All About copyright claims and copyright strike
What is a Copyright Claim?
A copyright claim happens when content is uploaded by someone who does not own it. A YouTube Copyright Claim is often called a Content ID claim.
The Content ID system is a fully automated management tool that’s used to protect the digital rights of copyright owners. The tool scans all videos uploaded to YouTube and notifies copyright holders if their audio, video, or image files may have been placed in a video without proper permission.
Essential things to know about Content ID/copyright claims include:
- A Content ID or copyright claim only affects the individual video, it does not negatively affect your entire channel.
- The rights owner may be able to claim any revenue from your video if you have used their work in your content without permission.
- The copyright holder will be able to place ads on your video to earn revenue for themselves.
- The copyright owner can prevent your video from being shown in certain regions or countries.
- Copyright claims/Content ID claims can be proven false if you can show that you own or have the proper license to use the work that is being claimed.
- The copyright holder may decide not to take any action at all.
- Copyright claims only apply to the video that has been flagged, not your entire channel.
What is a Copyright Strike?
A copyright strike is issued when a YouTube creator uploads a video that contains audio or images that they don’t own the rights or a license to. In this case, the copyright holder finds the violation manually and asks YouTube to take the video down. This means the video will no longer be viewable or generate ad revenue for the content creator.
Essential things to know about Copyright Strikes include:
- Copyright Strikes adversely affect your entire YouTube channel.
- If proven valid, your video will likely be taken down.
- If you receive a Copyright Strike, you are no longer eligible to monetize your videos or live stream from your account until the strike expires.
- If you receive three Copyright Strikes, your entire channel will be terminated and you will be banned from the platform.
- Copyright Strikes do eventually expire, usually within 90 days
What Happens When You Receive a Copyright Strike?
It’s important to know that removing the offending video from YouTube will not remove the strike from your channel. Your best course of action is to sit tight, avoid any more violations, and wait for the strike to expire unless you feel you truly have grounds to file a counterclaim.
Here’s what happens when you receive your first, second, and third copyright strike on YouTube.
- First Copyright Strike: Your first copyright strike is more or less a warning that YouTube no longer looks at your channel as being in good standing. This will negatively impact your channel by restricting your ability to monetize any videos or do any live streaming.
That being said, YouTube is willing to give creators another chance after their first strike. If you complete YouTube’s Copyright School, the strike will expire after 90 days and your privileges will be reinstated.
- Second Copyright Strike: If your channel receives a second copyright strike before the first one expires, you will have to wait an additional 90 days for the second strike to expire. Your monetization and livestream privileges will be restricted the entire time.
- Third Copyright Strike: As you can imagine, the consequences of receiving a third strike before strikes one and two have expired are severe. Your YouTube account will automatically be terminated and your uploaded videos will be removed. You will also be banned from creating any new YouTube channels in the future.
You should also be aware that the consequences of copyright issues don’t always end with YouTube. The copyright holder could also choose to take you to court. If you lose the case, you will likely end up with a considerable fine to pay, as well as legal fees.
Copyright Claim vs Strike: Here’s the Difference
Copyright claims and copyright strikes are related to copyright infringement on platforms like YouTube, but they have different implications and consequences:
Copyright Claims:
- Definition: A copyright claim occurs when a copyright owner identifies the use of their copyrighted material in someone else’s content. This can be an automated process through Content ID systems on platforms like YouTube.
- Impact: When a copyright claim is made, the copyright owner can choose how to handle the situation. They can monetize the video, tracking its views and earnings. In this case, ads might appear in the video, and the revenue generated goes to the copyright owner. Alternatively, they can block the video or mute its audio.
- Dispute Process: If you believe your use of the copyrighted material falls under fair use, you can dispute the claim. The copyright owner can either release the claim or uphold it. If they uphold the claim, you can appeal the decision.
- Channel Status: Copyright claims do not affect your channel’s standing. However, repeated claims might affect your ability to monetize the video in question.
