How to Remove Copyright Strike on YouTube?

YouTube, a global platform for sharing videos, has strict guidelines to protect the rights of content creators and rights holders.

A copyright strike occurs when a creator uses content without permission, infringing on the digital rights of another. This can have significant consequences for creators, including channel demonetization, removal of videos, and even channel termination.

To address copyright issues and potentially remove a strike, knowing the process and the rights of both creators and rights holders is important.

This guide will walk you through the process on how to remove copyright strike on YouTube.

What is a Copyright Strike?

A copyright strike is given in cases of copyright infringement, often when the copyright owners strongly opposes to their work being used without proper permission. This happens when the rights owner of the content files a DMCA takedown notice, together with their contact details, a thorough description of the copyrighted work, and a confirmation of the validity of their claim.

Once the notice is submitted, the platform hosting the infringing content—such as a video-sharing website—is obligated to remove the material in question. The uploader is then notified of the action and has the option to accept the removal or contest it by filing a counter-notice if they believe the takedown is unwarranted.

An important characteristic of copyright strikes is their temporary nature; they usually expire after 90 days. However, accumulating three strikes within this period can lead to severe consequences, including the termination of the user’s account and the deletion of all uploaded content. This escalation can result in complex and costly legal disputes if the matter is taken further.

Accounts with a history of copyright infringement may also face additional restrictions. These can include limitations on features like live streaming, uploading longer videos, or monetising content, which can significantly impact a content creator’s ability to reach their audience.

Therefore, it is important for users to respect copyright laws and obtain the necessary permissions before using someone else’s work.

What Happens When You Receive a Strike on YouTube?

When you get a copyright strike, it means the copyright owner has submitted a complete and legitimate legal request to remove their copyrighted material from your video.

To comply with copyright laws, YouTube is obligated to remove your video upon receiving such a formal notice. The platform acts promptly to disable access to the infringing content to minimise legal liability and adhere to the DMCA’s “safe harbor” provisions.

You will receive a notification from YouTube informing you of the copyright strike, the removal of your video, and details about the claim and the claimant.

It’s important to remember that a single video can only have one real copyright strike at a time, even if multiple copyright owners claim infringement on the same content. However, this doesn’t lessen the seriousness of the situation.

Accumulating multiple copyright strikes on different videos can lead to more severe consequences for your account. For instance, receiving three copyright strikes within a 90-day period can result in the termination of your YouTube account and the removal of all your uploaded content.

How to Remove Copyright Strike on YouTube?

So, you’ve received a copyright strike on your YouTube video, and you’re not sure what to do. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this situation:

Step 1: Don’t Delete Your Video

First and foremost, resist the urge to delete your video. Deleting it won’t resolve the issue, and it might make you appear guilty.

Moreover, in the event of a successful dispute over the claim, the video will not be reinstated automatically, provided that it has already been removed.

You have the option to re-upload it, however, if it is flagged again, you will need to repeat the same process.

Step 2: Verify It’s a Copyright Strike

Verify that you actually have a copyright strike and not a Content ID claim before moving on.

You’ll usually receive an email notifying you of the strike.

You can also check in your creator studio.

For this, go to the Video Manager and select the Copyright Notices section. Then, click on the Copyright Strike button beside the flagged video.

To find the copyright section in the new YouTube Studio (in beta), click on “more options.” This will redirect you to the classic studio.

Step 3: Assess Your Use of Copyrighted Content

It’s essential to ascertain whether copyright violations have indeed occurred.

Certain situations are obvious, such as sharing a full TV episode or a song from an album you don’t own. Fair use, however, makes matters more difficult.

For example, it can be considered fair use to evaluate the plot of a TV show or utilise a brief clip from a song to talk about music theory.

Fair use can be a complex legal gray area, and YouTube has a page on it. If you’re uncertain or want to dispute it, consulting a copyright lawyer might be a good idea.

Step 4: Accept the Strike or Attend Copyright School

If you have indeed violated copyright and are at fault, your only recourse may be to acknowledge the copyright strike.

You will need to finish Copyright School to use YouTube. This process includes watching a video about copyright law and successfully passing a test.

However, keep in mind that your copyright strike will remain for 90 days, along with the associated penalties for an account in poor standing.

This alternative is also appropriate if you believe you are within fair use and do not want to dispute the strike.

Note that if you receive a second strike, the 90-day timeline resets.

Step 5: Contact the Copyright Owner

If you believe your content qualifies as fair use or that the rights owner is abusing the system, you can try reaching out to them directly.

You should have received contact information for the company that filed the copyright claims.

Please provide an explanation stating that either no copyrighted material is utilised, or the use of their content is within the fair use policy, referencing YouTube’s guidelines as necessary.

If you’re lucky, they may retract their claim, and your strike will be lifted, video reinstated, and your account returned to good standing.

Step 6: File a Counter Notification (The Nuclear Option)

If you choose not to contact the rights owner or they don’t retract their claim, you can proceed to the third option: filing a counter-notification.

This is a formal legal request sent to YouTube and the original copyright owners, claiming that your use of copyrighted content is either permissible under fair use laws or that there is no copyright violation at all.

Filing a counter notification is a significant step, requiring you to provide personal contact information and a well-constructed argument for your case, including citations.

Once submitted, YouTube will process your counter notification. If everything is in order, they’ll pass it on to the rights owner.

Step 7: Legal Dispute

If the copyright holder wants to have your work removed from YouTube, they have ten business days to give YouTube proof that they plan to take legal action further—specifically through a court case.

Outcome: Resolution or Legal Battle

Depending on the copyright holder’s response, one of two things will happen.

If additional evidence is not submitted, the video in question will be restored and the copyright claim will be withdrawn.

However, if they choose to continue the fight, it becomes a genuine legal battle, a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement. This is the point where you should consult a lawyer.

Steps to Remove Copyright Strike: Overview

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove a copyright strike on YouTube in table form:

Step	Action	Description
1	Sign in to YouTube Studio	Go to YouTube Studio and sign in with your YouTube account credentials.
2	Go to the Copyright tab	Click on the Copyright tab on the left-hand side menu.
3	Find the video with the copyright strike	Look for the video that has a copyright strike and click on it.
4	Click on the three dots	Click on the three dots next to the video title and select “Dispute”.
5	Select a reason for disputing	Choose a reason for disputing the copyright strike from the dropdown menu.
6	Provide additional information	Provide additional information to support your dispute, such as proof of ownership or license.
7	Submit the dispute	Click on the “Submit” button to submit your dispute.

What’s Next?

Successfully removing a copyright strike on YouTube requires a knowledge of the dispute process and a commitment to respecting the rights of copyright owners.

By providing clear and compelling evidence in your copyright removal request, you can increase your chances of resolving the issue. Remember to always respect the exclusive rights of content owners and avoid using copyrighted material without proper permission.

Also if you want to protect your digital content from violation, consider exploring innovative solutions like Bytescare. Bytescare offers advanced technologies designed to safeguard your content and ensure compliance with copyright laws.

Book a demo to explore how Bytescare can safeguard your digital content.

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