If you get a copyright strike, it means that a copyright owner submitted a legal copyright removal request for using their copyright-protected content. When a copyright removal request is submitted to us, we review it. If the removal request is valid, we have to remove your video from YouTube to comply with copyright law.
A video can only have one copyright strike at a time. Keep in mind that videos can be removed from the site for reasons other than copyright. Also, Content ID claims don't result in a strike.
These features are only available to partners who use YouTube Studio Content Manager.
We all make mistakes. The first time you get a copyright strike, you’ll need to go through Copyright School. Copyright School helps creators understand copyright principles and how they’re enforced on YouTube. Copyright School consists of four short multiple choice questions. Watch this video for more info on our Copyright policies.
If your active live stream is removed for copyright, your access to live streaming will be restricted for 7 days.
If you get 3 copyright strikes:
- Your account, along with any associated channels, is subject to termination.
- All the videos uploaded to your account will be removed.
- You can't create new channels.
If you submit enough counter notifications to bring your strike count under 3, and those counter notifications are forwarded to the claimant, your channel’s removal will be on hold until the final outcome of the counter notifications, and your upload ability will be restored. If the counter notification is resolved in your favor, or your strikes are resolved by retraction, your channel won't be removed.
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- From the left menu, click Content .
- Click the filter bar Copyright.
- In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright.
- Click SEE DETAILS.
There are three ways to resolve a copyright strike:
- Wait for it to expire: Copyright strikes expire after 90 days. If it's your first strike, you'll need to complete Copyright School.
- Get a retraction: You can get in touch with the person who claimed your video and ask them to retract their claim of copyright infringement.
- Submit a counter notification: If you think your video was removed by mistake, or qualifies as fair use, you can submit a counter notification.
Watch to learn more
Check out the following video from the YouTube Creators channel to learn the basics of copyright strikes.
Copyright in YouTube Studio: Addressing Copyright Claims with New Tools, Filters and More