Posted on 2022-09-11

CC-BY and CDBaby Youtube Monetization

I want to start by saying I am pro CDBaby. I use CDBaby. I am even pro Youtube Monetization for some artists and some songs.

But I do think there is a conflict between the CC-BY license, which is a choice on Youtube, and CDBaby Monetization.

Say someone used one of my CC-BY songs in their video and attributed me correctly. Maybe they even license their work CC-BY although they are not required to.

Say my CC-BY song is also on one of my albums which I distribute through CDBaby and I have enrolled in the Youtube Monetization program that CDBaby offers.
CDBaby will find my music in the 3rd party video mentioned above and they will, correctly, monetize that video because it contains copyrighted music that they are authorized to collect money for.

This would not be CDBaby's fault. It would be my fault for not understanding how CDBaby Youtube monetization works and enrolling in the program with my CC-BY songs.

If someone uses one of my CC-BY songs on their video they are required to include attribution. I have no other claim on their use of my CC-BY song and I certainly don't have the right to monetize their video.

Comments appreciated.

Thanks