This post co-authored by Policy Intern Cody Duncan

Last week, TuneCore co-founders Jeff Price and Peter Wells announced the launch of Audiam — a new service designed to help artists make money off their music when it’s part of user-uploaded content on YouTube. As you probably are aware, there’s a lot of music on YouTube, and not all of it is licensed from the rightsholder. YouTube already has a system called Content ID in place that allows rightsholders to block or allow a user-uploaded video that contains copyrighted material when it is posted. Owners can choose between 1) refusing the use 2) allowing it and “tracking” views, demographics, referrals and engagement or 3) monetizing the use through revenue-sharing from ads. Major and independent labels as well as publishers have been utilizing Content ID for at least a couple of years; Audiam aims to make the system more accessible to unaffiliated and self-published musicians and songwriters.

[Post authored by FMC Policy Intern Cody Duncan]

Away from the aisles of brick and mortar retailers, independent game sellers have been experimenting with new marketing models. Some of their sales strategies may even prove valuable for musicians and record labels. Product bundling — along with strategic timing, live and variable pricing and charitable giving — are providing a range of incentives for potential customers to support artists and developers. read more