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YouTube agrees to pay music publishers and songwriters royalties

YouTube has become the No.1 destination on the web for music. Users can visit the site and start listening to songs for free with the hassle of signing-up and other formalities that might have existed had there not been a YouTube. The site is known for its users generated content and as a result a lot of the stuff that gets uploaded does not belong to the person who uploads it. Users post original videos and songs, covers by bands and original songs with user created videos. As a result the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), a group that represents hundreds of songwriters and music publishers have been involved in a four year litigation against YouTube. Both parties have not reached a settlement with YouTube agree to pay royalties.


The points for which royalties will be paid are listed below.
1. From songs posted to YouYube, whether the post contains the original video or a users generated one.
2. YouTube has created a licence agreement option for songwriters and music publishers
3. They will receive royalties from Ads that YouTube runs with the videos.
4. YouTube will use content ID to verify all claims. 


This comes as good news for both songwriters and YouTube's creative community who create material that draws people to the site. In fact much of the popularity is because of user generated content, although everyone involved needs to stand to gain. 


This has now opened-up a whole new world for songwriters and publishers who now can continue to receive royalties for the original work, which is good because all artists need to be respected and rewarded.


Source: YouTube

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