Copyright Protected Content Found on YouTube: How To Resolve

With content creation always going forward and evolving with every step, YouTube perhaps holds a position at the very top for any kind of content creator to place their work in view of any audience around the globe.

While the saying may go that “with great visibility comes great responsibility,” this will have to incorporate all legal rights, notably those of a copyright nature.

Copyright on YouTube can sometimes be very puzzling, but learning some subtlety will prove critical in keeping successful yet compliant channels running.

Meanwhile, the step-by-step guide on how to avoid the problem of copyright-protected content on YouTube provides actionable insights on how to effectively identify, manage, and resolve copyright issues at each given stage.

Copyrright Fundamentals on YouTube

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a system of law that affords protection over the intellectual property rights of authors.

It bestows upon the creators exclusive rights of reproduction, distribution, performance, and display, besides the creation of any derivative works based on the original.

These exclusive rights make certain that there is proper recognition and compensation in the work as well as provide one with a means of controlling the usage of the content produced by them.

How Copyright Applies to YouTube?

YouTube is a user-generated content platform hosting billions of videos ranging from all types of music, videos, images, and lots more.

The thing is that every time creators publish something on YouTube, they have to be sure that they have rights or permissions for everything in their videos. That might be not just the main content but any third-party materials:

• background music,
• clips from other videos,
• images, or even some fonts and graphics.

The consequences of not adhering to copyright on YouTube range from Content ID claims and revenue redirection to copyright strikes, which may lead to the termination of one’s channel.

Comprehending YouTube’s copyright rules and the tools available for managing them is critical to building and maintaining any successful channel.

Types of Copyright Claims on YouTube

YouTube uses an advanced system to police and enforce its copyright policies through Content ID and manual claims.

Besides, the platform has an approach of implementing a strike system against repeated or serious copyright infringement.

Content ID Claims

Content ID is YouTube’s automated system that scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material by comparing them against a vast database of files provided by content owners.

When a match is found, Content ID can apply specific actions based on the content owner’s preferences, such as monetising the video, blocking it in certain regions, or tracking its performance.

Types of Content ID Claims:

Monetisation claims: The copyright owner lets the video stay on YouTube but is claiming the money generated through ads running on the video.

Blocked Claims: The video has been blocked either from playing in some countries or everywhere.

Tracking Claims: Here, the owner of the copyright does not take any action against the video and just monitors viewership statistics of the video.

Manual Claims

Manual claims refer to the copyright takedown notices content owners themselves make when they happen to find copyright violation without the Content ID system.

These, in contrast, are treated via the YouTube Content Removal Request form and may further lead to the removal of content and a copyright strike being issued against the channel.

Copyright Strikes

The most serious form of copyright enforcement on YouTube is a copyright strike. A copyright strike is given when a content owner files a valid copyright takedown.

Three strikes earned will accumulate and can delete the channel, remove all content in it, and most likely will lead to legal consequences with the owners themselves.

Copyright Protected Content Found on YouTube: What It Means?

Sometimes, when you upload a video containing some copyrighted content, you end up with a Content ID claim, but it doesn’t always give way to a strike against your channel.

This basically happens when a copyright owner comes to the conclusion of allowing their contents for usage under specific conditions rather than blocking those videos, with monetisation being done on behalf of them, for example.

For example, if you use a chart-topping song in your video, the copyright holder of that song may allow your video to remain live but claim the ad revenue that results from it.

So, you will be able to use the content without facing direct penalties for it, but ultimately not make revenue from them ads running on that video.

Implications for Your Channel

If the copyright owner allows the use of their content through Content ID claims but does not issue a strike, it means:

Revenue Impact: The ad revenues on your video go to the copyright owner and not you.

Channel Status: Your channel is not being affected in strike terms, meaning there are no direct penalties, such as removing content or restrictions.

Content Visibility: Your video can still be visible to your audience, depending on the type of claim, even in a monetised form.

Basically, you need to understand that such claims do not hurt your channel to manage your content strategy and monetisation accordingly.

How to Check the Status of Copyright Claims?

Monitoring and managing copyright claims remains an ongoing task that creators on YouTube have to pay attention to. YouTube itself makes available tools right on its site to help you comprehend and deal effectively with these claims.

Accessing YouTube Studio

Sign In: Sign in with your YouTube account.

YouTube Studio: This is accessed by clicking on the icon for your profile picture at the top right-hand corner of your computer and choosing “YouTube Studio”.

Accessing the Copyright Dashboard

Left Sidebar: On YouTube Studio, take a look at the left sidebar.

Copyright Section: Click on the “Copyright” tab; it gives a review of all claims and strikes concerning copyright against the channel.

Claims Details: A list of the videos which have active claims along with the nature of the claim with an action required.

Interpreting the Copyright Dashboard

The dashboard allows for the visualisation of claims per status and their impact:

Monetisation Claims: Indicate that revenue is being redirected to the copyright owner.

Block Claims: It shows if a video is blocked in certain regions or altogether removed.

Track Claims: This indicates claims that are tracking viewership only and not taking action.

Knowing the status of each claim will help you determine the best course of action to take and help manage the health of your channel.

