Are you a content creator, budding YouTuber, or a viewer who’s wondering what is copyright claim in Youtube? Don’t fret! We are here to help you decode the ins and outs of this concept.
YouTube’s claim system is an integral part of the platform, essential for protecting original content from unlawful replication or unauthorised usage.
As intimidating or complex as it may seem, with a proper understanding, you can learn how to not only safeguard your work but also ethically leverage the work of others under specific conditions.
So, let’s dive into the labyrinth of claim system and debunk the mysteries surrounding it, one layer at a time.
Copyright claim on youtube is quite tricky and complicated. If you have received a claim, you need not worry about consequences.
In this blog, we have curated what is infringement and how to avoid it on youtube effortlessly.
What is Copyright Claim in Youtube?
A copyright claim on YouTube refers to a situation where a video is identified to have used copyrighted content without the necessary permissions or exceptions.
This can range from a snippet of a song, a scene from a movie, or a photograph — essentially, any content that is protected under laws.
When content is uploaded to YouTube, the platform automatically scans it against a vast database of files submitted by owners using a tool called Content ID.
If a match is detected, the owner is informed, and they can decide how they want to handle the infringement, leading to a “copyright claim”.
A claim can result in different outcomes.
The video could remain live but start generating ad revenue for the owner rather than the uploader (content creator).
Alternatively, it could be blocked in certain regions or on certain devices, or in more severe cases, be taken down completely.
While claims are not inherently negative (they are, after all, part of the process of protecting intellectual property), they can affect a content creator’s channel, particularly if they frequently upload content that infringes laws.
Understanding and respecting copyright is thus a critical part of being a successful and responsible content creator on YouTube.
What Happens if You Get a Copyright Claim on Youtube
If you get a copyright claim on YouTube, it means that the platform’s automated system, Content ID, has identified content within your uploaded video that allegedly infringes the copyright of another party.
Once a claim is made, several things can happen, largely depending on the preferences set by the owner:
Monetization: The copyright owner might choose to monetize your video. This means any advertising revenue generated by your video will go to the copyright owner, not you.
Track and Statistics: The owner could opt to just track the video, gathering statistics on its views and popularity.
Blocking: The video could be blocked entirely or restricted in certain geographical locations or on certain devices based on the copyright owner’s discretion.
Muting: In some cases, the owner might choose to mute the section of your video where the copyrighted content appears.
While a single claim isn’t usually a cause for alarm, it’s important to resolve it, especially if you believe it’s been made in error.
Accumulated claims can lead to further consequences, and a severe violation could lead to a strike.
Three strikes can result in the termination of your channel.
So, it’s important to understand the copyrighted materials and fair use policy to avoid facing claims on YouTube.
Respecting these rules not only helps you steer clear of potential claims but also fosters a healthy environment for creativity and original content on the platform.
Will Copyright Infringement Block the Entire Channel?
A single instance of copyright infringement will not usually result in your entire YouTube channel being blocked.
However, it can lead to the video in question being taken down or blocked, the audio being muted, or the monetization being redirected to the original owner.
However, repeated or severe infringements can lead to more serious consequences.
YouTube operates on a “three-strike” policy.
Each copyright strike expires 90 days after it’s issued, but you can also have it retracted earlier if you complete Copyright School (a short educational program offered by YouTube), and get a retraction from the claimant, or successfully dispute the claim.
This highlights the importance of understanding laws and respecting intellectual property rights.
Content creators should create content on their own with the creative ideas.
If you are using someone’s content, then you will be subjected to copyright infringement.
Copyright Takedown Notice on Youtube
A Copyright Takedown Notice on YouTube is a formal request made by a copyright owner for YouTube to remove a specific video that infringes upon their copyright.
When an owner sends YouTube a complete and valid takedown request, YouTube must comply by removing the video from its platform to maintain its ‘safe harbor’ status under the DMCA.
In addition to the video being removed, the uploader (the person who posted the video) will receive a strike.
The uploader can respond to a takedown notice in one of a few ways:
Wait for it to expire
Copyright strikes expire after 90 days, as long as you complete Copyright School, which is a mandatory course provided by YouTube.
Get a retraction
You can contact the person who claimed your video and ask them to retract their takedown request.
Submit a counter-notification
If you believe your video was wrongly taken down because it was misidentified as infringing, or because it constitutes fair use, you can file a counter-notification.
Remember, repeated or severe infringements can lead to the termination of your YouTube channel.
How Copyright Infringement will Impact Your Youtube Revenue?
If you receive a copyright claim on your YouTube video, it can significantly impact your revenue, especially if you’re a monetizing creator. Here’s how:
Monetization goes to the Copyright Owner
Ad generated revenue from the copyright infringed video will not provide any profit for your channel.
