YouTube has reached the $1 billion milestone in payments to companies that take part in its Content ID programme.

Content ID, which was set up in 2007, allows companies to put advertising on fan-generated video clips rather than take them down for copyright infringement. Videos include excerpts from TV shows and songs.

More than 5,000 companies are using the programme, FT reports. When copyright violations are found, owners can decide to have the video taken down, or monetise it ...