YouTube is using artificial intelligence to both satisfy song copyright holders and make life a little easier for those who upload videos with songs they don’t have permission to use.
Instead of simply removing a video with copyrighted audio that the uploader does not own, a new AI tool allows them to remove the protected song without deleting the rest of the video’s audio track.
When a video is found to be infringing on music content, YouTube now offers several editing options in YouTube Studio to help remove the infringement. These options include Trim, Mute, Replace Song, and the new improved Delete Song feature.
The AI song deletion enhancement allows for relatively precise identification and removal of copyrighted content from video clips. Previously, creators had limited options, such as muting the entire video or replacing the song, which often disrupted the overall experience. The song deletion tool is the latest in the eternal tug-of-war between creators and copyright holders over how to deal with copyright infringement, commonly referred to as copy infringement on YouTube.
The delete song feature was tested in a beta test, but this broader rollout will add the option to the Video Copyright overview page in YouTube Studio. It will provide two main options for creators dealing with copyright claims: Delete Song and Mute All Audio.
Good news for creators: Our updated Delete Song tool lets you easily remove copyrighted music from your video (while leaving the rest of your audio intact). Learn more… https://t.co/KeWIw3RFeHJuly 3, 2024
AI protection
For casual YouTube creators, this feature may not be a big deal, but it’s especially important for those who rely on monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). By addressing copyright claims more efficiently, creators can ensure their videos remain active and monetizable, thus protecting their revenue streams.
As YouTube continues to face copyright enforcement challenges, exacerbated by AI, such capabilities will benefit both copyright holders and video producers. For example, YouTube will now remove deepfakes of yours upon request.
YouTube has even hinted that there will be further improvements and features that use AI to create and share content without the risk of copyright infringement.