As a YouTube content creator, one of the biggest challenges you might face is a copyright strike. And in 2025, YouTube has become more strict about protecting creators’ rights. Even a single mistake can put your channel at risk.
What makes this even more concerning is that copyright strikes can affect your entire channel (not just the video). The consequences could be pretty serious, from losing access to some features to the possibility of a permanent ban.
So, what exactly is a YouTube copyright strike, and what happens when you get one? How can you protect your hard work to keep your channel safe? Let’s check out all you need to know about copyright strikes in 2025.
In this article, we’ll cover…
- Understanding YouTube Copyright Strikes
- The Process Behind YouTube Copyright Strikes: An In Depth Overview
- Common Causes of Copyright Strikes on YouTube
- The Consequences of Receiving a YouTube Copyright Strike
- How to Check Copyright Strikes on Your YouTube Channel
- Effective Methods to Resolve a YouTube Copyright Strike
- Best Practices to Prevent Copyright Strikes on YouTube
- How to Issue a copyright strike on youtube
- YouTube Copyright Strikes (Common Questions Answered)
What is YouTube Copyright Strike?
A YouTube copyright strike is an official warning that YouTube gives when a video on your channel uses copyrighted content without proper permission, and the copyright holder decides to take down your video.
Copyrighted content could be music, video clips, images, or any creative work owned by someone else.
Each strike is recorded in your channel’s record, and if multiple strikes happen within a short time, YouTube may remove features or even terminate your channel. Later in this article, we’ll explain in detail the consequences that come with one (or more) copyright strikes.
How Copyright Strikes Work in 2025: What Really Happens Behind The Scenes?
In 2025, copyright strikes can occur in two ways. Let’s look at what happens before one is sent and how the process works.
1) Content ID to copyright strike
Most copyright issues on YouTube start with the Content ID system. Every video uploaded is automatically scanned and compared against a huge database of copyrighted songs, movie clips, TV shows, and other protected content.
If Content ID detects a match, it notifies the copyright owner. At this point, the owner can decide whether to make money from the YouTube video with ads, block it in certain countries, or so on.
Sometimes, the owner may decide to take a step further and submit a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request, which, on YouTube, is commonly known as a “Copyright Strike”. Soon, YouTube reviews the request. If the platform finds it valid, the video is removed, and a strike is placed on your channel.
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Note: A copyright claim is perfectly fine in most cases. You can learn about the differences between a copyright claim and a copyright strike here.
2) Manual copyright strike
Sometimes, copyright owners manually locate videos that violate their rights, often through keyword research. This approach is especially common among large brands that actively protect their content online.
For example, UEFA may issue strikes against unauthorized uploads of football highlights, while software companies might target users sharing methods to “crack” or bypass their tools.
In such cases, YouTube reviews each removal request to verify its validity under copyright law. If the request is complete and legitimate, the platform removes the content and issues a copyright strike to the uploader.
Common Causes of a YouTube Copyright Strike
Here are the main reasons creators face a copyright strike in 2025:
1. Unauthorized Use of Music
If you use popular music or even just a sound effect without a license, your video may get a strike. Remember, giving credit in your description is not a replacement for legal permission ⚖️.
Want to purchase licensed audio tracks for your video? Check out how to buy affordable music safely or use a royalty-free YouTube music library.
2. Uploading Movie Clips
You might think it is harmless to use a short clip from a movie or a TV show. But that’s a direct use of someone else’s intellectual property. Even a few seconds can be enough to trigger a DMCA takedown notice.
Read this to learn how to use movie clips without copyright.
3. Gameplay Footage
Even though many video game companies allow creators to use their content, some do not. And some have specific rules. Reuploading full gameplay without the proper rights can result in a copyright infringement claim.
4. Copyrighted Images
Thumbnails, artwork, logos, or stock images that are not free for reuse may trigger a strike.
5. Streaming Sports Broadcasts and TV Shows
Live matches using official footage and streaming movies, TV shows, events, etc., without permission are a common reason for copyright strikes.
6. Ignoring Fair Use Rules
Even when using clips for reviews, if the content is not transformed enough, YouTube may still issue a copyright strike.
Consequences of a YouTube Copyright Strike
A copyright strike is a part of a cumulative system that’s designed to protect intellectual property. It works on a rolling three-strike policy within a 90-day period. That means each strike expires 90 days after it is issued, but getting three active strikes at once leads to severe consequences. Here’s what happens after each strike
First Copyright Strike
When you receive a first copyright strike, your video is immediately removed from YouTube. You will also get a notification in your YouTube Studio dashboard and via email, explaining which video was removed and which content was infringed.
Have a look at the consequences of the first copyright strike:
- One-week Freeze: Your channel will be suspended from uploading new content (including videos, live streams, Stories, and community tab posts) for one full week.
