YouTube
YouTube is both a streaming platform and a discovery engine. An Official Artist Channel (OAC) consolidates your presence and unlocks powerful promotional and monetization tools.
Portal: artists.youtube
Official Artist Channel (OAC)
An Official Artist Channel merges your YouTube channel, Topic channel, and music releases into one unified profile with a music note verification badge.
Benefits of an OAC
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Music note badge | Verified status, builds trust |
| Unified content | Music videos, Shorts, albums in one place |
| Auto-organized | Albums, singles, and videos sorted automatically |
| Merch shelf | Sell merchandise directly from your channel |
| Ticketing | Promote concerts and tours |
| Artist Analytics | YouTube Music-specific insights |
OAC Requirements
To be eligible for an Official Artist Channel:
- Own and operate a YouTube channel focused on your music
- Have at least one official music release on YouTube Music (delivered through LabelGrid)
- Follow YouTube’s community guidelines
- Have a distributor that supports OAC linking
How to Get an OAC
- Go to artists.youtube
- Sign in with your YouTube/Google account
- Follow the prompts to link your channel
- YouTube will review and merge your content
- Process takes 1-2 weeks
Note: LabelGrid supports Official Artist Channel linking. If you have trouble, contact support.
Channel Customization
Once you have an OAC, you can customize these elements:
Profile Elements
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Profile picture | Your main artist image |
| Banner | Wide header image |
| Featured video | Plays automatically when visitors arrive |
| Channel sections | Organize your content layout |
| About | Bio and social links |
| Links | Website, social media, merch store |
Music Sections (OAC Exclusive)
Official Artist Channels get special music sections:
- Official Music - Your released tracks and videos
- Albums - Full album pages
- Singles - Individual releases
- Featured on - Playlists featuring your music
YouTube Shorts
Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds. They’re a powerful discovery tool on YouTube.
Why Shorts Matter
- High visibility in YouTube’s algorithm
- Reach new audiences beyond your subscribers
- Can use your own music as the sound
- Drive traffic to your full videos and channel
Best Practices for Shorts
- Hook viewers in 1-2 seconds - Start with action
- Use trending sounds - Including your own music
- Post consistently - 3-5 Shorts per week for best results
- Cross-promote - Share Shorts on Instagram Reels and TikTok
- Add captions - Most people watch without sound initially
Monetizing Shorts
As of 2025-2026, YouTube shares ad revenue with Shorts creators:
- Revenue is pooled from ads between Shorts
- Distributed based on views and music usage
- Paid through YouTube Partner Program
Monetization Options
YouTube offers multiple ways to earn from your content.
Revenue Streams
| Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | Money from ads played on your videos |
| YouTube Music | Streaming royalties (through LabelGrid) |
| Super Thanks | One-time tips from viewers |
| Super Chat | Paid messages during live streams |
| Channel Memberships | Monthly subscriptions from fans |
| Merch Shelf | Sell products directly on your channel |
YouTube Partner Program Requirements
To monetize directly, you need:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 watch hours (long-form) OR 10 million Shorts views in 90 days
- Follow all YouTube policies
Note: Even without Partner Program access, you earn streaming royalties through LabelGrid when your music is played on YouTube Music.
Content ID
Content ID is YouTube’s system for tracking and monetizing your music across the platform.
How Content ID Works
- LabelGrid delivers your audio to YouTube
- YouTube creates a “fingerprint” of your track
- When someone uses your music in their video, Content ID detects it
- You can choose to: monetize, track, or block
Content ID Policies
| Policy | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Monetize | You earn ad revenue from videos using your music |
| Track | You see analytics but don’t claim revenue |
| Block | Videos using your music are taken down |
Recommendation: Most artists choose “Monetize” to earn from user-generated content while letting fans use their music.
Content ID Best Practices
- Don’t claim content you don’t own
- Be consistent with your policies
- Monitor for false claims on your own videos
- Review Content ID analytics to see where your music is being used
YouTube Music Playlist Pitching
YouTube has been expanding its editorial playlist program:
- Deliver releases early through LabelGrid (2+ weeks before release)
- Provide complete metadata including genre and mood
- YouTube’s editorial team reviews new releases
- Selected tracks are added to official playlists
There’s no formal pitch form like Spotify, but early delivery and complete metadata increase your chances.
Analytics
YouTube Analytics for Artists provides insights specific to your music:
Key Metrics
- Views by video and timeframe
- Watch time and audience retention
- Traffic sources - How viewers found you
- Demographics - Age, gender, geography
- Top content - Your best performing videos
- Real-time - Live view counts
YouTube Music Insights
- Streams on YouTube Music app
- Playlist adds
- Saves and downloads
- Comparison with similar artists
Live Streaming
YouTube Live lets you connect with fans in real-time:
Live Stream Features
- Super Chat - Fans pay to have messages highlighted
- Super Stickers - Animated paid stickers
- Premiere - Schedule video debuts with live chat
- Live Q&A - Interact with fans directly
Best Practices for Live
- Announce streams in advance
- Have good lighting and audio
- Engage with chat actively
- Save streams as VODs (video on demand)
Best Practices
- Get your OAC - It’s essential for a professional presence
- Post Shorts regularly - They drive discovery
- Enable monetization - Earn from ads and Content ID
- Engage with comments - YouTube rewards engagement
- Cross-promote - Share YouTube content on other platforms
- Premiere videos - Creates events around releases