If a copyright holder makes a claim, then the revenue will be redirected to them.
This is true even if only a small part of your video contains content.
It means that any time and effort you put into creating and promoting your video might not lead to the financial return you were hoping for.
Blocked or Muted Content
If an owner chooses to block your video in certain regions or mute the copyrighted audio, it can significantly reduce your views or the viewer experience, which in turn could reduce your ad revenue.
Channel Termination
If you receive multiple copyright strikes, your channel may be terminated, resulting in the loss of all videos, subscribers, and potential earnings.
Membership and Super Chat Suspension
If you’re using YouTube’s Channel Memberships or Super Chat features to earn revenue, keep in mind that if your channel receives a strike, these features may be suspended.
Understanding rules and abiding by them is crucial to safeguard your channel’s revenue.
Consider using royalty-free music, stock footage, or securing the necessary permissions/licenses before using someone else’s copyrighted content to avoid any copyright-related complications.
How to Eliminate Violation on Youtube?
Avoiding copyright violations on YouTube is crucial for the health and longevity of your channel.
Create Original Content
Original content will help you generate proper revenue and have a good reputation among the other content creators.
Make sure everything in your video is your own original creation.
Understand Fair Use
There is an exception in using someone’s content, that is “fair use”.
In this exception, creators can use the videos without obtaining any permission from the owners.
It includes commentary, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching, or scholarship.
Get Licensed
If you want to use someone else’s copyrighted material, make sure you get the necessary permissions or licenses to use it.
This includes music, video clips, photographs, and any other copyrighted works.
Use Royalty-Free Music and Assets
You can include royalty-free music, photos, and video clips from a variety of sources in your videos.
YouTube also has an Audio Library filled with free music and sound effects.
Dispute Incorrect Claims
If you believe you’ve received a claim on your video by mistake, you can dispute it.
YouTube has a process for disputing claims, which can be found on their website.
Attend Copyright School
If you have received a copyright strike, YouTube requires you to attend School, which is an online course that teaches you the basics of copyright.
Is Copyright Infringement on Youtube a Criminal Offense?
While copyright infringement can have serious legal implications, most instances on platforms like YouTube are typically handled as civil matters, not criminal offenses.
When a copyright owner identifies that their content has been used without their permission on YouTube, they can issue a takedown notice, and YouTube may remove the content or apply other restrictions.
Repeated infringements can lead to the termination of the YouTube account.
However, certain severe cases of infringement can potentially result in criminal charges, especially if the infringement is willful and involves financial gain.
This usually applies to large-scale, commercial piracy operations rather than individual users on platforms like YouTube.
It’s important to note that respect for copyright – the legal rights of creative individuals and companies to control the use of their original work – is a basic requirement of participating in any creative community, including YouTube.
Understanding and following the rules of copyright is essential for everyone in the YouTube community and beyond.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of YouTube content creation is an exciting journey, but it comes with responsibilities like understanding and respecting laws.
A copyright claim on YouTube serves as a mechanism for protecting the intellectual property rights of creators and holders, ensuring that their work isn’t unlawfully duplicated or used.
It’s essential for creators to create original content, understand the principles of fair use, and obtain necessary permissions when using copyrighted materials.
While claims can impact a channel’s revenue and standing, they serve a greater purpose of maintaining a fair and respectful environment for creativity to thrive.
By gaining an understanding of these concepts, you can not only safeguard your channel but also contribute to a respectful and ethical YouTube community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Copyright Claim in Youtube and its impact?
A claim in itself won’t put your YouTube channel in bad standing, but it can have several effects.
These include redirecting any ad revenue the video generates to the original owner, blocking your video in certain countries, or blocking it from being viewed on certain devices.
However, frequent claims can lead to your channel receiving strikes, which can harm your channel’s standing.
What sets a copyright strike apart from a copyright assertion?
A claim is made via YouTube’s Content ID system when copyrighted material is detected in your video.
It doesn’t negatively affect your channel’s status.
A copyright strike, on the other hand, is more serious and occurs when an owner submits a complete and valid legal request for YouTube to take down your video.
Receiving three strikes will result in your channel being terminated.
How can I settle a copyright dispute?
If you receive a claim, you have several options.
You can remove or swap the music claimed in your video through YouTube’s editing tools. If possible, you can also contact the claimant to retract the claim.
How can I prevent copyright claims on my YouTube videos?
To prevent claims, make sure to use content that is either created by you or content that you have the necessary permissions, licenses, or rights to use.
Familiarise yourself with the principles of fair use, use royalty-free music or assets, or take advantage of YouTube’s Audio Library.
Always respect laws and the intellectual property of others to avoid claims.