In the digital age, your music is “content.” Every time a travel vlogger uses your song in the background or a brand uses your beat for an ad, they owe you a royalty. Most artists have no way of knowing these videos exist. At Audiobulb, we use advanced audio-fingerprinting technology to monitor 20+ global platforms 24/7, identifying unlicensed use and turning those “stolen” plays into revenue.
The “Wild West” era of the internet is over. You no longer have to spend hours searching YouTube for your song title to see if someone used it.
Today, tracking music usage is about Data and Digital Fingerprints. Here is how professional tracking works and how you can do it too.
1. The Power of the “Audio Fingerprint”
Before a song is released, a “Fingerprint” (a unique digital map of the audio’s waveform) is created.
- How it works: Even if someone slows your song down, pitches it up, or talks over it, the fingerprint remains recognizable to tracking AI.
- Why it matters: This allows systems to scan millions of hours of video per minute to find your music, even if the uploader didn’t give you credit in the description.
2. The 3 Places Most Artists Are Losing Money
If you aren’t tracking your music, you are likely losing money in these three “unlicensed” hotspots:
- User-Generated Content (UGC): Fans making “aesthetic” edits, speed-up versions, or lyric videos of your songs.
- Brand/Commercial Use: Small-to-medium businesses using “popular” trending sounds for their Instagram ads without buying a commercial license.
- International Platforms: Apps like Douyin (China’s TikTok) or VK (Russia) where US-based distributors often have limited tracking capabilities.
3. How Audiobulb Protects Your Work
While most distributors stop at “YouTube Content ID,” Audiobulb’s tracking is much more aggressive. We provide a Digital Safety Net across 20+ platforms.
Our Monitoring Network Includes:
- Video Socials: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
- Global Apps: Douyin, Bilibili, and SnackVideo.
- Livestreaming: Twitch and Huya.
- Content Platforms: Vimeo, DailyMotion, and more.
What happens when we find a match?
We don’t just “shut them down.” We give you the choice:
- Monetize: We place an ad on their video, and the revenue goes into your pocket.
- Whitelist: If it’s a partner or a fan you want to support, we “ignore” the claim.
- Takedown: If a brand is using your music to sell a product without permission, we issue a formal legal request to have the content removed.
4. Comparison: DIY Tracking vs. Professional Admin
| Feature | DIY (Manual Search) | Audiobulb Tracking |
| Platforms Covered | 1 or 2 (YouTube/IG) | 20+ Global Platforms |
| Detection Method | Keyword search (Title) | AI Audio Fingerprinting |
| Detection Speed | Weeks/Months | Near Real-Time |
| Revenue Recovery | Impossible for individuals | Automated Claims |
FAQ: Tracking & Protection
What if someone “remixes” my song? Can you still find it?
Yes. Our technology is designed to recognize the “DNA” of the composition. Even if they add a new drum beat or change the tempo, we can typically identify the underlying work and ensure the original songwriter is credited.
Does tracking my music hurt my fans?
Not at all. For most fans, the only thing that happens is a small notice saying “Music in this video: [Artist Name].” This actually helps fans find your Spotify profile! It only “hurts” businesses who are trying to avoid paying for commercial licenses.
Can I track music that was released years ago?
Yes. As soon as you upload your catalog to Audiobulb, we “back-scan” the platforms. It is very common for our artists to find videos from 3 years ago that have been sitting on 100k views without earning a penny. We claim that future revenue for you immediately.
Summary
If you can’t see who is using your music, you can’t get paid for it. In 2025, an artist without a tracking partner is an artist who is working for free.
Your Next Step: Curious to see if your music is being used unlicensed? Join Audiobulb and let our global tracking engine scan 20+ platforms for your work. We’ll find the matches, handle the claims, and make sure your music works as hard as you do.