- Affects Monetization: If you are a member of the YouTube Partner Program, your YouTube monetization and livestreaming privileges may be temporarily suspended. You will not be able to earn ad revenue on any of your videos until the strike is resolved or expires.
- Copyright School: You will be required to complete a short educational course called Copyright School. It consists of a video and a quiz to help you understand copyright law and YouTube’s policies. The strike will only expire after you complete this course.
Second Copyright Strike
If you receive a second copyright strike while the first one is still active (within the 90-day window), the penalties become much more severe.
- Two-Week Suspension: All of your upload and livestreaming privileges will be suspended for two weeks. Halting content uploads for a fortnight could lead to some confusion among your subscribers, and some may even unsubscribe.
- Channel Health: Your channel’s overall health and the impression with the YouTube algorithm will be negatively affected. This can lead to a decrease in your video’s visibility, fewer recommendations, and a lower overall channel reach.
Third Copyright Strike
Getting a third copyright strike within the 90-day window is the worst nightmare for any creator. You will have:
- Permanent Channel Ban: Your YouTube channel will be permanently removed from the platform. There is no going back from this.
- All Content Deleted: All of your videos, whether it was infringing or not, will be deleted from YouTube.
- Platform Prohibition: You will be permanently banned from creating any new YouTube channels. This is a lifetime ban from the platform.
How to Check Copyright Strikes on YouTube?
YouTube makes it very easy to see if your account has any active strikes. Here’s how you can check it:
- Go to YouTube Studio and sign in with the Google account connected to your YouTube channel.
- On the left-hand side, you’ll see options like Dashboard, Content, Analytics, and others. Click on the Content.
- This page shows all your uploaded videos. If a video has been taken down due to copyright, you’ll see a clear Copyright Strike or Removed notice under the Restrictions section.
How To Fix a Copyright Strike
When you receive a copyright strike, there are three main options:
1. Request a Retraction
A retraction is when the copyright owner who filed the DMCA takedown notice decides to withdraw their claim. This immediately removes the strike from your channel. So, it’s the fastest and most effective way to resolve a strike.
To do this, you need to contact the person or company that issued the strike. You can find their contact information in the copyright notification you received in your YouTube Studio. In case you can’t find any, YouTube Studio also provides a standard request form for retraction.
When you contact them, explain your situation clearly in a polite tone. If you have permission to use the content, provide proof. If your use was a mistake, you can apologize and ask them to retract the claim.
2. Submit a Counter Notification
If you believe the copyright strike was a mistake or that you had a legal right to use the content (for example, under the Fair Use doctrine), you can file a counter-notification. As it’s a legal process, you should consider it as a last resort only.
YouTube will review your submission and forward it to the original claimant. They will then have 10 business days to provide evidence of a court order, or the strike may be reversed.
3. Wait For It To Expire
If you don’t want to request a retraction or file a counter-notification, another option is simply to wait for the strike to expire. YouTube copyright strikes automatically expire after 90 days, provided you follow all of YouTube’s guidelines during that period. Just make sure that you stay out of another strike within this time, as it can lead to more serious penalties, including channel termination.
Tips to Avoid a Copyright Strike
Avoiding copyright strikes is much better than trying to fix them. Let’s have a look at some advanced strategies to fix your channel:
1. Upload As A Private/Unlisted Video First
Upload the video as Private or Unlisted and wait a little while before you post it. YouTube still scans private uploads with Content ID and shows claims in the Copyright tab in YouTube Studio.
If Content ID finds a match, it just results in a copyright claim, not a strike. So, you have nothing to lose.
You will have ample time to fix the problem (by replacing, muting, or trimming the audio) and then upload it again before making it public. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid public video takedowns and copyright strikes.
2. Utilize Royalty Free Music
To avoid copyright strikes, always use royalty-free music and media in your videos. This includes audio and footage from sources like Pexels, or libraries that require a subscription such as Envato Elements.
YouTube also provides a built-in resource called the YouTube Audio Library, where creators can access free music and sound effects for their videos. The big advantage is that these tracks are officially cleared by YouTube, which means they’re safe for monetization.
But that’s just for the time being. Sometimes a track listed as ‘royalty-free’ today may become licensed later. If that happens, older videos using the track could be flagged, leading to copyright claims or even strikes.
That’s where the LenosTube Free Music Library comes into the picture. We’ve sourced more than 5,000 copyright-free tracks from trusted providers. And guess what? Unlike many generic YouTube Audio Library tracks, our collection is fresh, high-quality, and unique. Try it out now!
3. Plan Live Streams With Safe Music
Live streaming gives rights holders and Content ID more exposure. So, you must use only broadcast-safe music on the radio and in person.
