Unauthorized Content for UGC DSPs

As part of Rapture Music Group’s commitment to maintaining high-quality content distribution and ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines, it is crucial to ensure that only authorized content is distributed to platforms that handle User-Generated Content (UGC). This includes DSPs such as Meta, Lickd, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube Content ID.

This document outlines the rules and standards for submitting content to UGC platforms to protect creators and uphold platform integrity. 

KEY GUIDELINES FOR UGC DSPS

These platforms require a very specific type of content that is original and fully owned by you. The DSPs use the sound recording to identify matching content uploaded by users, so distributing unauthorized content could lead to incorrect claims on UGC.

IMPORTANT:

• These guidelines apply regardless of the monetization policy selected for these DSPs.

• Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in your access being blocked on these DSPs.

• Incorrect content distribution affects our standing and reputation with these platforms.

QUICK WAYS TO IDENTIFY IF A RECORDING IS AUTHORIZED FOR UGC DSPS

Ask yourself: Does this recording sound too similar to another recording already distributed on a UGC DSP?

If the answer is “yes,” and the recording doesn’t sound unique or distinct enough, we will only distribute it to standard DSPs, and not UGC DSPs.

TYPES OF SOUND RECORDINGS ELIGIBLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UGC DSPs

ONLY the following content is acceptable for distribution:

1. Exclusive Ownership:

• You must fully own the sound recording and its rights.
• No non-exclusive licenses or shared rights are acceptable for these DSPs.

2. Appropriate Content Types:

• Original Tracks with exclusive rights to any third-party samples, beats, or content.
• Not Public Domain Content (unless exclusively owned).
• Non-generic Sounds: Avoid content that is overly common (e.g., simple drum loops, generic sound effects like white noise or applause).
• Loops & Sample Packs: Must not rely on reused, unaltered loops, melodies, or vox from third-party packs.

3. Specific Examples of Ineligible Content:

• Sound recordings that contain non-exclusive beats or samples.
• Licensed tracks from production music catalogs (unless exclusive).
• Audio of video game footage, non-music content like speeches, or any non-musical forms (e.g., podcasts, audiobooks).
• Tracks with excessive resemblance to other existing recordings, such as remixes or "soundalike" versions that can be confused with the original.

SOUNDALIKES, DERIVATIVE WORKS, AND EXCLUSIVITY

• Soundalike Versions: If your track sounds too similar to another song (for example, a cover that can be confused with the original), we will not distribute it to UGC DSPs.

• Derivative Works: Any remixes, live versions, or re-recorded masters where you do not own the original recording are prohibited.

• Instrumentals and Karaoke: These types of content are generally not accepted unless you can prove that they are original and not based on another copyrighted recording.

Note: If you're uncertain about a track's eligibility, don’t stress - our rights management team will assess and confirm it before distribution to DSPs.

PROHIBITED CONTENT EXAMPLES

• Generic Music: Titles like “Relaxing Music” or “Sleep Sounds” are too generic and lack artistic intent.
• Non-unique Sounds: Examples of invalid content include instrumental or beat versions, remixes, or DJ sets that are just compilations of previously distributed tracks.
• AI-Generated Music: Music generated through artificial intelligence (AI) where the AI engine has not disclosed their dataset in order to guarantee that it is not making use of 3rd party copyrighted content. At the time of this writing, this would disqualify services such as Suno, Udio, Mureka, etc.
• Use of Third-Party Materials: If using any sample packs, loops, or EP/album kits from other producers, these must be transformed into original arrangements/sounds. 
• Simple repackaging of sample pack content is prohibited: Use of popular or widely reused chord progressions, drum patterns, or vocal chops without significant originality will be flagged. 

TRUST & SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RAPTURE MUSIC GROUP

How to Protect Your Account

To avoid issues with unauthorized content and ensure your account is secure, follow these steps:

1. Warnings:
A warning will be issued for any release that violates the rules outlined in this guide. Warnings are effective for six months from the incident date. 

After three warnings, the client deal/account will be subject to termination.

2. Appeals:

If you believe a warning was issued in error, you may appeal. However, violations deemed valid will lead to no exceptions. 

All appeals must include documented proof of ownership or originality. Appeals are reviewed within 7 business days.

FINAL CHECKLIST FOR DISTRIBUTION APPROVAL

Before deciding to deliver your content for release, ensure the following:

1. Proper Rights: Confirm that you fully control the rights to the sound recording.

2. No Soundalike Content: Ensure that your track is not an illegal cover, remix, or derivative version of another song.

3. Metadata Integrity: All track metadata must be complete, accurate, and conform to the DSP’s style guides.

If you follow this checklist and ensure compliance with the guidelines, you will avoid the pitfalls of distributing unauthorized content, ensuring a smooth and successful distribution on UGC DSPs like Facebook, TikTok, Snap, YouTube Content ID, and Lickd.

By following these steps, you ensure that all content under Rapture Music Group is properly cleared, legally sound, and ready for distribution on the major UGC platforms without risking account suspension or negative repercussions.

All UGC DSP content is subject to final review by our rights management team before distribution.