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A copyright on YouTube refers to the legal protection of original content that creators produce, like videos, music, or artwork. When someone uploads copyrighted material they don’t own or have permission to use, the rightful owner can claim their rights.
YouTube enforces this through the Content ID system, which automatically detects and flags copyrighted material. Copyright holders can choose to block, monetize, or track the video. If a user repeatedly violates copyright, their channel could face penalties, including strikes, video removal, or account termination.
When you get a copyright claim on YouTube, it means that copyrighted content in your video has been identified, usually through YouTube’s Content ID system.
Here’s what happens:
You can either leave the claim as it is, remove the claimed content, or dispute it if you believe it’s a mistake or qualifies as fair use.
Learn More: Disputing a claim.
Yes, YouTube is strict with copyright enforcement due to legal obligations and partnerships with copyright holders. It uses a robust Content ID system that automatically scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material like music, clips, or images. If it detects copyrighted content, it can flag the video, leading to claims, monetization changes, or blocks.
Repeated violations can result in copyright strikes, which are more serious and can lead to penalties like video takedowns, loss of monetization, or even the termination of a channel if multiple strikes occur. YouTube’s strictness ensures compliance with copyright laws to avoid legal issues for both the platform and creators.
The best way to avoid copyright issues is by making sure all the content in your videos is original.
This means creating your own footage, graphics, music, and voiceovers, so you fully own the rights.
When adding music to your videos, always use royalty-free tracks, YouTube’s Audio Library, or music that you’ve purchased a license for.
This ensures you have the legal right to use the music without fear of copyright claims.
If you plan to use copyrighted material, always seek permission from the copyright owner. This can include music, clips, or images. Having written permission protects you from future claims.
Look for content that is labeled under a Creative Commons license, which allows you to reuse it. Make sure to follow the specific requirements of the license, like giving proper credit to the original creator.
Some content can be used under the fair use doctrine, especially for purposes like commentary, criticism, or education.
However, fair use is subjective, and even if you think your use qualifies, it could still lead to a copyright claim.
If you need to use small parts of copyrighted material, consider heavily editing or transforming it to make it distinct.
Shorter clips, combined with editing, are less likely to trigger a claim, but this method isn’t foolproof.
| Aspect | Copyright Claim | Copyright Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Notification of content use | Formal violation of copyright laws |
| Monetization | Revenue goes to the copyright owner | No revenue from the video |
| Video Status | Video remains on the channel | Video is removed from the channel |
| Penalties | No penalties to the channel | Can lead to channel termination |
| Duration | Claims can be disputed | Strikes remain for 90 days |
| Resolution Options | Modify, dispute, or leave the claim | Appeal or wait for expiration |
A copyright claim occurs when a copyright owner identifies their content being used in your video and notifies YouTube. This claim allows the copyright owner to monetize your video, meaning they receive the ad revenue instead of you. The video may still be viewable on your channel, although it could be restricted in some regions. Copyright claims do not result in penalties against your channel, and you have options to either dispute the claim or modify your content.
In contrast, a copyright strike is a formal notice issued when your video is found to violate copyright law, typically involving content used without permission. Strikes lead to the removal of the video from your channel, and they can severely impact your ability to monetize your content. Accumulating multiple strikes can result in channel termination, with strikes remaining on your account for 90 days. Unlike claims, strikes carry penalties that can hinder your channel’s standing and growth on YouTube.
Stick to royalty-free or YouTube’s audio library for music in your videos. Make sure to check the licensing terms even for royalty-free tracks.
If you’re using someone else’s footage, music, or images, get explicit permission or licenses to avoid claims.
Look for content licensed under Creative Commons, but double-check the terms (some require attribution).
If you’re using copyrighted material, ensure it’s transformative (e.g., adding commentary, criticism, or parody) to qualify as fair use.
However, fair use isn’t guaranteed, so use it carefully.
The safest way to avoid copyright issues is by creating everything from scratch—original footage, music, and graphics.
Answer: Yes.
Copyright issues can affect your views on YouTube. Here’s how:
Staying compliant helps keep your views intact and allows for smooth content growth.
No, you can’t monetize a video with an active copyright claim. Here’s why:
To monetize your channel, use only original or properly licensed content.
A copyright claim isn’t as severe as a copyright strike, but it can still have negative effects:
While it’s not “bad” like a strike, it’s still a sign you’re using content that isn’t fully yours, and it can impact your earnings and reach.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.
