Key Takeaways:
- Submit a dispute if the content qualifies as fair use or original or you have the necessary rights.
- Contact copyright holder directly for permission to use the content or obtain a proper license to avoid strikes.
- Use YouTube’s editor to replace or mute the claimed content, preventing monetisation loss without removing the entire channel.
Facing a copyright claim on YouTube can be frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time and effort into creating content.
A copyright claim usually occurs when your entire video contains material—such as audio tracks, footage, or images—that someone else owns.
While this doesn’t always result in a strike or entire video removal, it can limit your video’s monetisation or visibility, impacting your channel’s growth and income potential.
The good news is that copyright claims can be resolved. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a fair use issue, or an unintentional use of copyrighted material, YouTube offers several ways to address these claims.
Knowing the steps to remove a copyright claim can protect your channel, avoid strikes, and ensure your entertaining video content reaches your audience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective methods for resolving copyright claims on YouTube, from disputing claims to replacing copyrighted material in your online videos.
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What is a Copyright Claim on YouTube?
A copyright claim on YouTube occurs when the platform’s Content ID system detects copyrighted material, such as music tracks, video clips, or images, in a user’s video.
The claim is typically made by the copyright owner or an entity acting on their behalf, asserting that their content has been used without proper permission.
Why Does YouTube Automatically Detect Copyrighted Content?
YouTube employs a sophisticated tool called Content ID to detect copyrighted content in uploaded videos automatically.
This advanced system utilises audio and video fingerprinting technology to analyse user-uploaded content, comparing it against an extensive database of copyrighted works provided by rights holders.
YouTube generates a copyright claim when a match is found, notifying the uploader of the potential copyright violation.
The primary purpose of Content ID is to protect copyright owners from unauthorised use of their intellectual property, ensuring that creators’ rights are upheld. This helps rights holders manage their content and allows them to monetise it by claiming ad revenue or restricting access to their works.
By automatically detecting copyrighted material, YouTube aims to maintain a fair and respectful environment for all creators without the fear of copyright infringement, fostering a culture of compliance while minimising the risks of exploitation without consent.
This proactive approach helps safeguard the interests of content creators across the platform.
Difference Between Copyright Claims and Copyright Strikes
While both copyright claims and strikes involve copyrighted material, they have different consequences:
- Copyright Claim: This typically allows the video to remain live, but the copyright owner can decide to monetise it, track it, or restrict it in certain regions. It doesn’t result in penalties for the uploader.
- Copyright Strike: This is more severe and can happen if you use copyrighted material without permission. Strikes can lead to video removal, restrictions on your channel, and even termination after three strikes.
Why Copyright Claims Matter for Monetisation and Visibility?
Copyright claims play a vital role in determining both monetisation and visibility for creators on YouTube. When a video receives a copyright claim, any revenue generated from ads may be redirected to the copyright owner rather than the creator.
This can lead to a significant loss of income, especially for those relying on YouTube as a primary revenue stream.
Moreover, copyright claims can restrict the geographical availability of your video. Certain claims may limit where the content can be viewed, impacting its overall reach and potential audience engagement.
This means that even if your video has the potential to go viral, copyright restrictions could hinder its visibility in key markets.
Therefore, managing copyright claims effectively is essential for maximising your content’s potential.
By knowing how to navigate copyright issues and protecting your work, creators can ensure that they retain control over their monetisation opportunities and maintain broader visibility across the platform.
Common Reasons for Copyright Claims

Unauthorised Use of Music, Video Clips, and Other Media
One of the most common reasons for copyright claims on YouTube is the unauthorised use of copyrighted materials like music, video clips, images, or sound effects.
Even if you credit the original creator, using someone else’s content without permission can trigger a copyright claim.
Copyright owners have the right to control how their content is used, and YouTube’s Content ID system automatically flags any use of copyrighted material, resulting in a claim.
Fair Use Misconceptions
Many YouTubers mistakenly believe that their content falls under “fair use,” which allows for limited use of copyrighted material for commentary, criticism, education, or parody.
However, fair use is a legal defence that requires careful consideration of factors like the purpose of the use, the nature of the copyrighted material, the amount used, and its impact on the market for the original work.
Misunderstanding or misapplying fair use principles can still lead to copyright claims.
Content ID System on YouTube and How It Works
YouTube’s Content ID system is an automated tool that scans all uploaded videos against a database of copyrighted media provided by rights holders.
If a copyright match is found, the system issues a copyright concern on behalf of the content owner. Rights holders can monetise the video, block it in specific regions, or track its views.
