
Restricted Tags: Artwork and titles must not include emojis, URLs, file format information (e.g., .mp3), or generic SEO terms.
If you have questions regarding the eligibility of a specific release, please contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel at support@fuga.com.