A reference overlap on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) occurs when Meta’s Rights Manager system detects that all or part of your audio matches another audio file already in the system. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a copyright dispute. Instead, it’s a signal that your audio isn’t distinct enough from another reference file to make a unique claim.

What is a reference file on Meta?

When Unchained Music delivers your music to Meta's Rights Manager for Content ID protection, Meta creates a digital audio fingerprint — a reference file. This fingerprint is used to detect your music in videos uploaded by other users and to apply the monetization, blocking, or tracking policies you select.

Common causes of reference overlaps on Meta

Reference overlaps typically arise from one of three issues:

1. Your track contains non-original or shared content:

• Licensed samples or beats (even with proper licenses)
• Creative Commons/public domain material
• Sounds licensed non-exclusively (e.g. stock audio)
• Video game soundtracks or in-game audio
• Spoken word content or quotes from other media

2. Your track isn't unique enough:

• Covers that sound nearly identical to the original
• Ambient sounds (e.g. birds, streets, waves)
• Karaoke or instrumental re-creations
• Production loops or stock sound effects

3. Your audio has already been delivered via another distributor:

• You or someone else previously submitted the same audio file to Meta Rights Manager

How do reference overlaps differ from ownership conflicts?

Reference overlaps are technical — Meta can't distinguish between two files.
Ownership conflicts are legal — two parties are claiming to own the same content.

You can experience a reference overlap even if you're the rightful owner, particularly if your content isn’t unique enough to be distinguished in the system.

What are your options when a reference overlap occurs?

You must tell Meta what to do with the overlapping audio:

✅ If the audio is unique to you (or your licensor):

ASSERT the overlap

• You claim the segment is original and want Meta to use your reference file for future matches

❌ If the audio isn't unique to you:

EXCLUDE the overlap

• You acknowledge it’s not original/distinct and instruct Meta not to use that segment for rights enforcement

Even when you exclude an overlap, Meta can still claim or track other non-overlapping portions of your track.

How can I understand the reference conflict?

Meta provides details such as the Overlapping Asset Name — this is the other reference file conflicting with yours.

Ask:

• Is it a legitimate sample of yours? → ASSERT + contact support
• Did you use content that’s also in someone else’s file? → EXCLUDE
• Is it a duplicate version you or a past distributor uploaded? → ASSERT + request takedown of the older version

If you no longer want Unchained Music to manage the reference, you can EXCLUDE and submit a removal request.

Medleys and reference overlaps

If you uploaded a medley and the overlapping audio comes from one of the original tracks in that medley, you may choose to EXCLUDE just that segment — not the entire file.

Still unsure what to do?

No worries. If your situation doesn’t fit these examples or you need help, reach out to our support team and we’ll help you resolve it properly.

Need help with Meta Content ID?
Message us at https://www.unchainedmusic.io/faq/support and we'll help you out.

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