While Content ID is highly accurate, it occasionally flags content that may fall under fair use or be used legitimately.
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What Happens if You Get a Copyright Claim?
A copyright claim on YouTube can affect your video, but it doesn’t immediately result in severe consequences for your channel. Here’s what happens when you receive a claim:
A copyright claim typically means that someone else owns the content in your video, such as music or footage, and they now have control over how it’s used.
However, unlike a copyright strike, a claim does not penalise your channel directly—your status remains good. Your video remains live, but the copyright owner may control its monetisation or distribution.
If your video is monetised, a copyright claim can shift any revenue generated from you to the copyright owner. They can monetise your video by placing ads, meaning you won’t earn from that video unless the claim is successfully resolved.
Additionally, the copyright owner may restrict the video in certain regions or block it entirely, which could reduce your video’s viewership and limit its reach.
Knowing the difference between a copyright claim and a copyright strike is essential. A copyright claim does not result in an immediate penalty for your channel.
You can still upload videos without restrictions. However, a copyright strike is much more severe, leading to penalties, video takedowns, and even potential channel termination after three strikes.
How to Remove a Copyright Claim on YouTube?

If you receive a copyright claim on YouTube, it’s important to resolve it quickly to prevent a potential impact on monetisation and viewership. Here’s a step-by-step guide on copyright claim removal.
Identify the Claim: Check for Copyright Claims in YouTube Studio
To identify a copyright claim:
- Go to YouTube Studio and click on Content in the left sidebar.
- Find the video with a copyright claim. A yellow copyright notice will appear next to the video.
- Click on See Details to view specifics about the claim, such as which part of your video contains copyrighted material.
Resolve Through YouTube’s Tools
YouTube offers several options for resolving a claim directly in YouTube Studio without re-uploading your video:
- Mute song: Remove the audio portion of the copyrighted content.
- Replace song: Swap out the copyright music with royalty-free tracks from YouTube’s audio library.
- Trim out the segment: Cut the part of the video containing copyrighted material.
Mute the Claimed Audio
To mute the claimed portion:
- In YouTube Studio, go to See Details for the claimed video.
- Click on Select Action and choose Mute Song.
- You can mute just the claimed audio or all the sound in that section.
Replace the Song Using YouTube’s Audio Library
If the claim involves music copyright, replace it with a track from YouTube’s Audio Library:
- Select Replace Song in the action menu.
- Browse YouTube’s royalty-free music and choose a replacement track.
- Preview the new track and apply the changes.
Trim Out the Segment
To trim the copyrighted section:
- Click Trim Out Segment under Select Action.
- Use the editor to cut the claimed part and save your changes.
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How to Dispute a Copyright Claim?
You can dispute it if you believe it is a false copyright claim on your video. Here’s when and how to dispute a claim, along with the potential risks involved.
You should dispute a copyright claim if you believe the content is protected under fair use, have permission to use it, or the material belongs to the public domain.
Filing a dispute is legal, so ensure you have valid reasons to contest the claim.
Steps to File a Dispute via YouTube Studio
- Open YouTube Studio and navigate to the Content section.
- Find the video with the copyright claim and click on See Details.
- Under Copyright Claim, select Dispute.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to explain why you’re disputing the claim.
Valid Reasons for Disputing a Claim
- Fair Use: If your video uses copyrighted material for purposes like commentary, criticism, education, or parody, you may qualify for fair use. This defence allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission.
- License: If you have a proper license certificate or direct permission from the copyright owner, provide proof as part of your dispute.
- Public Domain: Content in the public domain, meaning it is no longer under copyright protection, can be used freely without needing permission.
What Happens After You Submit a Dispute?
Once you submit a dispute, the copyright owner has 30 days to respond. They can release, uphold, or escalate the claim to a copyright strike. During this period, your video remains live, but monetisation might be paused.
If your dispute is denied and escalated, you could face a copyright strike, which carries penalties. Ensure you have a strong, valid case before disputing.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Copyright Claim?

When you file a dispute against a copyright claim on YouTube, the resolution process can take some time, depending on the claimant’s response.
After submitting a dispute through YouTube Studio, the copyright owner has 30 days to review your claim and respond. During this time, the video remains live, but monetisation may be paused, depending on the copyright owner’s preferences.
If the copyright owner does not respond within the 30-day period, YouTube automatically removes the copyright claim, and any restrictions on your video are lifted. Your video’s monetisation is restored, and you regain full content control.
If the claimant reviews your dispute and rejects it, they can either uphold the claim or escalate it, potentially leading to a copyright strike.
