How Licensing Works On YouTube (for DJs)

YouTube Does NOT Fully License DJ Mixes For You

Let’s kill the myth first:

YouTube doesn’t automatically cover you for uploading DJ mixes, bootlegs, or remixes containing copyrighted tracks.

Instead, they use Content ID, an automated system that scans your upload against a massive library of music. If your mix uses copyrighted music, one of three things happens:

1. Claimed & Monetised - The rights holder says fine, keep it up, but they get the ad revenue, not you. 
2. Blocked - The rights holder blocks it outright. Sometimes only in certain countries. 
3. Muted / Taken Down - Worst case, you get a copyright strike if the claim escalates - three strikes and your channel’s gone!

So, YouTube is more lenient than SoundCloud because of Content ID, but you still don’t own the rights to the songs in your mix.

What About Remixes, Edits & Bootlegs?

Same boat:

• If you upload a remix of a copyrighted track without permission, Content ID may flag it.
• The owner might block it, claim it, or do nothing - but legally, you still needed permission.
• Even free edits or mashups are technically copyright works, so same risk.

Can You Monetise DJ Mixes on YouTube?

Short answer: No - at least, not you directly.

If your mix is full of other people’s tracks:

• The rights holders get the ad revenue via Content ID’s automatic split.
• Sometimes multiple owners split the pie - you get zero.
• If you dispute it or try to remove the claim without rights? Bad idea - possible channel strikes.

So, you can build your audience with mixes, but don’t expect ad money unless it’s 100% your own music.

Free vs Partnered Accounts

Having a monetised or “partnered” YouTube account doesn’t change this.

• AdSense just allows you to earn on videos you own the rights to.
• DJ mixes with unlicensed tracks are not your content - so the cash goes to the labels, publishers, or artists instead.

Downloads?

Offering a download link under your YouTube mix?

• That’s a whole new can of worms. Now you’re distributing copies of someone else’s music, which hits mechanical licensing territory.
• YouTube doesn’t license downloads at all - so any free download you offer is fully your responsibility to clear.

DJ Mixes on YouTube - The Reality

Millions of DJs still do it - especially with big genre mixes, old skool sets, live streams.

• Sometimes they get claimed but stay up — good for reach, good for fan building.
• Sometimes the uploader loses monetisation but keeps views.
• Sometimes the whole mix is blocked in certain countries (US labels love doing this).

It’s a roll of the dice, but it’s partly why so many DJs link to Mixcloud for full sets and only post short teasers or highlight clips on YouTube.

Bonus: How Big Channels Do It

Ever wonder how channels like Boiler Room or DJ Mag do official uploads? They do proper licensing deals with:

• Artists
• Labels
• Publishers
• Performance rights organisations

They usually have contracts with clubs too, covering the performance rights. Big money, big paperwork, big team. That’s the pro level.

Bottom Line for DJs

• YouTube’s Content ID sorts out money for the rights holders - not for you.
• You can post DJ mixes - but expect them to be monetised by the original rights owners.
• If you want to keep monetisation: upload your original tracks, your edits (with permission), or copyright-free music.
• Want to post a mix and avoid headaches? Use Mixcloud instead - that’s what it’s there for.

Key Tip

Always credit your tracklist in your description - it helps Content ID match tracks accurately. Sometimes this can even reduce false claims if you’re using properly cleared or royalty-free music.

Hope this helped.

DJ Hurley (MKFM)

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