A reference overlap occurs when YouTube’s Content ID system can’t distinguish between all or part of your sound recording and someone else’s. This doesn’t mean there’s a dispute over ownership, but rather an issue with audio similarity between your track and another in the Content ID system.

What is a reference file?

A reference file is the unique audio fingerprint YouTube uses to identify and claim your music in user-uploaded videos. When you submit music to YouTube Content ID through Unchained Music, we generate a reference file to track and monetize matching content.

What causes a reference overlap?

Overlaps typically fall into three categories:

1. Not 100% original content

• You used samples (licensed or not)
• You used non-exclusive beats or sounds
• You included public domain, Creative Commons, or fair-use clips
• You uploaded gameplay or external audio content

2. Not distinct enough

• Covers that sound nearly identical to the original
• Common sounds (e.g. street noise, birds, sound effects)
• Karaoke, remasters, loops, or dubbed versions

3. Duplicate references in the system

• You or someone else previously submitted the same track to Content ID through a different distributor

How can I tell if it’s a reference overlap or an ownership conflict?

• Reference overlap = YouTube detects audio similarity
• Ownership conflict = Two parties claim they own the same track

Reference overlaps can occur even when you own both versions. Ownership conflicts deal with rights, whereas overlaps deal with recognition in YouTube’s system.

What are my options when facing a reference overlap?

When you receive a reference overlap notice, YouTube is asking you what to do with the overlapping audio segment:

✅ ASSERT the overlap if:

• The segment is original to you (or your licensor)
• You want YouTube to ignore the other reference file and use yours instead

❌ EXCLUDE the overlap if:

• The segment isn't fully original (e.g., sampled, non-exclusive, or not distinct)
• You want YouTube to ignore this portion of your reference file

Even if you EXCLUDE, YouTube may still track and claim the non-overlapping portion of your track.

How can I investigate the issue?

Look at the Overlapping Asset Name provided by YouTube:

• If it’s not your asset name, consider whether:
  • Someone sampled your track → ASSERT and contact support
  • You used someone else’s audio → EXCLUDE
• If it matches or is similar to your asset name, it might be:
  • A duplicate or fraudulent upload → ASSERT and contact us
  • A previous distributor still has a reference active → ASSERT + ask them to remove it
  • You want them to manage Content ID instead → EXCLUDE and contact us to deactivate only that reference

What if my track is a medley?

If your reference file is a medley and overlaps with a single track, EXCLUDE just the overlapping segment—not the entire medley.

Still unsure?

No problem. If you're unclear on how to proceed or your case doesn’t fit the above, contact Unchained Music support at https://www.unchainedmusic.io/faq/support and we’ll help resolve it.