How to Avoid Copyright Strikes and Claims on YouTube
Copyright strikes. Copyright claims. They sound similar, but they land very differently on your YouTube channel. One messes with your video. The other can take down your entire channel.
As a lawyer and content creator myself, I can tell you this: avoiding them isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about understanding how the system works, so you can stay one step ahead and keep your creative empire intact.
In this post I’ll cover the difference between strikes and claims, what triggers them, and exactly how to avoid both, without sacrificing your creative vision.
Legal Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Read full disclaimers.
Claim vs. Strike: Know the Difference
Let’s start with a quick reality check.
🟡 Copyright Claim
Issued automatically by YouTube’s Content ID system when it detects copyrighted material in your video.
- Your video might stay up
- But it could be muted, blocked, or monetized by the copyright owner
- You don’t get a penalty on your channel (but you do lose control of the video)
🔴 Copyright Strike
Issued manually by the rights holder (not Content ID). It’s a formal legal complaint.
- YouTube removes your video
- You get a strike on your channel
- Three strikes = your channel gets deleted
Strikes are serious business. Claims? Still annoying, but more of a warning shot.
Common Reasons Creators Get Hit
Even well-meaning YouTubers get tripped up. Here are the most common triggers:
- Using copyrighted music without permission (yep, even a few seconds)
- Clips from movies, shows, or viral videos
- Background music from a store, radio, or live event
- Uploading “compilation” content you didn’t create
- Using Creative Commons content incorrectly (more on that below)
The rule of thumb: if you didn’t create it and you didn’t license it, it’s not yours to use.
How to Avoid Copyright Strikes and Claims
Let’s get to the good stuff: how to avoid the drama and keep your channel clean.
✅ Use Royalty-Free or Licensed Music
Music is the #1 reason creators get flagged. Use tracks from reputable royalty-free libraries like:
These come with proper licenses that are YouTube-safe, and many offer proof of license you can keep on file.
✅ Understand Creative Commons (and Don’t Assume)
Creative Commons ≠ automatically safe.
Some CC licenses require:
- Attribution
- Non-commercial use only
- No modifications
And not every site labeling something “Creative Commons” is trustworthy. Stick with sources like:
✅ Create Your Own Content
This sounds obvious, but it’s the only ironclad way to avoid copyright issues. Make your own music, graphics, footage, and voiceovers whenever possible.
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Or collaborate with creators who can grant you written permission to use their work.
✅ Use Short Clips Thoughtfully (and Know Music Fair Use Limits)
Fair use isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. It applies in very specific cases—like commentary, critique, parody, or education—and it’s more protective of video content than music.
Using music “just a little bit” isn’t usually fair use. If you’re not actively transforming or analyzing it, you’ll need a license.
Learn more here: What Counts as Music Fair Use (and What Doesn’t)
✅ Keep Your Licenses and Receipts
If you do license content, download your receipts or confirmation emails. YouTube may ask for proof if there’s a dispute.
Create a folder just for your digital licenses. Think of it like your creative insurance policy.
What to Do If You Get a Claim or Strike
🟡 Got a Claim?
Check the video details in YouTube Studio. You’ll see:
- The claimed content (e.g., a specific song)
- The action taken (mute, block, monetize)
- Options to dispute if you believe it’s wrong
You can:
- Replace or mute the music using YouTube’s built-in editor
- Dispute the claim if you have a license or believe it qualifies as fair use
- Do nothing, if you’re fine with the copyright owner running ads
🔴 Got a Strike?
Take it seriously. You only get three.
You can:
- Submit a counter-notification if you believe the strike was wrong
- Reach out to the copyright owner and ask them to retract it (be polite and professional)
- Wait 90 days. Then if you don’t get another strike and complete YouTube’s copyright school, the strike expires
Whatever you do, don’t just re-upload the same video. YouTube will detect it and possibly escalate the strike.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Channel Like a Pro
Avoiding copyright claims and strikes isn’t about avoiding creativity. It’s about being smart with the materials you use.
Think of your content like a business: if you wouldn’t publish someone else’s article without permission, don’t use their music or video either.
With the right tools, the right licenses, and a bit of legal awareness, you can keep creating with confidence, and without the constant fear of takedowns.