If you plan to stream background music, make a tracklist and get in touch with the people who own the rights to the music ahead of time. You will need quick proof and contacts if a live takedown happens to avoid long bans on live streaming.
4. Create Your Own Content With AI
The best way to stay safe is to create your own music. No, this is not a joke!
You don’t need a professional studio or expensive licensing deals anymore. AI-powered music generators allow you to create custom tracks that are 100% original and safe for YouTube. Some of them even offer free versions to test the waters. Check out the best free AI music generators in 2025:
- AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist)
- Soundraw
- Boomy
Same applies to visuals as well. You can use tools like Veo 2, Sora, and Runway to generate high-quality video clips within seconds. And when it comes to image generation, use tools like DALL·E (OpenAI), MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and so on.
5. Use Layered or Composited Visuals
Rather than using a single stock video clip, combine multiple visual elements to create something original. For example:
- Overlay royalty-free graphics on stock footage
- Add text, shapes, or effects to the clips through the video editor software
- Change color grading and contrast to make the clip ‘transformative’
If the visual becomes distinct from the orginal somehow, Content ID will fail to match it.
Even though editing helps, the best way to stay safe is to curate the assets from trusted sources. That’s why, we at LenosTube, offer an authentic free YouTube animation downloader. You can download as much clips as you want. All are completely free to use with no strings attached.
6. Leverage Fair Use
Fair Use allows creators to legally use copyrighted material in certain ways without obtaining permission. You can:
- Add Voice-Over: Narrate over a clip to explain or review it. For example, you could break down a scene from a movie and explain its cinematography and Direction of Photography. This ‘transforms’ the original content into something new and educational.
- Edit Content: Sometimes even simple cutting and cropping can make the content unique. The more your edits change the original meaning, the stronger your Fair Use claim.
- Use For Informative Purposes: Videos that teach something are usually protected under Fair Use. For example, a “top 5 marketing campaigns” video can include clips from ads as long as you explain why they’re noteworthy.
- Add Value Through Context: Simply reposting a video won’t qualify. Always provide insight, critique, or humor that gives your audience something they can’t get from the original.
You must try to record the whole process. So, in case of issues like monetization appeal rejection, you can submit the video record as a proof of ‘Fair Use’.
How to issue a copyright strike on youtube
If you’re on the other end and notice someone using your content without permission, you can issue a copyright strike to protect your work. YouTube provides a clear process:
- Go to YouTube Studio. From the left-hand menu in YouTube Studio, click on “Copyright”
- Click on “New removal request” button. This will open the copyright removal request form.
- In the “Request video removal” section, click Add a Video. Select the type of video (your original content) from these options: Original Music, Non-Musical Audio, Software, Art Work, Written Work, Performing Arts, or Others.
- Paste the URL of the video that contains your copyrighted content. You can add multiple videos if they contain the same copyrighted content.
- Fill Out Copyright Owner Information, including owner name, your relationship with owner, phone number, email address, street address, and so on.
- You can either issue a standard immediate removal request or give the uploader 7 days to remove the video voluntarily and avoid a copyright strike.
- You must confirm the following legally required statements and enter your full legal name as your electronic signature. Then, click on the Submit button.
But make sure you only submit a strike if you truly own the content, as false claims can lead to legal consequences and penalties on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Do copyright strikes affect YouTube Shorts?
Yes, they do. The same Content ID system that checks regular videos also checks YouTube Shorts. If you use copyrighted music or video for even a few seconds, you could get a strike.
2. Can foreign content or international media trigger strikes?
Yes, of course. YouTube’s Content ID system can find copyrighted content from all over the world. You can still get a copyright strike on YouTube if you upload a song or a clip that is legal in your country but owned by someone else.
3. Do copyright strikes affect channel monetization immediately?
Yes. When you receive your a copyright strike, your channel will lose monetization privileges. Upon third strike, your channel will lead to automatic termination of your YouTube channel (and obviously monetization).
4. Are there any tools that can help prevent visual copyright detection?
Yes, AI-powered tools like TinEye can help check images for copyright issues before uploading. But the best foolproof way to avoid copyright strikes is to upload the video as private. YouTube Content ID will automatically scan it and let you know of any issues to fix.
5. Are copyright strikes only issued automatically by YouTube?
No, copyright strikes are not just from Content ID system. Many times, the content owner manually finds your video and submits a takedown request through YouTube.
Conclusion
A YouTube copyright strike might feel like a sudden roadblock. But in reality, it’s pushing you to create something original with custom visuals, original music, AI-generated assets, and so on.
That’s what makes your content unique in a competitive space and help you gain a competitive edge to grow your channel. So, rather than fearing copyright strikes, consider them as an opportunity to refine your creativity.
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