YouTube Adds Songwriter, Label, and Publisher Credits on Videos
YouTube has added more information to the song credits on official and fan-uploaded videos that contain music.
Right now, if you click “show more” in a video’s description, you might see info about the songs in the clip. It could include the performer(s), songwriter(s) and any record label(s) and publisher(s) involved, as well as links to official artist channels and music videos.
According to Billboard, “[YouTube] said the new feature is driven by its Content ID system, which finds and monetizes user-uploaded videos for rights owners, and is aided by existing partnerships with labels, publishers and rights societies.”
Prominent music industry figures have praised the move.
“Songwriters are essential to the success of the music industry, but too often their critical role gets overlooked,” Sony/ATV Music chairman and CEO Martin Bandier said in a statement. “It is why I have long called for all online music services to properly acknowledge their contribution by displaying writer credits. This move by YouTube is an important step forward to deliver that goal and one which Sony/ATV welcomes.”
Elton John added that songwriters are the “heart and the soul of songs, so it’s wonderful seeing them get the credit they deserve. There is so much more we can do to establish a better situation for music creators and this is great step forward.”
The credits arrive as YouTube prepares to introduce its new subscription streaming service.