What is Digital Audio Watermarking?

What is Digital Audio Watermarking?

Digital Audio Watermarking is the process of embedding an imperceivable, unique identifier in to a noise tolerant signal, such as Wav, AIFF, MP3, or MP4 files, for use in authentication, identification, or to perform a specific task.

Traditionally used in the creative media industries as a method of identifying content ownership and copyright, the use of Digital Audio Watermarking technology has increased exponentially in recent years with the growing need for content protection and asset tracking by rights holders.

Employed by nearly all major creative media organizations, such as record labels, synch licensing companies, content creators, radio stations, etc… Digital Audio Watermarking allows the sender or rights holder to embed the identity of the recipient in to the Audio / Video file, for later retrieval if the content has been found outside of the normal chain of custody, and thought to be illicitly redistributed. 

Although there are many Digital Audio Watermarking services out there, it is important to understand when choosing a system that not all Watermarks are created equal, and which service a user ultimately will choose should be based upon the desired level of quality, security, and control, they will need over the watermarked assets.