YouTube is a widely-used platform for sharing and watching videos, however, it has strict policies in place to safeguard copyright holders. If you receive a copyright strike on your YouTube channel, it indicates that someone has alleged your video violates their copyright. Dealing with a copyright strike can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can navigate through it successfully.
The purpose of YouTube’s system is to safeguard the intellectual property rights of creators, preventing any unauthorized use or duplication of their original works.
The consequences of each copyright strike will be explained below.
First Strike: Uploading or creating new content will be restricted for 1 week along with additional penalties. Once the week is over, all privileges will be reinstated, but the offense will be visible on your channel for 90 days.
Second Strike: If you receive a second strike within 90 days, you won’t be able to post for 2 weeks. Your privileges will be restored once the 2 weeks are up, as long as there are no more problems.
Third Strike: If you receive 3 copyright strikes within 90 days, your YouTube channel may be permanently deleted. Deleting content with a copyright strike does not remove the strike itself. Each strike remains active for 90 days from the time it was issued. This means that even if you delete the content immediately or keep it up for a few days, receiving 3 strikes within any 90-day period will lead to the permanent removal of your account.
Learn about Copyright Strikes
Resolving a YouTube copyright strike begins with gaining a clear understanding of the strike itself. YouTube provides detailed information about the copyright claim, including the flagged content and the copyright holder’s name. Take the time to thoroughly review the claim and identify the reasons behind it.
You can gain a good understanding of YouTube Copyright Strikes from this source. Access it here. These are the official guidelines provided by YouTube.
If you receive a copyright strike, it means that a copyright owner has filed a formal request for the removal of their copyrighted content. YouTube carefully evaluates all copyright removal requests. If the request is determined to be valid, YouTube will have to remove your video from their platform in order to comply with copyright law.
When you create a video and upload it on YouTube, it becomes your own content, and you hold the rights to it. This implies that if someone else uses your content without obtaining your permission, they are infringing on copyright as a YouTube creator. However, if your uploaded video includes materials such as tunes, clips, or images that you do not have the rights to or lack permission to use, you are indeed violating copyright rules.
Copyright is highly valued on YouTube, and it is essential to uphold its regulations to avoid the consequences of receiving a copyright strike. Repeated violations of copyright rules may result in YouTube deciding to remove your account.
Resolving copyright strikes: a guide
1. Review Your Video
Once you understand the copyright strike, review your video to determine if it indeed infringes on someone else’s copyright. Look for any copyrighted material, such as music, images, or video clips, that you may have used without permission. If you find any such content, consider removing or replacing it to resolve the copyright strike.
2. Reach Out to the Copyright Holder
If you believe that the copyright strike is a mistake or if you have obtained the necessary permissions to use the copyrighted material, reach out to the copyright holder. Explain the situation politely and provide any relevant documentation or evidence to support your claim. In some cases, the copyright holder may be willing to retract the copyright strike.
3. File a Counter Notification
If you are confident that your video does not infringe on any copyrights or if you have obtained the necessary permissions, you can file a counter notification. YouTube provides a specific form for this purpose, where you can explain why you believe the copyright strike was unjustified. Be thorough in your explanation and provide any supporting evidence. Once you submit the counter notification, YouTube will review the claim and make a decision.
How to submit a counter notification?
When it comes to submitting counter notifications, many YouTubers find themselves making mistakes and feeling lost. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In our upcoming posts, we’ll explain the most effective way to handle counter notifications. We’ll also share some example formats that you can easily customize to resolve copyright strikes. If you ever need any help, feel free to contact us.
If you’re still unsure about how to submit a counter notification, simply visit YouTube’s official website through this link for detailed guidance.
4. Seek Legal Advice
If you are unable to resolve the copyright strike through direct communication with the copyright holder or by filing a counter notification, you may need to seek legal advice. Copyright laws can be complex, and an attorney specializing in intellectual property can provide guidance and help you understand your options.
5. Getting help from the YouTube team
When seeking help from the YouTube team, there are two highly recommended methods to consider.
- Youtube chat support: The first option is to utilize the YouTube chat support, which is available for monetized channels. By engaging with the chat support, you can receive the necessary guidance and support.
- X (Twitter): you can also seek assistance by tagging @teamyoutube on X (Twitter), and they will be responsive in helping you by replying to your tweet.
Prevent Future Copyright Strikes
To avoid future copyright strikes on your YouTube channel, it is important to be aware of copyright laws and YouTube’s policies. Always obtain proper permissions or licenses for copyrighted material before using it in your videos. Consider using royalty-free music, images, and video clips to ensure that you are not infringing on anyone’s copyright. Additionally, familiarize yourself with YouTube’s Content ID system, which can automatically detect copyrighted material in your videos before they are published.
Resolving a YouTube copyright strike can be a challenging process, but by understanding the claim, reviewing your video, reaching out to the copyright holder, filing a counter notification if necessary, and seeking legal advice when needed, you can navigate through it successfully. Remember to always respect copyright laws and YouTube’s policies to avoid future copyright strikes on your channel.
Conclusion
YouTube channel owners need to know how to handle copyright strikes. Understanding copyright laws is vital when facing a valid violation and takedown request. Despite the challenges, YouTube is a great platform for creators. By following the steps in this guide, you can resolve copyright strikes and protect your channel’s content.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
