Imagine you have a YouTube channel focused on nostalgia content and you want to share your favorite part of an episode from Friends. Sounds harmless, right? But here’s the big question: is this a fair game, or are you walking straight into a copyright minefield?
Will YouTube flag it? Could it lead to legal trouble or reputation damage?
Here's a breakdown of YouTube's copyright rules and policies, as well as how you can avoid receiving strikes or having your channel terminated.
Based on a general definition, copyright offers creators legal protection for their original works, including videos. The creator has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform their work, as well as to create derivative works. Copyright exists automatically as soon as the work is created and published in a tangible medium (e.g., written down, recorded, etc.).
On YouTube, copyright applies in a similar way. When you upload a video to YouTube, you must ensure that either the content is original or that you own all rights to the content or have permission to use copyrighted material (e.g., music or clips from movies). If you don't, the owner of the copyrighted material can file a claim through YouTube's Content ID system or issue a copyright takedown.
For instance, if you upload a movie in full on YouTube, the filmmaker can submit a takedown request, and YouTube will remove the video after verifying the claim.
One real example is Joe Vargas, known as "AngryJoe," a popular YouTube gamer, who faced a series of automated copyright takedown claims from Nintendo. The company was against the idea of creators monetizing videos that presented or talked about their games. Joe Vargas ceased to create videos related to Nintendo games.
YouTube's Content ID is an automated system designed to help copyright owners manage their rights on the platform. You can think of it as a hyper-vigilant copyright watchdog, scanning every upload with high precision.
Here's how it works:
What happens if there's a match? Copyright owners get to choose their response:
Here are some basic rules on how to play it safe on YouTube:
By far, the best way to avoid copyright issues is to produce content that’s entirely your own. Use your own footage, voiceovers, and graphics to stay clear of copyright claims. If you need external media, modify and transform it significantly to add original value.
If you want to use copyrighted material, reach out to the creator or rights holder for explicit permission. Some owners may grant usage rights in exchange for credit or a licensing fee. If possible, it’s best that you get permission in writing to avoid disputes later.
YouTube provides detailed copyright guidelines—review them to understand what’s allowed. Copyright laws vary by country, so check local regulations to ensure compliance. For example, in the US, you might be allowed to use parts of someone's work for things like teaching, reviews, or news if it's considered "fair use." In the EU, the rules are stricter, and you can only use the work in specific ways, like for reviews or parody. Other countries have a concept called "fair dealing," which has its own rules that can be different.
When in doubt, consult an expert to clarify fair use and licensing rules. You can rely on SubSub specifically for this matter. With SubSub’s expert team—backed by years of experience in YouTube’s guidelines—you’re not just getting a service, you’re gaining a trusted partner. Whether you're a creator or a brand, we provide advanced tools and hands-on support to protect your channel from copyright claims, demonetization, and unauthorized content use.
Beyond security, SubSub offers guidance and solutions tailored to your needs, so you can ensure your channel doesn’t fall into YouTube’s copyright radar.
Uploading copyrighted media, even in part, can result in takedowns or channel strikes, not to mention posting shows, concerts, or commercials integrally.
Recording and sharing live performances without permission is a direct violation of copyright law. Even if you purchased a DVD or digital copy, redistribution without a license isn’t allowed according to YouTube.
Use royalty-free or licensed music, videos, and images from trusted sources. Keep documentation of your licenses to prove ownership if a claim arises. Some platforms offer commercial-use licenses, so always check usage rights before posting.
The idea of using your favorite song or any music that feels right as the background for your video has long been a tricky issue for both individual YouTube creators and brand channels. The fact is, if you don’t follow strict and specific rules to do this, YouTube will send you a claim notification.
Here’s what you can do to dodge these claims:
YouTube’s copyright system can seem strict, sometimes unfair, but ultimately trying to keep things in order.
Here are some helpful pointers before uploading your videos:
If you're in the YouTube Partner Program, you get access to this detective-like tool in YouTube Studio. It scans the platform for copies of your content, helping you spot potential risks for copyright claims.
Before hitting “public,” YouTube runs automated copyright scans during upload. A pro tip? Set your video to “Private” first to catch any copyright flags before your audience does. Or you could test out your videos on a temporary or secondary account, separate from the official account. This allows you to experiment with content, settings, or styles without directly involving or risking the reputation of your main channel.
If you must use copyrighted content, make sure you understand fair use—a legal concept that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission. However, fair use is not a magic shield, and YouTube might still side with the copyright owner.
What exactly is considered fair use:
Here are some examples:
At the end of the day, YouTube’s copyright system can be frustrating, but knowing the rules helps you play smart, not risky.
A copyright claim on YouTube is like a warning light on your dashboard—it won’t wreck your channel, but it might slow you down. Your video stays up, but the revenue could go to the copyright owner, or it might be blocked in certain regions.
Some examples of what’s most likely to trigger a claim:
A copyright strike, though, is like getting a red card. It means a copyright owner has demanded your video be taken down. Too many strikes can result in losing monetization, getting banned from live streaming, or even having your channel deleted.
%20(1).png)
If you want to stay away from this bad scenario, SubSub has a special program designed specifically for YouTube channels, helping creators stay compliant and keep their content live without unexpected disruptions.
Joining SubSub’s Partnership Program gives you more than just a spot on YouTube—it gives you access to Content ID through us. That means we handle the heavy lifting of protecting your rights, even if you don’t have direct Content ID access yourself.
