Normally, watermarks are used as a security precaution in deterring leaking. In the context of a HAULIX promo, a watermark is an inaudible piece of data injected into an MP3 or WAV track. HAULIX can use that data to pinpoint the contact who downloaded the respective track.

Example scenario:

You send your contact a HAULIX email invitation and they sign in. The contact clicks the Download button and downloads the album. While downloading, HAULIX silently injects 10-15 watermarks into each track.

Fast forward two weeks later -- you discover your album has leaked online and is being shared without your consent. You download the pirated files yourself and send them to HAULIX for review.

Once we receive the files, our team scans the tracks and recovers the watermarks (if they are there), which will tell us who originally downloaded the album and when and where the download occurred. We then email that information to you. 


Frequently asked questions:

Do I have to pay extra for watermarking?

No, unlimited watermarking is included except for the Rising Star and Honey Badger plans.

Is there a limit on the number of watermarks I can use?

No, there is no limit. HAULIX will inject watermarks into every track downloaded or streamed through our system. e.g., If 1,000 contacts download one of your 12-track promos, approximately 120,000 watermarks will get injected across all downloaded tracks.

Can your watermarks survive re-encoding(s)?

Yes, our watermarks can survive multiple encodings. Because there are many marks injected into each track (10-15 depending on how long the track is), a malicious user would have to re-encode the track multiple times, resulting in almost unlistenable sound quality before all watermarks would get overwritten.

Did you create the watermarking technology you use yourself?

No, HAULIX licenses its advanced watermarking technology from the Fraunhofer Institute.

If I find a suspect track, how long does it take to scan it and send me the results?

Although we block out 24 hours to scan, you will hear back from us within an hour most of the time.