YouTube and "Matched third party content".

I have known for a few years that YouTube employs software that can detect videos containing audio from commercial CDs etc. but I didn't know how incredibly efficient it is.

I filmed a large theatrical event ten days ago and yesterday uploaded almost 2 hours of edited video in 9 parts.

Within seconds of the upload finishing, the "Matched third party content" message was appearing on 4 of the 9 videos.

It appears that the people organising the performance had used commercial music in those parts but in the others they were playing their own instruments.

Whether or not they have a licence to use the recordings I have yet to discover.

Generally speaking, YouTube allows you to use professional music in non-profit making videos but sticks adverts on them.

Regardless of whether YouTube permits it, the use of music from CDs etc. is illegal and if they wish, the copyright owners can sue you for large sums of money.

Frequently on the FCP X forum (and others) editors claim that because they have bought the recording they can use it in any way they wish.

This is totally incorrect and the purchase of a record usually only permits you to play it in your own home or in an iPod/car audio system type device when away from home.

The use in public halls and in videos (even for personal use) is forbidden.

Anyway, getting back to YouTube's copyright detection equipment, I am absolutely amazed at how it monitors every uploaded video and instantly flags up a violation even though the original recording may be somewhat distorted by having passed through a PA system and been picked up by a dodgy camcorder mic.