Think a copyright claim and a copyright strike are the same? Well, on YouTube, one takes your ad revenue, the other can wipe out your entire channel.
If you're a creator, understanding the difference between a copyright strike vs claim is survival. A single misstep with the wrong clip, soundtrack, or snippet could cost you views, income, or everything you've built.
So what is a copyright strike on YouTube? How does a copyright claim work? And most importantly, how can you protect your content, your earnings, and your future?
Let’s break it down. Simple, clear, and straight to the point.
What is a Copyright Strike?
A copyright strike on YouTube is serious. It’s not just a warning, it’s a legal takedown.
It happens when a copyright owner submits a DMCA notice (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) claiming you used their original content without permission. This could be a music track, video clip, photo, or even a voiceover.
Even if you credit the original creator or say “no copyright intended,” it doesn’t protect you. YouTube cares more about legal rights than disclaimers.
👉 Discover more about YouTube Copyright policy.
So before hitting upload, ask yourself:
- Do I own this content?
- Do I have permission to use it?
If not, you're at risk.
What Does a Copyright Strike Look Like on YouTube?
You’ll get an email from YouTube saying your video was taken down due to a copyright complaint. Inside YouTube Studio, the video is labeled “Removed” with a red strike icon.
You’ll also see an option to appeal the decision.
What Happens if You Get a Copyright Strike on YouTube?
One strike means:
- Your video is taken down.
- You may lose access to features like live streaming or monetization.
- You’re required to take a short Copyright School lesson.
Two strikes? You're on thin ice.
Three strikes within 90 days? Your channel is terminated, all videos gone, no second chances.
This isn’t like a copyright claim where you lose ad revenue. A YouTube copyright strike threatens your entire channel.
👉 Learn more about the Community Guidelines strike basics on YouTube.
What is a YouTube Copyright Claim?
A copyright claim on YouTube isn’t a takedown, but it’s still a red flag.
Most copyright claims are automatic. YouTube’s Content ID system scans your video and matches it against a database of copyrighted content, music, clips, sound effects, even short intros.
👉 Read more about how Content ID helps you earn money on YouTube.
What triggers a copyright claim?
Let’s say you used 10 seconds of a popular song, a scene from a movie, or a viral TikTok audio. If that content is in the system, your video gets flagged.
👉 Discover about reused music impacts YouTube monetization.
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What Happens if You Get a Copyright Claim on YouTube?
Your video stays online, but you’re no longer in control. You’ll see the claim in YouTube Studio under the "Restrictions" column. Click it to view details, what was claimed, where, and what action was taken.
The copyright owner decides what happens next. .
They can choose to:
- Monetize your video and take the ad revenue;
- Block your video in certain countries or regions;
- Mute the claimed section (like background music).
For example: you upload a vlog with copyrighted music playing at the cafe. Boom, you get a copyright claim YouTube flags it, and suddenly, you can’t earn from your own video.
YouTube Copyright Claim vs Strike: What’s More Serious?
When it comes to copyright claim vs strike, the difference is huge.
- A YouTube copyright claim is about ownership.
- A copyright strike on YouTube is about violation.
Claims = Yellow Cards
- Triggered automatically by Content ID;
- Video stays up;
- You lose monetization or audio;
- You can fix or dispute it easily.
Example: Use 5 seconds of a pop song, the label claims it, monetizes your video. You don’t get paid, but your channel is safe.
Strikes = Red Cards
- Sent manually by a copyright owner under DMCA;
- Your video gets removed;
- You lose features like live streaming;
- Get 3 strikes within 90 days, and your channel is deleted.
YouTube copyright strike consequences are serious, one wrong move, and your channel is on the line.
In short:
- Copyright claim YouTube = you lose money;
- Copyright strike YouTube = you lose your channel;
Know the rules. Respect the rights. And don’t confuse a claim with a strike, your entire channel could depend on it.
How to Dispute Copyright Claim and Copyright Strike
Got hit with a YouTube copyright claim or copyright strike? Don’t panic, you’ve got options.
How to Remove a Copyright Claim on YouTube
- Launch the YouTube Studio app.
- Go to the Content section.
- Choose a video flagged for copyright and tap on Restrictions.
- Scroll down and select Review issues.
- Find the specific claim and tap on it.
- Under Actions you can take, select Dispute.
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete and send your dispute.
Not ready to dispute? You can still fix it without a fight:
- Trim the claimed part;
- Mute the audio;
- Swap music using YouTube’s built-in editor.
- Do not delete the video. It can send the wrong signal to YouTube if you decide to dispute.
These quick edits can help you get rid of a copyright claim on YouTube and recover monetization.
👉 Learn more about how to dispute a claim on YouTube.
Disputing a YouTube Copyright Strike
Copyright strikes are more serious. You have three main options:
- Request a retraction from the copyright owner;
- File a counter-notification (only if you're sure you have legal grounds, this is a formal legal process);
- Wait 90 days, if accepted and no lawsuit is filed, the strike expires.
Got a false copyright claim on YouTube? Abuse happens.
If someone wrongly targets your content, you can report it, but be sure to document everything and follow the YouTube copyright claim dispute process closely.
Understanding how to handle these issues is key to protecting your content, and your channel.
Spot Copycats with the Copyright Match Tool
Here is another side of the coin. YouTube’s tool helps you find reuploads or matches of your content automatically. Use Copyright Match Tool. With it, you can not only check your own content but also track if someone is stealing it.
Check your matches:
- Open YouTube Studio > Copyright > Matches;
- Filter by views or subscribers;
- Choose what to do:
- Archive (hide match, no action);
- Request Removal (submit takedown);
- Contact Channel (send pre-written message).
Review potential matches:
- Go to Removal Requests > Find Matches;
- Click a row > View Matches;
- Take action just like above.
Found a song match? If your audio was reused, the tool shows more uploads using the same sound, even if dubbed. For partial or altered use, submit a manual takedown.
Why some videos don’t natch?
- Someone else uploaded first;
- Already under Content ID;
- Your video has a claim on it.
Stay in control. Catch reuploads. Decide what to do.
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