SubSub helps creators in two key ways: preventing copyright issues before they happen and stepping in when someone misuses their content. Whether it’s unauthorized uploads, revenue loss, or disputes over ownership, we work to safeguard your content from the start. Our team can help you navigate YouTube’s copyright rules and avoid receiving copyright strikes.
Beyond protection, Content ID can be a powerful revenue stream. With SubSub managing content on your behalf, your content is secured but it’s also earning. Whether someone uses your work legally or not, Content ID ensures you get the recognition (and the money) you deserve.
If you receive two copyright strikes on YouTube, your channel remains active, but you’ll likely face some restrictions. For example, you may lose access to certain features like live streaming for a while. Additionally, the strikes serve as warnings.
If you get a third strike before the first two expire (each lasts 90 days unless resolved), YouTube will terminate your channel and remove all your videos. However, you can resolve strikes if you get a retraction from the claimant or file a counter-notification if you believe the claim was wrong.
Here’s a controversial example: two YouTubers, MxR and Potastic Panda, risk losing their channel unless they pay $6,000 for copyright claims filed by Jukin Media. Their channel, MxR Plays, features reaction videos, but four videos included content that was later owned by Jukin Media. If they don't pay, Jukin Media could exploit YouTube's "three strikes" rule to take down their channel. Despite efforts to check for copyrighted material, they argue it's difficult to identify ownership for all content.
%20(1).png)
If no further strikes occur, the strike will vanish after 90 days. However, waiting it out isn’t always the best strategy if you're at risk of accumulating more.
Reach out to the person or company that filed the claim and ask them to withdraw it. If they agree, the strike is removed immediately.
If you believe the strike was a mistake or your video qualifies under fair use, you can submit a counter-notification. This is a legal process where you argue the takedown was unjustified, but it also means the claimant can respond with legal action.
If you receive a claim, you have the chance to dispute it before it turns into a strike by proving you have the rights to the content or that it falls under fair use.
If you think the claim is unfair (maybe it’s fair use or a review), you can dispute it. The copyright owner then decides whether to release, uphold, or escalate the claim. If they double down and you still disagree, you can file a counter-notification. However, bear in mind that this could lead to legal action. When you submit a counter-notification, the copyright claimant could respond by filing a lawsuit against you within 10 business days. Based on US law, this is part of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) process, allowing disputes to be addressed in court.
At its best, Content ID keeps things fair between creators and copyright owners. At its worst, it’s an overzealous robot that sometimes mistakes background noise for a chart-topping hit.
YouTube Shorts follows the same copyright rules as regular YouTube videos, but with some specific considerations:
Disregarding these rules implies the same risks: you’re bound to receive a claim, and the way to solve is by removing the content, disputing the claim, or accepting the terms set by the copyright holder.
As a sum-up to all the info above, here’s how you can tackle copyright issues head-on:
Get familiar with copyright laws, especially fair use, which allows limited use of copyrighted content for things like commentary or criticism.
Stick to royalty-free or properly licensed music, images, and videos.
If YouTube flags your video through Content ID, check YouTube Studio to see which part of your content triggered the claim. You can respond by trimming the flagged section, muting the audio, or swapping it with YouTube’s free music.
If you’re not sure what to do, you can get support from SubSub consultants. SubSub understands YouTube’s guidelines inside and out, offering the tools and support you need to prevent copyright claims, demonetization, and content takedowns.
Plus, you can enjoy dedicated YouTube products for free, including powerful analytics and monetization tools to boost your channel’s growth.
If you believe the claim is invalid or your content qualifies as fair use, dispute it directly through YouTube. Explain why the claim is incorrect, highlighting how your content is transformative or meets fair use guidelines. If you have a proper license, upload it on your channel, attach it to a specific video, or send it to YouTube to prove you have the right to use the content.
If your video gets removed due to a copyright takedown, you can file a counter-notification—but be careful. This is a legal process, so only proceed if you're sure the takedown was unjustified.
If the issue remains unresolved, you may need to negotiate with the claimant or seek legal advice.
Keep up with YouTube’s copyright policies to avoid problems in the first place. Engage with online creator communities to learn from others' experiences and strategies.
What does copyright mean on YouTube?
Copyright on YouTube refers to the legal protection of original works, such as music, videos, or images. It ensures that creators have exclusive rights to use, distribute, and monetize their content. Uploading copyrighted material without permission can lead to claims or strikes.
What happens if you get a copyright claim on YouTube?
A copyright claim means that your video contains copyrighted material. It doesn't harm your channel but may affect monetization, restrict the video in certain regions, or block it entirely, depending on the copyright owner's preferences.
What is the difference between a copyright strike and a copyright claim?
A copyright claim is a notification that your video uses copyrighted material, often detected by YouTube's Content ID system. It usually impacts monetization but doesn't penalize your channel. A copyright strike, however, is more serious, and it happens when a copyright owner requests the removal of your video. Strikes can lead to restrictions, loss of monetization, or even channel termination after three strikes.
How long do copyright strikes last on YouTube and how you can remove them?
Copyright strikes usually last 90 days, provided no further strikes are received during that time. However, accumulating three strikes within this period can result in channel termination. To remove a strike, you can request the copyright owner to retract it if you believe it was issued in error or if you've solved the issue with them.
