YouTube Copyright Claim vs. Copyright Strike: Know the Difference and Avoid Problems

If you’ve ever uploaded a video to YouTube, you might have come across the terms “copyright claim” and “copyright strike.” They sound similar but mean very different things, and understanding them can save your channel from significant issues. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between a copyright claim and a copyright strike in simple terms. We’ll also cover how to avoid them, what to do if you get one, and how they can impact your channel’s growth and monetization. Let’s dive right in!

What is a Copyright Claim?

A copyright claim is like a gentle tap on the shoulder. YouTube uses a system called Content ID to scan uploaded videos and look for copyrighted material. If Content ID finds content in your video that belongs to someone else—whether it’s music, video clips, or even images—you’ll get a copyright claim notification.

When you receive a copyright claim, it means that the copyright owner is letting you know they have a right to that content. But it’s important to note a copyright claim won’t necessarily penalize your channel, unlike a copyright strike. Here are some expected outcomes of a copyright claim:

• The copyright owner might monetize your video instead of you. They’ll place ads, and they keep the revenue.
• They might restrict the viewing of the video to specific regions.
• They could also choose not to take any action at all.

But remember, having several copyright claims can be a red flag, especially if you want to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to monetize your channel. YouTube reviewers look closely at channels with many copyright claims.

What is a Copyright Strike?

In contrast, a copyright strike, is severe—it’s more like a formal warning. You’ll receive a copyright strike when a copyright owner files a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request against your video. This means they want the video removed because you used their content without permission, and YouTube has to comply.

Unlike a copyright claim, a copyright strike can bring real consequences to your channel:

• First Strike: Some features, like live streaming, may be disabled. To resolve this, you’ll need to complete YouTube’s Copyright School.
• Second Strike: Your channel is at risk for 90 days, and restrictions get tighter.
• Third Strike: Your channel will be terminated, and all content will be removed.

Can Unlisted Videos Get Copyright Strikes? Absolutely. Whether your video is public, private, or unlisted, it’s still subject to YouTube’s copyright policies.

Copyright Claim vs. Copyright Strike: Key Differences

To make things crystal clear, here’s a quick comparison of copyright claim vs. strike:

• Copyright Claim: You’ve used copyrighted material. The owner may monetize or restrict your video. There are no penalties to your channel status.
• Copyright Strike: The copyright owner demands the removal of your video via DMCA. This can lead to strikes, lost privileges, and possibly channel termination.

How to Avoid Copyright Claims and Strikes on YouTube

Nobody wants to deal with copyright issues. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid copyright claims and strikes:

1. Use Copyright-Free Content: YouTube has a library of royalty-free music, or you can license music for your videos through websites like Epidemic Sound.
2. Transform the Content: If you must use copyrighted content, make sure to transform it. Fair use may apply if you add significant commentary, criticism, or parody—but fair use is not a guarantee.
3. Shorter Clips and Diversify Sources: Use very short clips and mix in your own content to reduce detection. Don’t just upload a popular clip on its own without adding value.
4. Avoid Content from High-Risk Sources: Content like sports broadcasts, movie clips, and advertisements is closely monitored, and it’s likely to lead to claims or strikes.

What to Do If You Receive a Copyright Strike

If you receive a copyright strike, don’t panic. You can take action to resolve the copyright strike on YouTube:

• Remove the Copyrighted Content: Delete the video or edit out the infringing parts.
• Dispute the Strike: If you believe you have the right to use the content, you can dispute the strike. Keep in mind that disputes are serious, and you should be sure about your case before proceeding.
• Wait It Out: A copyright strike expires after 90 days, provided you don’t get another one.

What Happens When You Dispute a Copyright Claim on YouTube?

If you think the claim against your video is false or unfair, you have the option to dispute it. Once you submit a dispute, the copyright owner has 30 days to respond. They can either release the claim or uphold it. If they choose to uphold it, you still have the option to appeal.

False Copyright Claims on YouTube: False claims happen more often than you’d think. YouTube tries to minimize them, but if you face one, the best option is to dispute and provide evidence that you own the content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to avoid copyright claims on YouTube?

To avoid claims, use royalty-free content, add commentary, and transform the content significantly to qualify for fair use.

2. How to resolve a copyright strike on YouTube?

You can resolve a copyright strike by deleting or editing the infringing video, disputing the strike if you have the rights, or completing YouTube’s Copyright School.

3. Can unlisted videos get copyright strikes?

Yes, even unlisted videos can get strikes if they contain copyrighted material.

4. What happens if you get 2 copyright strikes on YouTube?

If you get a second strike, you will face tighter restrictions, and your channel is at risk for another 90 days.

5. How many copyright claims can you get?

There’s no limit to the number of copyright claims you can receive. Still, too many claims can affect your eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program.

6. How to delete a copyright claim video?

You can delete the video by going to YouTube Studio, selecting the video, and clicking delete.

7. How to do a copyright claim on YouTube?

To make a copyright claim, you need to own the content in question. YouTube’s Content ID system will help you automatically identify unauthorized usage if you meet their criteria.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a copyright claim and a copyright strike is critical to growing your YouTube channel safely. Remember, claims are manageable, but strikes can be devastating if not handled properly. Stick to original content or get permission, and continually transform borrowed content to add value and make it uniquely yours.