CBC Music's Searchlight 2024: FAQs

Below you'll find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about CBC Music's 2024 Searchlight competition.

1. Are there any changes to this year's Searchlight? 

Yes. This year there are several important changes you need to be aware of: 

• Not all submissions will be displayed on a public site. Only artists making the Elite 50, Top 10 and the winners' list will be displayed to the public. 

• There will be no public voting to advance song entries. All submissions that advance to the Elite 50, Top 10 and winners milestones will be selected by an industry judging panel and CBC producers. 

• In addition to the grand prize winner, there are now four secondary prize categories presented by leading music industry organizations for outstanding Indigenous artist, outstanding country artist, top teen and songwriting prize. 

• An audio MP3 will now be required at entry, in addition to the link to your song uploaded to YouTube. The MP3 will be used for radio play and streaming. 

2. Why has voting been eliminated? 

Past Searchlight entrants have told us that there is voting fatigue in music contests, and they're reluctant to mobilize their fanbase to vote. 

3. How do I enter Searchlight?

Registration for CBC Music's Searchlight opens on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET. In order to enter, you need to upload your song to your own YouTube page as part of the submission process in addition to an MP3 audio file. Once it is uploaded, you can fill out a submission form here.

4. Do you only accept YouTube videos? 

Yes. We only accept an individual YouTube video set to "public," with no other restrictions. We do not accept any other formats (Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, etc.). Our player only works with a YouTube video. Entries that do not have a public YouTube video of your song entry will not be eligible and will be disqualified from the contest.

5. My video is on YouTube, but not on my account. Can I still enter?

To enter, you must be the owner of the YouTube account where the song exists, or the song must be uploaded on behalf of your record label. If your song is deleted on YouTube after you have entered, this will void your entry. It is important to perform the upload yourself and ensure that your video cannot be tampered with, or be in an agreement with a label that is managing your songs for you.

6. I don't have a YouTube account. How do I create one?

First, you will need to have your Google account ready. If you don't have a Google account or are not sure and would like to check, click on "create an account on YouTube."

Once you can log into your account, go to YouTube, where you will find the option to "create account" where you log in.

Once you have created your YouTube account, upload your video using the steps provided via the "upload videos" page.

7. I don't have a video, can I still upload a song?

Your video entry does not have to be a music video, and can be as simple as your song and a static image. There are a number of tools available to help you do this. All that you'll need is an image of you or your band, an MP3 file and your YouTube account.

There are step-by-step instructions that will guide you through logging into your Google account, selecting your YouTube account, uploading your MP3 file and uploading your band image.

Your video must be made public. Private and unlisted videos will not be accepted. 

Once this has been completed, you can fill out the entry form located here.

8. I don't have any original songs, can I submit a cover?

No. Only a first recording of an original song is permitted. You must be the performer on the track, and may also be a songwriter on the track. 

9. Should my song submission be my most current song?

No. You can submit any of your songs. The release date doesn't matter. 

10. Can I enter if I already have a record deal?

Yes, but your label must consent to our rules and regulations in order for you to do so. The onus is on you to ensure you are not breaking any copyright laws by entering.

11. Do I lose any rights to my song by entering?

No, the song will always be yours. By entering, you agree to our rules and regulations, though, which allows CBC to use your song for broadcast and editorial purposes during the contest period.

12. Where can I find the rules and regulations?

You can read the fine print about this year's Searchlight contest here.

13. What qualifies my song as Indigenous content for the Searchlight competition?

"Indigenous musical selection" refers to a musical selection written or performed by a person who self-identifies as Indigenous — which includes Inuit, First Nations and Métis people — and who also reside in Canada.

14. Are there any promotional opportunities after submitting my song to Searchlight?

Yes. Your song could be featured on our 2024 Searchlight Standouts playlist on CBC Listen, programmed on CBC Radio One, CBC-TV, on our CBC social channels (Instagram, Twitter and TikTok), or featured in a CBC Music article. It's a great way to get your music out there!

15. Who decides if my song goes through?

All song entries are adjudicated by a panel of top music industry experts. They range from accomplished producers to A&R reps, publishing professionals and charting musicians. Their identity is private to protect against influence. The panel of industry judges who decide the winners is revealed after the Elite 50 is released. 

16. How long do I have to enter my song?

You have from Monday, June 10, at 11 a.m. ET until Tuesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. ET to enter your song.

17. When will the winner of Searchlight be announced?

The grand prize winner, and secondary prize winners, will be revealed on Monday, Aug. 26, at 8 a.m. ET at cbc.ca/searchlight.

18. What will the winner of Searchlight get?

The Searchlight grand prize winner, and the winner of our secondary prizes, will receive a wide array of prizes to support their career. A detailed description of prizes can be found here. 

19. Can I enter more than one of my bands? 

No. You can only enter one project. Even your band members cannot enter a second time with a different band or as a solo artist.

20. Can we submit more than one song?

No. We're sure you have tons of great tunes, but we ask that you only submit your very best original song for Searchlight 2024. If more than one song is accidentally entered, we will only accept the first song entry. 

21. Are there any hashtags we can use to promote our song if I make it to the Elite 50?

Yes, please use #SEARCHLIGHT2024 and #CBCMusic in your tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts, and feel free to tag us in any of those posts, too!

22. Are there any key dates I need to keep in mind?

There sure are! All of the information you need on the key dates can be found here. 

23. How do I know I've successfully submitted my entry?

After you have submitted your song, you will receive a confirmation email. You will also see your submitted song information in the dashboard of your Yangaroo account. 

24. I am a Canadian resident but currently live abroad, can I still enter Searchlight?

If you're a Canadian living abroad for your music career, as long as you keep a Canadian address and file Canadian tax returns then you are eligible for CBC Music's Searchlight. To make it into the Elite 50, you may need to prove your eligibility.

25. I have a question that has not been answered here. Who can I contact?

Send us an email at searchlight@cbc.ca.