Copyright Strikes:
- Definition: A copyright strike is a more severe action taken by the copyright owner or the platform when they believe a copyright infringement has occurred. Copyright strikes are typically issued manually, not through automated systems.
- Impact: When a copyright strike is issued, the video is taken down. The channel receiving the strike might face penalties, such as losing the ability to upload videos, live stream, or monetize content. Multiple copyright strikes can lead to the suspension or termination of the channel.
- Dispute Process: If you receive a copyright strike in error or believe you have the right to use the material, you can file a counter-notification. If the copyright owner doesn’t take legal action within a specific period, the video can be restored, and the strike can be removed.
- Channel Status: Copyright strikes can significantly impact your channel. Receiving multiple strikes within a short period can lead to channel termination.
In summary, a copyright claim is a content owner’s way of managing their copyrighted material in others’ videos, often resulting in monetization or content alteration. A copyright strike, on the other hand, is a formal legal notification indicating that a copyright owner believes their rights have been violated. Strikes can lead to video takedowns and, if multiple strikes occur, severe consequences for the channel involved. It’s crucial to understand copyright laws and use copyrighted material responsibly to avoid both claims and strikes.
How Content ID/Copyright Claims Work on YouTube
YouTube takes copyright infringement very seriously and has strict guidelines that line up with US Copyright Law. Their Content ID detection system is extremely sophisticated. It automatically notifies copyright holders when their work may have been used without permission.
The rights holder can then choose to file a copyright claim or submit a copyright takedown notice, based on whether or not the Fair Use Law applies. It’s also important to note that copyright holders can make a claim manually if the Content ID tool overlooks a potential violation.
Typically, Content ID and Copyright Claims apply to audio, video, and other types of content that qualify as owned media and haven’t been made available for YouTube publication. It applies to songs, music clips, and other copyrighted media.
The rights holder has full control over what action is taken when a Copyright Claim is made. They may request that the video be taken down, or they may allow it to remain and claim all or a portion of the ad revenue.
How To Avoid Copyright Claims and Copyright Strikes on Videos
The best way to avoid copyright claims and strikes on your videos is to upload only your original content. You can also use copyrighted music, images, or video clips in your videos, as long as you purchase the proper license. It’s that simple.
Track Club by Marmoset is a small-batch, meticulously- curated music licensing app for content creators. Licensing a song through Track Club gives you the right to use it in your videos without fear of copyright infringement, claims, or strikes. And, if you ever do get a claim, you’ll have the grounds to dispute it and get the claim released.
How Auriga accounting help in preventing from copyright strikes on Videos/music/work and more?
However, there are general strategies that anyone, including creators working with Auriga Accounting, can employ to minimize the risk of copyright strikes:
- Create Original Content: The best way to avoid copyright strikes is to create original content. If you are the creator, you hold the copyright to your work.
- Use Royalty-Free Content: Use royalty-free music, videos, and images from reputable sources. There are various websites offering royalty-free content that you can use without worrying about copyright issues.
- Understand and Respect Licenses: If you use content that requires attribution or has specific usage conditions under a Creative Commons license, make sure you comply with those requirements.
- Use YouTube’s Audio Library: YouTube provides an Audio Library where you can find music and sound effects that are free to use in your videos. Using these tracks eliminates the risk of copyright issues.
- Purchase Licenses: If you want to use copyrighted music, consider purchasing licenses from the copyright owners or reputable music licensing platforms. This grants you legal permission to use the music.
- Public Domain and Creative Commons Works: Use works that are in the public domain or released under Creative Commons licenses that allow for commercial use.
- Avoid Using Copyrighted Visuals: Be cautious about using copyrighted images, videos, or other visuals without proper permission, especially in commercial projects.
- Educate Your Team: If you work with a team, ensure everyone is aware of copyright laws and the importance of using content legally.
- Properly Attribute Content: If you use content that requires attribution, ensure you provide the correct credits as specified by the license.
- Regularly Monitor Your Content: Regularly check your videos and other content to ensure they comply with copyright laws. If you find any issues, address them promptly.
