YouTube Copyright Claims vs. Takedowns: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest challenges for creators on YouTube is understanding copyright rules and laws. Specifically, it can be challenging to determine which actions result in copyright strikes and which do not. But have no fear, SuperBam is here to dispel the confusion!

For the unfamiliar, a copyright strike is a legal notification that your content is infringing upon someone’s rights and that they don’t want the content on YouTube. Essentially it means that you have uploaded something that someone else owns which they cannot have or do not want publicly available on YouTube.

However, not all of these actions result in strikes. Let’s go over some of the ways that content owners can manage their copyright interests on YouTube:

• They can contact the uploader and ask to be credited/promoted or for the video to be taken down.
• They can file a claim on the video and set a policy to monetize, track, or block it globally or in specific countries. However, to do this, they must have access to YouTube’s Content ID tool or work with a company like us.
• They can issue a DMCA takedown which removes the video from YouTube under copyright laws.

To be clear, the only action that will issue a copyright strike is a DMCA Takedown. The uploader will not be issued one if they receive a claim that monetizes, tracks, or blocks.

Content ID claims, including blocks, are not accompanied by copyright strikes and therefore do not issue them against the uploader. However, too many global blocks can suspend the uploader’s channel for monetization. (Note: If you receive one of these types of claims you should resolve it as soon as possible but DO NOT DELETE THE VIDEO before doing so.)

Since January 2014, Content ID claims have outnumbered copyright takedowns by more than 100 to 1. In our experience, less than 1% of claims issued result in the removal of the video. Usually, the claim policy monetizes or tracks the videos. Therefore, the they remain live on YouTube.

As a content owner, this is important for you to know so that you can understand the entire scope of implementing a rights management strategy and decide if it’s something for you.

For more information regarding rights management, copyright claims, or protecting your content, send us a message. We help hundreds of content owners understand and manage their copyright interests on YouTube, and we may be able to help you too.

SuperBam is an independent rights-management provider that helps content owners monetize their pirated content and optimize their content to increase revenue on the YouTube platform.