How to Check Copyright Claims on YouTube

In the modern digital age, content creation and sharing have reached unprecedented levels, with platforms like YouTube serving as global stages for creators.

However, amidst this creativity, copyright concerns can arise, impacting the accessibility of your content.

This article will walk you through the process of how to check copyright claims on YouTube.

What are Copyright Claims on YouTube?

Copyright claims on YouTube refer to instances where a copyright holder asserts their ownership over a piece of content within a video, such as music, visuals, or even text.

This claim can lead to a variety of outcomes, including the video being taken down, the addition of ads by the copyright holder, or the sharing of revenue generated by the video.

Understanding these claims is crucial to maintaining a harmonious online presence.

How to Check Copyright Claims on YouTube

To check for copyright claims on your YouTube videos, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to https://www.youtube.com.
   • You can use any desktop web browser for this process.
   • If you’re not automatically logged in, click on “Log In” in the upper-right corner and enter your Google account’s username and password to sign in.
2. Click on the ☰ icon. To access the menu bar, simply click the icon featuring three horizontal lines. This is located at the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Click on “Your Videos.” This option is available in the left-side menu. Doing so will show you a list of your videos within YouTube Studio.
   1. As another option, you have the choice to click on your profile icon situated in the upper-right corner, followed by choosing “YouTube Studio.” If your YouTube account has encountered any copyright strikes or Content ID claims, they will be visible in a window at the upper-left corner.
   2. For a comprehensive roster of your videos within YouTube Studio, simply select “Content” from the menu on the left-hand side.
4. Click on “Filter.” You’ll find this option at the top of your list of videos, adjacent to an icon resembling three lines with varying lengths. This feature allows for the sorting of videos based on various criteria, including copyright claims.
5. Select “Copyright claims.” This choice is among the categories presented when you click on the Filters icon. Taking this step will show you all the videos that have received copyright strikes or Content ID claims.
6. Hover over the “Restrictions” column within the video list. By doing so, a pop-up will appear, providing an explanation of the copyright claim associated with the video.
7. Click on “Show Details.” This action will reveal a comprehensive breakdown of the copyright claim.
   • The three uppermost boxes indicate the effects of the copyright claim on your channel, the video’s visibility status within your channel, and its eligibility for monetisation.
   • The lower section outlines the copyrighted content used, its type, the time it was featured in the video, its impact on the video, and the copyright owner’s identity.
8. Click on “Select Action.” Located in the second row on the right side, this option will present you with a menu of potential actions to address the copyright claim.
   • Potential courses of action could involve substituting the audio with an alternate track, muting the copyrighted audio, initiating communication with the claimant for dispute resolution, filing a counter-notification, or challenging the claim.
9. Choose an action. Upon selection, you will be presented with instructions for executing the chosen action. Follow these instructions to take the necessary steps and resolve the copyright claim.

Note:

• Merely retracting a video that has been hit with a copyright strike will not sufficiently address the claim.
• Erasing a video that has been issued a copyright strike will not remove the strike itself. The strike count will persist.

Understanding Fair Use

Fair use is a crucial concept when it comes to copyright claims. It allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner. However, fair use is subject to interpretation, and its application varies based on context.

Differentiating Fair Use from Claims

While fair dealing can sometimes overlap with certain types of claims, it’s important to recognise that not all instances of fair use will be exempt from copyright claims.

It’s recommended to familiarise yourself with fair use guidelines to better understand when your use of copyrighted material falls under this category.

Examples of Fair Use

1. Educational Purposes: Using a short clip from a documentary to analyse and critique its content for educational purposes.
2. Parody and Commentary: Creating a satirical video that comments on a popular song’s lyrics or a movie scene’s significance.
3. News Reporting: Including excerpts from a news segment to report or discuss current events.

Consequences of Copyright Claims

Impact on Monetisation

When a copyright claim is placed on your video, the claimant typically gains control over the monetisation of that video. This means that any revenue generated from ads will be directed to the claimant rather than the content creator.

Video Blocking and Removal

In some cases, copyright claims can lead to videos being blocked or removed from YouTube entirely. This can significantly affect your channel’s visibility and engagement.

Copyright Strikes

Repeated violations of copyright policies can result in copyright strikes on your channel. These strikes may lead to temporary suspensions or, in severe cases, the termination of your YouTube channel.

Dealing with Copyright Claim Disputes

Initiating a Dispute

If you believe that the copyright claim is invalid or that your use of the content falls under fair use, you can initiate a dispute. This prompts the claimant to review your dispute and provide a response.

Providing Counter-Proof

When disputing a claim, provide evidence to support your case. This could include demonstrating your content’s transformative nature, showcasing its educational value, or highlighting its commentary and critique.

Resolving Disputes with Claimants

Engage in open communication with the claimant. Sometimes, misunderstandings can be resolved through dialogue. If both parties reach an agreement, the claim can be retracted.

Seeking Legal Advice

If the dispute remains unresolved and you firmly believe in the legitimacy of your use of the copyrighted material, seeking legal advice might be necessary.

Best Practices for Avoiding Claims

Using Royalty-Free Content

Opt for royalty-free music, images, and videos. This type of content can be used without the risk of copyright claims.

Creating Original Content

The simplest way to avoid copyright claims is to create your own original content. This ensures that your work remains unique and protected.

Giving Proper Attribution

When using copyrighted material that requires attribution, ensure you provide the necessary credit to the original creator. This helps in building a respectful and ethical online community.

Conclusion

Navigating the intricacies of copyright on YouTube demands a keen understanding of copyright law and its application.

While public domain content escapes copyright protection, using copyrighted content requires awareness of copyright rules.

Checking claim details empowers creators to address claims such as music copyright claims effectively.

Whether it’s video or content, vigilance against copyright violations is key.

A copyright claimant’s authenticity is crucial, as fake copyright claims can disrupt original copyright owners.

Engaging in a copyright dispute requires comprehension of copyright exceptions.

Remember, copyright infringement threatens copyright ownership, making diligent copyright status checks imperative for maintaining content integrity and upholding copyright protection on YouTube.

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