If you’ve been uploading content to YouTube for any amount of time, chances are you’ve come across the dreaded “copyright claim” notification whether you’ve received one or not. But what does that really mean?
It could be a background song you barely noticed, a clip you thought was fair use, or sometimes a mistake. Either way, YouTube’s Content ID system doesn’t play around. But you shouldn’t panic because a copyright claim isn’t a death sentence for your video or your channel.
In this article, you’ll get a clear, step-by-step guide on how to fix a copyright claim on YouTube, so you can get your content back on track, keep your monetization, and avoid future headaches.
A copyright claim happens when YouTube’s Content ID system, or sometimes a rights holder manually flags your video for using copyrighted material that you don’t have permission to use. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in legal trouble (that’s a copyright strike, which is more serious), but it can affect your video’s visibility and monetization.
The most common reason creators get hit with a copyright claim? It’s usually music. Whether it’s a popular track playing in the background, a few seconds of a song in your intro, or even music picked from royalty-free libraries that have changed their terms, music is usually the #1 culprit.
Other frequent triggers include:
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The thing is, even if you’re using something under “fair use,” the algorithm doesn’t care; it flags first and lets you dispute later. And while some claims just result in ads being placed on your video (with revenue going to the copyright owner), others can block your content entirely in certain regions or platforms.
So, you’ve got a copyright claim – now what? The good news is, a copyright claim isn’t the end of the world. It’s surely softer than receiving a copyright strike, which has harsher consequences (find more details about it below). Still, claims can mess with your content and your revenue in ways that are worth paying attention to.
If your video gets claimed, the copyright owner can choose to monetize it themselves. That means that all ads that play on your video will send money straight to them. You can still keep the video up, but you won’t earn a cent from it. In more fortunate scenarios, copyright owners can decide to split the revenue with you, but this is rare.
Some copyright owners choose to block videos entirely, either worldwide or just in specific countries. So even if your content is brilliant, nobody will see it in those regions. In rare cases, they might even block playback on mobile devices, which can seriously tank your views.
A claim also affects your channel’s overall performance, especially if it happens frequently. Too many claims can hurt your chances with the YouTube algorithm, making it less likely for your videos to be recommended. Plus, you might lose access to certain features like live streaming or full monetization privileges if the system sees you as a repeat offender.
So while a single copyright claim isn’t going to sink your YouTube channel, ignoring them, or racking up a bunch, can slowly chip away at your growth, your income, and your momentum.
If you’re looking to remove the claim and get your monetization or visibility back, there are a few ways to make it happen, depending on your situation.
Here’s a clear breakdown of your options and how to go about each one.
Step 1: Go to YouTube Studio
Head to the Content section in YouTube Studio and find the video that’s been claimed.
Step 2: Click “See Details”
Under the “Restrictions” column, click “Copyright claim,” then “See Details” to view exactly what part of your video is causing the issue.
Step 3: Use YouTube’s tools to fix it
Click “Select Action” next to the claim, and you’ll see a few automated options:
Once you save your changes, the claim will usually be lifted automatically. Removing a claim is totally doable; you just have to choose the right path based on your situation.
If you can contact the rights owner and get written permission, they can manually retract the claim through their Content ID dashboard. Just make sure they include your channel name and video URL when they do.
Step 1: Reach out the rights holder through a licensing department, a publisher's website, or the artist’s management – whatever official contact you can find.
Step 2: Be professional and clear in your request. Here’s how you can draft your request:
Step 3: Prepare for a negotiation.
If the rights holder replies, you may enter a negotiation. They might grant you a sync license for music, direct usage rights for clips, or ask for a fee or revenue split. Be sure to clarify how long you can use the content, where it can appear, and whether any geographic restrictions apply.
Step 4: Get the negotiation terms in writing.
Once you’ve reached an agreement, get it in writing (even an email would suffice). This should outline exactly what you’re allowed to do, any limitations, and how (or if) you need to credit them.
With that confirmation in hand, go back into YouTube Studio and dispute the claim. Choose the option that says you have permission to use the content and upload the written agreement.
If you think the claim your received is incorrect or you have the right to use the content, you can dispute it.
Valid reasons might include:
Here’s a real example of a YouTuber whose channel was suspended by mistake due to a wrongly copyright claim: James Rolfe, known as the Angry Video Game Nerd received a copyright claim for using music from a video game he was reviewing. The claim was later overturned, as the music was used in the context of a review, which is generally protected under fair use.
Follow these steps to dispute the copyright claim:
Step 1: Go to YouTube Studio and click on Content.
Step 2: Click “Select Action” > “Dispute.”
You’ll be guided through a form where you need to explain why you believe the claim is invalid. Be clear, professional, and honest; this isn’t the place for rants.
Step 3: Submit and wait.
After submitting, the claimant has 30 days to respond. They can release the claim, reject your dispute, or do nothing (in which case it’s released automatically).
Just keep in mind that disputes are serious business. If the claimant rejects your dispute, you’ll need to either let it go or escalate to a formal appeal, so make sure you’re standing on solid ground before hitting “submit.”
