How To Remove Copyright Claims From Your YouTube Videos?

If you’re a creator on YouTube, there’s a good chance you’ve already had a copyright claim against you or are worried that one would come. But those types of claims can be frustrating, particularly when they affect the visibility, monetization, or overall success of your videos when you put so much work into creating content.

So, if you have accidentally copied content or used material that someone claims to be theirs, don’t be concerned. 

In this post, we’ll walk you through removing a YouTube copyright claim and explain how to handle such claims efficiently.

Let’s dive in.

How to Check a YouTube Video for Copyright Claims?

The first step in resolving any copyright issue is identifying whether a claim has been made on your video. YouTube makes this relatively easy by notifying creators through their dashboards or email. Here’s how to stay on top of potential issues:

1. Access YouTube Studio:

If you have not signed into your YouTube account, begin by logging in, and then head to YouTube Studio. The central station for controlling every element that your channel has, including copyright claims.

2. Head to the Content Tab:

Select “Content” on the left-hand side of the screen. It will show you all the videos you’ve uploaded to your channel, as well as things like visibility, restrictions, and monetization status.

3. Look for Copyright Indicators:

Videos with copyright claims will have a warning symbol or “Copyright claim” text under the “Restrictions” column. This makes it easy to spot affected videos at a glance.

4. Study the Claim Details:

• Click “See details” next to the affected video. Here, you’ll find the exact nature of the claim, including:
• The type of copyrighted content (e.g., audio, visual, or both).
• The time stamp of the claimed segment.
• Whether the claim affects monetization or blocks the video entirely.

By regularly checking your YouTube Studio, you can quickly identify and address copyright claims before they escalate into bigger issues.

How to Review a YouTube Copyright Claim?

Before proceeding with YouTube copyright claim removal, carefully review the claim details. Ensure it was applied incorrectly, such as a false positive or an error from the copyright owner.

Also, not all copyright claims are created equal. Some are small, affecting only monetization, while others can keep your video from being seen. 

Understanding the type of claim will help you decide what to do next.

1. Understand the Types of Claims:

• Monetization Claims: These claims allow the copyright owner to earn ad revenue from your video. Your video remains visible, but you won’t earn money from it.
• Block Claims: These are more serious. The copyright owner restricts your video from viewing in certain countries or worldwide.

2. Review the Claimed Content:

Look at the specific segment of your video that is flagged. This will usually include a time stamp indicating where the copyrighted material appears.

Common issues include:

• Using copyrighted music in your videos is among the most common reasons for claims. Even short clips of popular songs can trigger automatic detection systems.
• Using clips from movies, TV shows, or other creators’ content without permission usually ends up with a copyright claim.
• Unless you have explicit permission to use copyrighted images, logos, or animations, using such assets can also lead to claims, particularly for commercial or monetized content.
• Relying on stock footage or borrowed video segments without proper licensing can cause issues.
• Some game developers allow their content to be streamed, while others restrict it. Check the specific policies of the games you feature.
• Ambient sounds, jingles, or even performances recorded in public places can be claimed if they include copyrighted material.

By identifying these common pitfalls, you can take proactive steps to avoid copyright claims altogether.

3. Assess the Impact:

Consider how the claim affects your channel:

• Does it block monetization?
• Does it restrict visibility in key regions?
• Is it worth editing or disputing?

By carefully reviewing the claim, you can determine whether to accept it, remove the offending material, or challenge it.

If you’re having trouble hitting the watch time needed to monetize your channel, you might want to consider options to buy YouTube watch hours. These services can help you meet YouTube’s requirements faster and more easily.

Removing Or Disputing A YouTube Copyright Claim

Having reviewed the claim, the next step is to take action. Whether you want to settle the claim by removing the flagged content or dispute the claim altogether, YouTube has services designed to help.

Option 1. Removing the Claimed Content

If the claim is genuine and you don’t want to dispute it, you can remove the infringing content and clear the claim. Here’s how:

1. Use YouTube’s Built-In Editor:

• Go to the “Content” tab in YouTube Studio and click “See details” on the claimed video.
• Select “Remove” or “Edit” options. You’ll typically have these choices:
• Trim the Segment: Cut out the portion of the video containing the copyrighted material.
• Mute the Audio: If the claim is for background music, you can mute the audio during the claimed segment.
• Replace the Music: Swap the copyrighted track with royalty-free music from YouTube’s audio library.

2. Re-Upload Your Video (If Necessary):

• If a lot of changes are needed, you may have to remove the original video and upload a clean one instead. Be careful taking this approach, since re-uploading can affect your views and engagement metrics.

Option 2: Disputing the Claim

If you think the copyright claim is wrong or doesn’t apply (for example, if it’s fair use), you can appeal it. Here’s how:

1. Start the Dispute Process:

• In YouTube Studio, click “See details” on the claimed video and select “Dispute.”

2. Reason and Evidence for Your Dispute:

Choose a reason for your dispute from the options provided by YouTube, such as:

• Original content: Demonstrate that you created the material yourself. This could include source files, timestamps of creation, or drafts of your work.
• License: If you’ve purchased a license for the content, provide a copy of the agreement or receipt to show permission.
• Copyright exceptions such as fair use: State the purpose, such as using it for education, commentary or parody, and say how much of the content you used.
• Public Domain: Prove that the content is not copyrighted. This is either because it is old enough to fall into the public domain or because the owner has formally released it to the public.

3. Wait for a Response:

The copyright holder has 30 days to reply. If they don’t reply in that period, the claim will be automatically removed. If they expel your dispute, you may have to take further action or consult an attorney.

Conclusion

Getting a copyright claim on YouTube can be very stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. You can protect your videos and keep your channel safe by taking appropriate action – like getting the claim removed or disputing the claim. 

Going forward, only use original or licensed content, and keep educating yourself about copyright rules so you can avoid issues in the future. 

Also, if you’re a creator trying to grow your reach, YouTube promotion services can be really helpful. They can assist you in gaining more subscribers, increasing watch hours, or getting more views on your shorts, helping you make the most of your channel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if I ignore a copyright claim?

Ignoring a copyright claim may lead the copyright owner to steal your ad revenue, ban your video in some countries or even disable it altogether. To avoid additional complications with your channel, it is advisable to respond to claims as soon as possible.

Can I monetize videos with copyright claims?

In most cases, no. If a copyright claim redirects monetization, the revenue goes to the copyright owner. To regain monetization, you’ll need to resolve or successfully dispute the claim.

What is fair use, and does it apply to YouTube videos?

Fair use is a use of copyrighted content without permission for limited purposes, such as commentary, criticism, education or parody. It also applies to YouTube, but the rules are based on content, purpose and quantity of use.

How do I escape a copyright claim on YouTube?

All your uploaded content should be original or properly licensed to avoid copyright claims. This includes royalty-free music, stock footage, or content available from YouTube’s Audio Library. Check usage rights first if you plan to include third-party material.

Can private videos get copyrighted?

Yes, copyright claims can still be made on private videos. YouTube’s Content ID system scans uploads regardless of whether they are made public or unlisted for copyrighted material.