In this article, you'll learn how to:
- Turn on Watermarking for a playlist
- Share the playlist in way that assigns unique watermarks to each recipient
- Trace leaked files
- Maximize security settings
Create a Watermarked Playlist
- Upload or drag tracks into the Playlist Creator.
- Click "Save" to open Playlist settings:
- Switch on the Watermark Playlist toggle:
- Save the Playlist.
This processes the playlist and watermarks each track.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Streaming audio is watermarked in case it is ripped or recorded while playing back.
- All available file types are watermarked if downloaded.
- All tracks and playlists retain their watermarks when they are Saved to DISCO.
- Other DISCOs with Watermarking turned on will not impact your watermarks (they can add their own watermarks as well).
Share a Watermarked Playlist
Open the Share Area to email a playlist directly or assign a URL to each recipient.
- Unique watermarks are assigned to each recipient for leak tracing.
The regular public share URL will not generate unique watermarks when shared with multiple recipients. But the leak tracer will show who created the playlist, and if it carried your watermarks in the first place.
Watermarked Playlist Public View
The watermarked playlist is labeled with a blue warning:
Distribute Watermarked Playlists with the Email Creator
Watermarked playlist URLs are automatically assigned to each recipient when delivered via the Email Creator.
- Example email preview:
Sent email blasts provide in-depth access stats from each recipient:
- Email opens
- Links clicks
- Track streams and downloads
- Playlist downloads
Keep Track of Watermarked Playlists
- Watermarked playlists display a blue "W"
- Previously watermarked playlists display a crossed out yellow "W"
- Watermarked (and previously watermarked) playlists are also displayed in the Watermarking dashboard:
Trace a Leaked File
It is not possible to check if the audio came from your DISCO without the leaked file.
- Download the audio file from the source of the leak (torrent site etc.)
- Open the Leak Tracing tab in the Watermarking dashboard
- Click the "Trace a leak" button:
- Upload the leaked file on the pop-up and submit:
The file is then processed and will appear in the list of traced files.
- View the track name and playlist it came from.
- The “Shared With” column shows which contact got assigned the watermark.
- The “Shared By” column shows who shared the playlist from your DISCO.
If the leak trace fails, either a watermark was never applied from your DISCO (and you are not the source of the leak!), or the audio quality wasn't high enough to successfully detect the watermark.
Maximize Playlist Share Security
Follow the steps below to provide the highest level of security to extra sensitive audio previews.
1. Open Save Playlist settings
Toggle on:
- Streaming only
- Watermark playlist
2. Open the Share area
Select the Security tab:
- Add a link expiry date
- Add a password
- Check that “Streaming only” and “Watermarking” are selected
3. Assign A URL
Select the Share Tab and open the Assign a URL area
- Assign new URLs for each contact
- Share each URL directly with the contact
- Share the password separately from the share URL
Note: the same password applies to all recipients.
4. Keep an eye on notifications
Example Notifications:
5. Check Playlist Access Stats Regularly
- Hover over the green numbers to see which tracks have been streamed or downloaded (if downloads are enabled)
Pro Tip: If you notice any suspicious activity, you can disable and re-enable each URL individually from the Assign a URL tab in the Share area.
Watermarking FAQ
What is watermarking?
Watermarking involves embedding a unique “fingerprint” into various instances of an audio track; our algorithm splits the signal into 1,024 sample frames, which allows us to pinpoint exact instances in the audio. By watermarking audio files, we can effectively track leaked files back to specific recipients.
Is watermarking included in any of your regular base plans?
No, Watermarking is only offered as a paid add-on.
Can I trial the watermarking feature?
No, Watermarking is only offered as a paid add-on.
How much does watermarking cost?
We have three watermarking plans:
1 watermarked playlist at a time – $29 per month
3 watermarked playlists at a time – $69 per month
Unlimited watermarked playlists – $129 per month
How secure is your watermarking solution?
DISCO's watermarking is very secure. The watermarked information encoded onto the file can withstand re-encoding and file alteration.
Will the watermarks be audible on the track?
No.
Does audio streaming from my watermarked playlist retain the watermarking?
Yes!
Do you support watermarking videos and other non-audio file types?
No, watermarking is only currently offered for audio.
How long will it take for my files to be watermarked?
After uploading your files and watermarking the playlist they're in, watermarked downloads will generally be available in less than a minute.
Will public playlist URLs be watermarked?
Yes, but the watermark will only apply to the whole link. If an individual rips the music from the link and distributes it elsewhere, that individual will not be able to be traced. If you trace the leak you will see who from your team watermarked the files, and when. It is best to assign URLs to each recipient or email the playlist out of DISCO to track each person individually.
Will clients be notified when files they receive are watermarked?
Yes, there is a message notifying recipients that files are watermarked on playlist and track links, Inbox shares, and emails sent out with watermarked music.
If I watermark a playlist and someone from my team downloads it, will those files be watermarked against my team member?
Yes.
How long does the watermark last?
Watermarks remain effective as long as the watermarking subscription remains active.
If we're on a 1 playlist plan, does that mean we have to upgrade our plan to watermark a new playlist?
A 1 playlist plan means that only one playlist can have watermarking turned on at a time. If you'd like to watermark another playlist, you can either upgrade or turn off the watermarking on the existing watermarked playlist.
Can we watermark individual tracks instead of a whole playlist?
Currently, you can toggle watermarking on and off within the Playlist settings, Playlist Share area, or the Watermarking dashboard. When a track is watermarked within a playlist, it will also carry the watermark when shared individually. However, playlist-sharing and tracking options are more comprehensive than those for individual track-sharing. Thus, creating a playlist with a single watermarked track is recommended for better management.
What happens if our music is leaked?
You can upload and submit the leaked files through the Tools > Watermarking page app.
Do you scan the web for leaked files and issue DMCA takedowns?
No.