But if you’re not sure exactly what to do when receiving a copyright claim, you can simply join SubSub’s YouTube Partner Program. This is your backstage pass to surviving (and thriving in) the wild west of YouTube copyright chaos.
For individual creators, SubSub is like having a copyright-savvy best friend who’s really good at paperwork and doesn’t mind fighting piracy. You get access to smart tools that protect your content from being stolen, help you dodge those dreaded strikes, and even step in when your monetization mysteriously vanishes into the YouTube void.
For brands and media agencies, SubSub helps you manage your creator partnerships, ensuring IP protection across the board, and keeping monetization flowing. It’s about scaling without the copyright headaches
A copyright strike is definitely more serious than a copyright claim. You could receive a copyright strike if the actual copyright owner files a formal takedown request against your video.
What happens if you get a copyright strike on YouTube? The video in question gets pulled from YouTube. That means no views and no revenue from that video. But the downsides don’t stop there. Your whole channel takes a hit. You lose access to monetization and live streaming until the strike clears.
It’s a major setback, especially if you rely on your channel for income or growth. If you rack up three strikes, your entire channel could be shut down; no warnings, no second chances.
Strikes expire after 90 days, but while they're active, apart from zero monetization and live streaming, you’re not even allowed to upload any other videos.
If you get three copyright strikes in a 90-day window, YouTube won’t hold back; they’ll shut down your entire channel, delete all your videos, and block you from starting over with a new one.
After your first strike, YouTube sends you to Copyright School, which means watching a quick video about copyright rules and passing a short quiz. It’s not optional, and doing it is the only way to start regaining your channel privileges once that 90-day clock runs out.
When it comes to basic rules on how to avoid copyright claims and strikes on YouTube, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Before you hit publish, run your video through YouTube’s Content ID system to catch any copyright flags early. Better to know before it goes live.
YouTube provides several integrated features to help you monitor and manage copyright concerns effectively.
Plus, when you're uploading or editing, pay attention to your licensing settings. You’ll usually choose between a Standard YouTube License or Creative Commons, depending on how you want your content shared.
And if you’re looking for safe content to use, apply the Creative Commons filter when searching on YouTube. It’s a quick way to find videos that are cleared for reuse.
If you’re not sure about fair use or licensing rules, SubSub can guide you. As a certified YouTube partner, SubSub has direct access to YouTube representatives, meaning we can help you solve complex or time-sensitive copyright issues faster. Our team knows YouTube inside and out, and beyond support with tailored guidance and solutions for your needs, we become a reliable partner you can count on.
YouTube Shorts follow the same copyright rules as regular videos, with a few added specifics.
Using Music
You can use songs from YouTube’s built-in Shorts music library. These tracks are licensed only for YouTube—don’t use them on other platforms. Using music outside this library can lead to claims or strikes.
Original Content
When you make a Short from scratch, the copyright belongs to you. But if you add someone else’s copyrighted content, you’ll need their permission, unless your use qualifies as fair use.
Copyrighted Material in Longer Shorts
Shorts over one minute that include copyrighted music might get blocked if Content ID flags them.
Monetization
If your Short uses copyrighted music, ad revenue may be split with the rights holders.
What Happens if You Get a Claim
You can either remove the content, dispute the claim, or accept the copyright owner’s terms.
Copyright claims on YouTube aren’t the end of the world, but they’re not something to ignore either. A claim won’t give your channel a permanent scar like a copyright strike, but it can quietly sabotage your monetization, visibility, and long-term growth. Music is the most common trigger, but anything from game cutscenes to stock sound effects can get flagged.
If you need help staying copyright-safe, platforms like SubSub can help you navigate the YouTube maze with tools and support that protect your content and keep your revenue intact.
What are the main steps in fixing a copyright claim on YouTube?
First, you should check the details of the claim in YouTube Studio to see which part of your content is affected. You can resolve the claim by trimming or replacing the claimed content, or if you mute the claimed audio (if it’s related to music). Another option is to dspute the claim if you believe it's inaccurate or your use qualifies as fair use (prepare evidence like licenses or permissions).
What’s the difference between a copyright claim and a strike?
A claim is an automated or manual flag that can limit your monetization or block the video in certain regions. A strike is more serious—it means the content owner has filed a formal takedown. Three strikes in 90 days and your channel is gone.
Can I get rid of a copyright claim without deleting my video?
Yes. You can mute the audio, trim the flagged section, or swap out the music using YouTube’s editing tools. In many cases, this will lift the claim automatically.
What happens if I dispute a claim and lose?
If your dispute is rejected, you can either accept the claim or escalate it with a formal appeal. But appealing comes with risks—it could lead to a strike if the content owner pushes back with a takedown notice.
Are YouTube Shorts subject to different copyright rules?
Not really. Shorts follow the same copyright rules, though YouTube provides a built-in music library specifically for Shorts. Using copyrighted music outside of that can still lead to claims or strikes.