If the claim is upheld, you can accept the decision, make changes to your video (such as replacing or muting copyrighted content), or file an appeal, a more formal process that carries greater risk, as it can escalate into a legal matter.
During the dispute process, it’s important to monitor your claim status in YouTube Studio to stay updated on any changes and ensure you know the next steps.
Resolving content from copyright claims can take time, but the process allows you to contest incorrect or unfair claims while protecting your content from strikes.
How to Prevent Copyright Claims on YouTube?
To maintain your content’s integrity and avoid copyright claims on YouTube, it’s essential to be proactive and use legally sound materials. Here are some key steps to help you prevent copyright claims on your videos:
Use Copyright-Free or Licensed Music and Media
The safest way to avoid copyright infringement claims is to use copyright-free or licensed music and media. Ensure you have explicit permission from the copyright holder to use content labelled as royalty-free or public domain.
Always check the terms of use to verify that the material can be used on YouTube without restrictions.
Utilise YouTube’s Audio Library for Free Music
YouTube provides a robust Audio Library filled with royalty-free music and sound effects that can be used in your videos without fear of copyright infringement claims.
This library is an excellent resource for finding music across various genres that you can freely use, whether for personal projects or monetised videos.
Always Credit Original Creators When Required
If you use content that requires attribution, such as under a Creative Commons license, give proper credit to the original creators. Failing to provide attribution where necessary can still result in a copyright claim, even if the content is free.
Know Creative Commons Licenses
Creative Commons licenses allow creators to share their work with specific permissions. However, not all Creative Commons licenses permit commercial use or modifications, so it’s important to know the different types of licenses and their terms before using someone else’s work.
Use Copyright Checker
A copyright checker is a tool that helps you verify the originality of content, ensuring it doesn’t infringe on any existing copyrights. It safeguards creators by detecting copied material, helping maintain compliance with copyright laws and avoiding legal issues.
Comprehending Fair Use on YouTube
Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without needing permission from the copyright owner.
In the context of YouTube, fair use typically applies when your use of copyrighted content meets certain criteria, such as transforming the original work into something new or providing commentary or critique.
Differences Between Commentary, Parody, and Educational Content
- Commentary: This involves providing analysis or opinions about the original work. For example, reviewing a movie or discussing a song’s lyrics can fall under fair use if the commentary adds value or insight.
- Parody: Parody mimics an original work to create a humorous effect or commentary. Clearly, it is a transformative work, making fun of the original rather than merely copying it.
- Educational Content: Educational uses, such as tutorials or lessons, can also qualify as fair use if they serve a clear educational purpose and rely on the original work only as a reference or illustrative example.
Tips for Staying Within Fair Use Guidelines
- Transformative Use: Ensure your content adds new expression or meaning to the original work.
- Limit the Amount Used: Use only as much original content as necessary for your purpose.
- Provide Context: Explain your intent and how the original work fits into your video.
By knowing and adhering to these guidelines, you can better navigate the complexities of fair use on YouTube while protecting your content from potential copyright claims.
What’s Next?
Addressing a copyright claim on YouTube is essential for maintaining your content’s visibility and monetisation potential.
By identifying the claim, utilising YouTube’s editing tools, or disputing the claim if warranted, you can take proactive steps to resolve the issue.
Ensure you know copyright laws and fair use principles to prevent future claims. Regularly using copyright-free or licensed materials and properly crediting creators will help safeguard your channel.
By following laws around copyright, you can create confidently and minimise the consequences of copyright infringement on your YouTube journey.
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FAQs
How do I cancel a copyright claim on YouTube?
You cannot cancel a copyright claim directly. However, you can dispute it if you believe it’s incorrect or resolve it by editing your video to remove the claimed content.
Is it OK to delete a copyright claim video on YouTube?
Yes, you can delete a video with a copyright claim. However, this removes the content entirely and may affect your entire channel’s growth or engagement.
Does a copyright claim affect views?
A copyright claim may limit monetisation and visibility in some regions, potentially affecting overall views. However, the video remains available for viewers unless blocked by the copyright owner.
Will a copyright claim expire?
Yes, a copyright claim will expire if the copyright owner does not respond within 30 days of your dispute, leading to its automatic removal.
How do I recover my YouTube channel after the copyright claim?
If your channel is penalised due to copyright strikes, wait for them to expire after 90 days. You can also dispute claims or edit videos to comply with copyright rules.
What is the Difference Between a Copyright Claim and a Copyright Strike?
A copyright claim allows the copyright owner to monetise your video, while a copyright strike results in penalties, including video removal and potential channel termination after three strikes. Claims do not directly penalise your channel.
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