Frequently Asked Questions

What is ident.fm?

ident.fm provides custom audio identities (idents) for YouTube creators. Your ident is a short, signature track that plays in your videos — like a sonic logo for your channel. We register it with Content ID, and you earn partner fees based on verified matched views.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form on our homepage. We review every application manually — you'll hear back within 2-3 business days.

Is there a cost?

Curated idents (selected from our pre-produced library) are free. Custom idents (bespoke production tailored to your channel) are $249 one-time.

What's the difference between curated and custom?

Curated creators choose from 3-5 tracks we match to your channel's niche and vibe. Custom creators get a bespoke track produced specifically for their channel, with up to 2 revision rounds.

What cuts do I get?

Every ident comes as a 5-cut package: Full (complete track), Intro (for video openings), Outro (for endings), Drop (for hype moments or transitions), and Loop (to extend under talking segments). All available in WAV and MP3.

Do I have to use every cut?

No — use whichever cuts work for your content. Most creators start with the Intro and Outro, then add the Drop or Loop as they get comfortable.

Will I get a Content ID claim on my videos?

Yes. That's how the economics work. The Content ID claim on your videos generates revenue, and a portion is paid back to you as a partner fee. The claim does not affect your ability to monetize — it creates a revenue share, not a block.

How do partner fees work?

We verify your matched views monthly using the YouTube Data API. Your fee is calculated based on your tier (Starter, Growth, or Partner) and paid on a 60-90 day cycle aligned with Content ID revenue timing.

What are the tier rates?

Starter (under 250K views/month): $0.05 per 1,000 views. Growth (250K-1M): $0.10 per 1,000 views. Partner (over 1M): $0.15 per 1,000 views.

Why is there a 60-90 day payment delay?

Content ID revenue follows YouTube's standard payment cycle. We pay your partner fee after we receive the corresponding Content ID revenue from the distributor. This is standard music industry timing. You'll receive monthly statements showing your accruing balance.

How do I get paid?

All payments go through Tipalti. During onboarding, you'll set up your preferred payment method — bank transfer, PayPal, wire transfer, or local currency options.

Do I own my ident?

You receive a license to use the ident on your channel with producer credit. The master recording rights remain with ident.fm. This is what enables the Content ID claim that funds your partner fees.

Is the license exclusive?

Your ident license is exclusive to your channel — no other creator will use the same ident. However, ident.fm retains non-exclusive commercialization rights to the underlying track for catalog use.

Can I cancel?

Either party can terminate with 30 days notice. If you leave, the Content ID claim is removed from your future uploads. Previously claimed videos follow standard Content ID dispute resolution.