YouTube is a platform that allows you to share and enjoy millions of videos daily. However, respect for copyright is a central issue that affects creators, companies, and users alike.
If you’ve ever wondered how to claim copyright on YouTube?, this article will help you understand everything you need to know about the process, the differences between types of claims, and how to protect your content.
What Does it Mean to Claim Copyright on YouTube?
Knowing how to claim my copyright on YouTube involves notifying the platform that a video uses protected content of your authorship without your consent. This process seeks to protect the original work of creators and ensure compliance with copyright laws.
When you file a claim, you can request that the following be done:
- Remove the infringing content
- The monetization of the video is transferred to your account
- Allow the use of your content under certain conditions that you agree to
This mechanism not only protects creators, but also promotes a more respectful environment within the platform in accordance with YouTube’s policies. You should keep in mind that claims can occur in all types of videos such as vertical videos, YouTube Shorts or even live streams that are left published such as a live shopping.
Differences between Copyright and Content ID Claims
It is common to confuse the terms “copyright claim” and “Content ID”, but they are different tools that YouTube offers to protect content. Below we explain the differences between one and the other:
Copyright Claims
Making copyright claims is a manual and direct process. Here, you, as the creator or legal representative, must identify the content that infringes your rights, fill out a specific form, and support your request with evidence. It is more recommended for those who do not have automated systems, such as small creators or companies.
Content ID Claim
On the other hand, Content ID is an automated system of the platform that compares uploaded videos with a database of registered content. If a match is found, the owners have three options:
- Monetize the content
- Block the video
- Track the content in question
This method is more suitable for organizations with large amounts of content, as it reduces the need for manual intervention.
How to Claim Copyright on YouTube Step by Step
If you detect that someone has used your content without permission, don’t worry, the process is simple and designed to protect you. Here are the steps you should follow to learn how to claim copyright on YouTube:
1. Check your Rights
Before you begin, make sure you own the rights to the content in question. If you represent someone else, confirm that you have legal authorization to act on their behalf.
2. Access the Official Form
Enter the YouTube claim form or use the control panel in YouTube Studio. From there:
- Go to the side menu and select “Copyright”.
- Click on “Request removal” to start the process.
3. Complete the Claim Details
Provide all the necessary information, such as:
- URL of the video that infringes your rights.
- URL of your original content.
- Clear description of how your rights were infringed.
4. Submit the Claim
Accept the legal terms and submit the request. YouTube will notify the infringer, who will have a limited time to respond.
5. Monitor your Request
In YouTube Studio, you can review the status of your claims in the copyright management panel.
What to Do if I Have been Given a Copyright Claim on YouTube?
If you ever find yourself on the opposite side, that is, you receive a claim on your channel, it is essential to act strategically. Here’s what you should do:
1. Review the Information
Go to YouTube Studio to identify the claimed video, who made the claim, and what action has been taken, such as a block or shared monetization.
2. Evaluate the Validity of the Claim
If you think the claim is correct, you can choose the following options:
- Accept the claimant’s conditions
- Remove the infringing video
3. Dispute the Claim (if Applicable)
If you believe the claim is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it. In this case, provide clear evidence and a detailed explanation.
4. Contact the Claimant
In some cases, talking directly with the claimant can resolve the problem faster than expected to reach an agreement or explain the reasons why the claim is not appropriate.
What is a Copyright Claim Dispute on YouTube and how to Open it?
A dispute is the official process to challenge a claim. This is useful if you believe that the use of your content complies with fair use standards or if the claim is unjustified, which is another important aspect when you need to know how to claim copyright on YouTube.
To start a dispute, follow these steps:
- Access YouTube Studio and locate the affected video
- Click on “Claim details”
- Select “Dispute” and explain your case in detail
- Provide clear evidence to support your dispute
- Submit your request
The claimant has 30 days to respond. If they don’t, the claim will be automatically withdrawn.
Differences between Claiming Copyright on YouTube and Strike
You may have the question of what differentiates a copyright claim and a strike on YouTube. Although both concepts are related, they have different implications:
- Copyright claim: focuses on issues such as monetization or the visibility of a video. It does not generate negative consequences for your channel.
- Strike (warning): It is a more serious sanction. Accumulating three strikes in 90 days can result in the suspension or deletion of your channel.
Therefore, avoiding both strikes and claims on YouTube is essential. Always respect copyright and use third-party content appropriately.
How to View the History of Copyright Claims on your Channel?
YouTube makes it easy to track your claims and disputes through its YouTube Studio panel.
Here you can see:
- Active claims
- Withdrawn claims
- Resolved disputes
Having a clear record will help you better manage your videos and make sure you comply with the platform’s policies.
How to Avoid Copyright Claims?
The key to avoiding having to claim copyright on YouTube is to use content that does not violate the platform’s rules and to adopt good practices. To do this, it is important to follow these tips:
- Create original content: invest time in creating videos, images, and music that are your property.
- Use royalty-free resources: there are libraries with legal content, such as those of Creative Commons or the music in the Epidemic Sound library.
- Know fair use: it is possible to use copyrighted content without prior authorization for videos with informative, educational, research or constructive criticism purposes, among others. Its use must be justified and it must be possible to explain why content free of copyright is not used.
- Avoid using protected content without permission: as a general rule, it is essential to use content that is not protected since even brief fragments can cause you problems.
- Review YouTube’s policies: stay up to date with the platform’s latest regulations to comply with them and avoid problems.
In summary, knowing how to claim copyright on YouTube is essential for any creator or company that wants to protect their work. Therefore, it is essential to know the key processes to act quickly and efficiently whether you claim your rights or need to protect your content from due use.
If you need support, at 2btube we have more than 10 years of experience as a YouTube agency helping creators, media, companies, foundations and institutions to protect their content on YouTube.
Contact us and we will analyze your needs without obligation to find the best strategy that fits your channel!