Resolving Content ID Claims That Don’t Affect Your Channel

When you come across a Content ID claim with no copyright strike, that is usually an indication that the content owner has given permission to use their material in some form.

At this point, you need to manage these claims correctly to ensure you keep compliance and maximise performance of your channel.

Accepting the Claim

If the claim is minor and you do not have any issues with the content owner choosing to monetise your video, you can accept the claim. This means:

Revenue Redirect: The ad revenue from your video will go directly to the copyright holder.

No Action: The claim remains in place, and your video remains live with the owner’s settings applied.

Steps to Accept the Claim:

Claim: On the Copyright dashboard, find the claim you want to address.

Review Details: Click the claim to view more detail about the copyrighted content and the owner’s policy.

Accept the Claim: Click through, following the prompts to accept the claim. Be sure you accept the terms of the copyright holder.

Disputing the Claim

You can only dispute the claim if you actually believe that the claim is wrong or that your use of the content falls under the category of fair use.

Dispute is a legal process where much careful consideration and justification need to be shown.

When to Dispute:

• Incorrect Identification: The Content ID system mistakenly identified your content as infringing.
• Fair Use: Your use of the copyright material is transformative and meets the criteria for fair use.
• Permission Granted: You have explicit permission to use the copyrighted content.

Steps to Dispute the Claim:

Rereview the Claim: Understand for what reason the claim was made, and identify the specific content in question.

Gather Evidence: Collect evidence to support your defense, including licenses, permissions and statements of fair use.

Dispute: Click the “Dispute” option in the Copyright dashboard and explain in detail.

Wait for Response: The owner of the copyright has 30 days to review an action to take in response to your dispute.

Important Considerations:

Accuracy: Your dispute needs to be grounded and valid.

Consequences: A lost dispute may result in the claim being sustained or even to a strike.

Removing or Replacing Content

If the claim cannot be accepted or disputed, you can remove or replace the copyrighted content in your video. This option will help in moving the claim and not affecting the status of your channel.

Options for Removal or Replacement:

Trim the Video: Use YouTube’s built-in editor to remove only that part of the video where the copyrighted material is playing.

Mute the Audio: If the claim involves audio, mute the audio of the copyrighted portion.

Replace with Royalty-Free Content: Replace the infringing content with content from YouTube’s Audio Library or any other royalty-free content.

Steps to Edit Your Video:

Open YouTube Studio: Go to your video in YouTube Studio.

Editor: Select the “Editor” tab. This will open YouTube’s video editor.

Changes: Trim, mute, or replace the content as necessary.

Save Changes: Allows for applying the edits and refreshing the video.

Benefits:

Quick resolution of claims: Instead of waiting for disputes, the claim will be resolved right away by editing the video.

Maintain Monetisation: Content replaced with authorised material might keep your video monetised under your terms.

Why These Claims Don’t Result in Strikes?

Difference Between Claims and Strikes

Note that Content ID claims are a different beast as compared to copyright strikes for the implications both have on your channel.

Content ID Claims:

• Automated Process: Generated by YouTube’s Content ID system.
• No Strikes: These claims will not contribute to copyright strikes.
• Monetisation Impact: Frequently leads to revenue being diverted to the copyright owner.
• Channel Status: Not affected with any strikes and restrictions on your channel.

Copyright Strikes:

Manual Process: These are issued when a content owner files a formal takedown request.

Accumulative: If three strikes happen, then the channel may be terminated.

Immediate effect: It leads to the removal of content; further, some restrictions can be imposed on channel features.

Legal Consequences: In cases of severe infringement, it may lead to legal action.

YouTube’s Policies on Non-Strike Claims

YouTube itself doesn’t directly take any action against creators in respect to copyrighted material usage, so long as that usage is within the policies of the owner through Content ID. This approach basically encourages the usage of copyrighted material in a controlled manner, enabling creators to monetise the content provided while respecting the rights of the original creators.

Key Points:

Owner’s Choice: The flexibility for the owner to decide on the content usage, such as monetising, tracking, or blocking.

Creator Protection: The non-strike claims help in protecting the creators from an immediate penalty in case of content usage. It will ensure cooperation on both sides.

Revenue Sharing: It also allows creators to earn from the videos, though through revenue sharing with the copyright owners.

Knowing the difference helps the creators to effectively make their moves regarding content strategy by leveraging the allowed uses and keeping clear of those that would warrant strikes.

Best Practices to Avoid Copyright Issues

Proactively managing your content to avoid copyright issues is crucial for sustaining a healthy YouTube channel. Implementing best practices can significantly reduce the risk of encountering problematic claims or strikes.

Use Original Content

Creating and using original content is the most effective way to avoid copyright issues. Originality ensures that you have full control over your content and its usage.

Strategies:

• Create Your Own Music: Compose original music or use instruments to produce unique tracks.
• Develop Original Visuals: Design your own graphics, animations, and video clips.
• Produce Unique Content: Focus on content ideas that reflect your personal style and creativity.

Utilise Royalty-Free Resources

When incorporating third-party content, opt for royalty-free resources that allow you to use their materials without incurring copyright issues.

