Creating videos for YouTube is not only an interesting task but also a professional task that can improve your skills. But YouTubers find it frustrating when they face YouTube copyright claims on a published video. These claims may not cause you major issues in some cases however, these can create trouble in some cases. So, you must know how to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube.
These copyright strikes can demonetize your channel and you might lose your channel. Mostly these types of claims happen if you use copyrighted video or music and you can easily avoid it.
This blog will guide you through avoiding copyright strikes on YouTube.
What is a Copyright Claim on YouTube?
Copyright claims
Copyright claim on YouTube means they protect artists and musicians’ music from being used without permission. It gives control to holders of how people use their work. However, it may be difficult as 720,000 hours of video get uploaded every day.
Have you ever experienced getting a copyright claim? For instance; you upload a video and you use a musician’s sound without permission. In this case, YouTube will send you a warning message about a copyright claim on your video. So, the copyright owner has the right to remove your video.
How Does Copyright Work on YouTube?
YouTube searches for videos that use copyrighted content and show it as copyright claims. So, if you use a soundtrack from any popular musician without knowing them, YouTube knows about it.
YouTube does this process by analyzing the content ID system which detects when you upload a video that has copyrighted material. A content ID system is a fingerprinting system that can detect any copyrighted music or video.
What is a Copyright Strike on YouTube?
A copyright strike is more serious than a copyright claim for your channel.
If your channel gets a copyright claim and you fail to solve it, the owner may issue a Takedown Notice. If your YouTube accepts it as a ‘complete and valid legal request’, it will give your videos a complete copyright strike. You may get a copyright strike on an uploaded video at any given time. If you get the copyright strike for the first time, you will need to go through the Copyright School.
How Many Copystrikes Can You Possibly Get?
Your account can get terminated if you get three copyright strikes. It will delete all videos uploaded to that account and you will not be able to create a new channel. Also, you can resolve a copyright strike but you need to wait for 90 days.
In addition, you can contact the person who claimed the copyright infringement. However, it is important to note that YouTube’s “three-strikes” copyright system has been exploited. You need to be aware of these scammers who threaten to shut down YouTube channels and claim a “third strike” violation.
Tips to Avoid Copyright Strikes on YouTube
Here are some important tips to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube that can help you onwards.
Stick to Fair Use
If someone makes a claim, you have the right to counter it and argue to use the video. Make sure to use the track to make your point. However, the Content ID system could raise the issue so make sure to prove that it counts as fair use.
Get Royalty-Free Music
There are thousands of royalty-free songs available. Some of the royalty-free music is somehow protected under copyright. Artists may allow you to use their music by paying a small subscription fee. In case you fail to meet specified parameters, they may cause you copyrighted song issues.
In addition, you can find free music from YouTube’s library as well. Also, you can search for websites like Bensound, Epidemic Sound, and AudioJungle and find some free songs to use in your videos. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for premium songs to access tracks.
Take Permission From Artists or Record Labs
Another option is to get permission from record labs or artists. If you contact new artists, they will happily allow you to use their music in their videos. You can contact them through their official website or social media. However, you may not reply by contacting one artist. You may need to contact multiple artists or record labs.
Use Original Music
If you want to create an original song, you may not need to learn an instrument or learn how to mix tracks to make original music. You can use AI Music instead and the app will create songs for you with your favorite sounds. This way, you can generate a 100% unique instrumental track.
You can use “AI Music” in the following ways.
- First, open the Captions app and choose a video.
- Go to the bottom bar and scroll to the right unless you see the “AI Music” icon.
- Here are dozens of genres and themes like ‘nature’, ‘hopeful’, and ‘acoustic’ to use.
- Now tap on “Generate music” and let AI generate a track for you.
- Now listen and tap on “Apply” if the final product is up to your requirements. Finally, you can hit the “Cancel” button if you want to test with a combination of other attributes.
Use Content that Is Your Own Created
Another best way to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube is to use original content that you created on your own. If you use music and content that you have created on your own then you do not need to worry about copyright infringement. If you have the skills to create your music or video, you can create a unique one. Also, you need the required equipment and time to get promising results.
Follow the Fair Use Policy
Fair use may allow you to add a track and not get any claim but it is not certain. Fair use often applies when you use copyrighted content for educational purposes. However, it depends on the type of content that you use and the quantity of content you use.
How to Find Copyright-Free Music to Use on YouTube?
Some ways allow you to find copyright-free music on YouTube. The best way to avoid copyright claims is to use music that does not get flagged by YouTube’s Content ID system. The best part is; that you can find your ideal soundtrack from different options.
Upbeat
You can search for copyright-free music in Upbeat’s catalog. There are different types of videos with playlists that you can use for sound. On this platform, you can get perfect sound in seconds with no copyright strikes. When you download a track, it will give you a unique Uppbeat Credit to add to your video description that has no copyright claims.
YouTube Audio Library
YouTube’s catalog has many free stock images that allow you to find the perfect sound that matches your video requirements. In addition, you need to check how each track gets attributed to the artist. You may also get a copyright claim because you may not have credited the musician in the right way.
Contact the Artists Directly
It is also a great idea to contact the source directly and ask artists. Although there are fewer chances that artists will get back to you you may find many musicians who would like to collaborate with you.
You can use different sites to find artists like Soundcloud. Also, YouTube allows you to get access to multiple producers, beatmakers, and talented musicians globally. Make sure the tracks you get from artists should be registered with Content ID.
Mistakes to Avoid People Make When Avoiding YouTube Music
Copyright Claims
- Although you take all preventions to avoid copyright claims still any claims may occur against content authors.
- Although YouTube gets authorized through a license all licenses do not allow the use of YouTube. Therefore, it is important to read the license carefully and confirm if you can use it for your video.
- If you credit the owner in the description of your video, you may not still have permission to use from the original owner to use the music in your video.
- Some YouTubers speed up or slow down the song to bypass Content ID. When you distort the song, it will not only lower the quality but also update the Content ID to recognize the music that you have used.
- If you play a short portion of the song, this few seconds of copyrighted music may be identified by Content ID. So, the best option is to create a song with high quality and allow your audience to enjoy high-quality and unique music.
FAQs
Why does YouTube copyright music?
YouTube does not copyright music itself, artists and record labs come after YouTube themselves. Music artists want to get compensated when someone uses their work.
What should I do to avoid copyright infringement on YouTube?
There are many ways you can avoid violating copyright rules on YouTube.
The most effective ways are as follows.
- Ask permission from a licensing service provider to use famous music.
- Create and use your music.
- Use royalty-free music
How long does it take for a copyright strike to last?
YouTube copyright strike expires after 90 days then it gets erased.
How to resolve a copyright claim on YouTube?
- You can resolve copyright claims in the following 3 ways.
- You can wait for it to expire and get erased after 90 days.
- You can contact the holder of the copyright and tell them to retract the claim.
- Submit a counter-notice against the original claim.
What happens if I get 3 copyright strikes on YouTube?
If your channel receives 3 copyright strikes, your account and the channel linked with it may be terminated. In other words, all videos will get removed and you can not create new channels as well.
Can I avoid copyright claims by adding disclaimers in video descriptions?
No, it is not possible to avoid copyright claims on YouTube by adding a disclaimer in the description of your videos.
Final Thoughts
Many YouTubers find it a challenge to face copyright disputes. If you become aware of YouTube’s copyright policy and know about all the terms and policies, it can help you avoid copyright strikes on YouTube.
