Copyright strikes and takedowns
A copyright strike follows a valid legal takedown request and removes a video. Unlike a Content ID claim, strikes can restrict or close a whole channel.
Definition
A copyright strike happens when a rights owner sends YouTube a formal legal request to remove a video, and YouTube accepts it as valid. The video is taken down and the channel receives a strike.1
A Content ID claim is different: it only applies the rights owner's policy, such as moving the revenue, and usually does not affect the channel.1 Many creators mix the two up.
How strikes work
- A strike expires after 90 days if the creator has completed YouTube's Copyright School, which is needed only once1
- If a live stream is removed for copyright, the channel gets a strike and live streaming is restricted for 7 days1
- A channel that gets three copyright strikes within 90 days is subject to termination1
- When a channel is terminated, its videos become inaccessible and the owner cannot create new channels1
What to do after a strike
- Wait for the strike to expire, if the takedown was valid1
- Ask the rights owner to retract the takedown request1
- Submit a counter notification if the video was removed by mistake or the use is allowed, for example under fair use23
Why it matters for revenue
A removed video stops earning, and a terminated channel ends all of its income. For agencies, networks and labels, one channel losing its revenue also affects the creators and artists they pay. Clear licenses for all music and footage are the best protection.
How Talentir helps
Agencies, networks and labels use Talentir to pay creators and artists their share of YouTube revenue. See Talentir for agencies
Further reading
Related topics
Content ID claims and disputes
A Content ID claim applies a rights owner's policy to a video. The uploader can dispute a claim if they have the rights or a valid exception.
What is YouTube Content ID?
Content ID is YouTube's system that automatically finds videos using copyrighted audio or video and lets rights owners block, track or earn money from them.
YouTube Partner Program and AdSense
The YouTube Partner Program lets creators earn from their channel. Earnings are paid through Google AdSense.
Creator agencies and MCNs
Creator agencies manage talent and campaigns for creators. Multi-channel networks (MCNs) work with many channels, usually for a share of their revenue.
Sources
Content ID claims and disputes
A Content ID claim applies a rights owner's policy to a video. The uploader can dispute a claim if they have the rights or a valid exception.
YouTube royalties
YouTube royalties are the payments YouTube makes to creators and music rights holders from ads and YouTube Premium subscriptions.