Recommended Platforms:

• YouTube Audio Library: Offers free music and sound effects for YouTube creators.
• Pixabay: Provides free images and videos that can be used without attribution.
• Pexels: Another excellent source for free stock photos and videos.

Proper Attribution

While attribution alone does not grant permission to use copyrighted material, properly crediting the original creators can foster goodwill and may be required under certain licenses.

Best Practices:

• Cite Sources: Clearly mention the original source of the content in your video description.
• Follow License Terms: Adhere to the specific requirements of the content’s license, such as providing credit or not using the content for commercial purposes.

Licensing and Permissions

Securing licenses or permissions for copyrighted content ensures that you have the legal right to use the material in your videos.

Steps to Obtain Licenses:

1. Identify the Rights Holder: Determine who owns the rights to the content you wish to use.
2. Request Permission: Contact the rights holder to seek adequate permission for usage.
3. Obtain Written Consent: Ensure you receive written confirmation or a license agreement outlining the terms of use.

Benefits:

• Legal Protection: Reduces the risk of copyright claims and strikes.
• Monetisation Control: Allows you to monetise your content without revenue redirection.

Tools and Resources for Managing Copyright on YouTube

Tool/Resource Category	Specific Tool/Service	Features	How to Use/Benefits
YouTube’s Audio Library	YouTube Audio Library	Free to UseVariety of GenresEasy Access (via YouTube Studio)	1. Navigate to YouTube Studio > Create > Audio Library. 2. Browse and select desired tracks. 3. Download and incorporate into videos.
Third-Party Licensing Services	Epidemic Sound Artlist AudioJungle	High-Quality ContentFlexible LicensingRoyalty-Free Options	Epidemic Sound: Subscription-based model with a large music library. Artlist: Annual fee for unlimited access to royalty-free music. AudioJungle: Purchase individual tracks as needed.
Content ID Tools (Pre-Upload)	Audible MagicTune SatPex	Proactive Detection of copyrighted material Detailed Reporting Integration with YouTube	Identify potential copyright issues before uploading Receive comprehensive reports on detected content for informed decisions. Streamlined copyright management through platform integration.

Impact of Copyright Claims on Your Channel

This way, one gets to know all the different impacts of copyright claims on his YouTube account so that he can manage his content strategy accordingly and maintain a healthy presence.

Financial Implications

It could heavily impact the channel’s revenue whenever copyright claims bring about redirected income.

Monetisation Impact:

Revenue Redirect: Ad dollars from claimed videos go to the copyright owner and not you.

Loss of Ad Revenue: The less control you have over ad placements, the less money you make.

Monetising Channels: Pending claims will affect your eligibility for monetisation on YouTube.

Strategies to Mitigate Financial Impact:

• Diversify Revenue Streams: Consider sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing as possible ways to earn money.
• Optimise the Content Strategy, thereby propagating content with low copyright issues to maximise their ad revenue.

Channel Reputation

Consistently managing copyright claims effectively contributes to a positive reputation among your audience and within the YouTube community.

Reputation Factors:

• Content Quality: High quality, unique content engenders viewer trust and loyalty.
• Compliance: Following copyright law is a manifestation of professionalism, showing respect towards other creators.
• Transparency: Being open about your content sources and usage policies builds credibility.

Maintaining a Good Reputation:

Engage Your Audience: Reply to comments and feedback to create a strong community.

Be Transparent: Provide the sources of your content and licensing information, where relevant.

Consistency: Keep uploading content and make sure the videos are well within your channel’s niche or standards.

Long-Term Sustainability

Good copyright management will let you keep your YouTube channel sustainable for a long period without receiving strikes or losing monetisation.

Sustainability Factors:

Channel Health: A strike-free status with monetisation is a sign of continued channel growth.

Audience Growth: The healthier the channel, the more subscribers and viewers you will gain, increasing your reach and impact.

Partnership Opportunities: A properly managed channel opens up much greater opportunities for would-be brand partners or collaborators.

Ensuring Sustainability:

Regular Audits: Go through your content from time to time to see where you may have copyright issues.

Keep Informed: Stay current with the policies of YouTube and changes in copyright laws.

Adapt and Evolve: Based on feedback and performance indication, make the necessary changes to your content strategy to stay current and compliant.

What’s Next?

Managing copyright on YouTube entails being aware of takedown requests, Content ID claims, and the possible consequences of copyright strikes for a channel, such as termination.

When “copyright protected content found” appears, creators must address the claim, potentially through a counter-notice if they believe it’s unwarranted. This experience underscores the importance of respecting copyright and comprehending digital rights management, particularly regarding sound recordings and collaborations with record labels.

Creators should proactively seek permission for using copyrighted material, protecting their channel from strikes and ensuring a positive experience for all.

Comprehending copyright rules, even advanced copyright law concepts related to claims of copyright infringement, is vital for protecting original material within the digital rights ecosystem.

A robust digital strategy includes securing proper permission for all incorporated elements.

Book a demo today to see how Bytescare can protect your digital content and let you rest easy. From its many features, Bytescare is here to protect the things that mean most to you in a digital world.

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