How to Avoid Copyright on YouTube (Complete Guide)

Copyright issues are one of the biggest headaches for YouTube creators. A single copyright strike can take down your video, and three strikes can terminate your channel. Here’s how to avoid copyright problems entirely.

Copyright Claims vs Copyright Strikes

These are different things with different consequences:

	Copyright Claim	Copyright Strike
What happens	Rights holder claims your video uses their content	Rights holder requests takedown through DMCA
Video status	Stays up (usually)	Removed from YouTube
Monetization	Revenue goes to claimant	N/A (video is taken down)
Channel impact	No penalty	Strike on your account
3 of these =	Nothing	Channel termination
How to resolve	Dispute, trim, or remove music	Counter-notification or wait 90 days

Claims are handled by YouTube’s Content ID system and are relatively harmless — your video stays up, but the rights holder may monetize it. Strikes are formal DMCA takedowns and are much more serious.

How to Avoid Copyright Issues

1. Use Copyright-Free Music

The easiest way to avoid music copyright issues:

• YouTube Audio Library — free music and sound effects built into YouTube Studio. Go to Studio > Audio Library
• Creative Commons music — search for CC-licensed music on platforms like Free Music Archive
• Royalty-free music services — Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Musicbed (paid but license-cleared)

Always check the specific license terms. Some “free” music requires attribution in your description.

2. Don’t Use Full Copyrighted Songs

Using even 10–30 seconds of a copyrighted song will trigger Content ID. Common myths debunked:

• “If I use under 30 seconds, it’s fair use” — FALSE. There’s no time-based safe harbor
• “If I credit the artist, I can use it” — FALSE. Credit doesn’t grant a license
• “If I say ‘no copyright intended,’ I’m protected” — FALSE. This has zero legal effect

3. Understand Fair Use

Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like:

• Commentary and criticism — reviewing a movie, reacting to a song, analyzing a game
• Education — teaching concepts using brief clips
• Parody — creating a humorous version of something
• News reporting — covering current events

Fair use is determined by four factors:

1. Purpose — transformative use (commentary, criticism) is more likely fair use
2. Nature — factual content is more freely usable than creative content
3. Amount — using less of the original work helps your case
4. Market effect — if your video replaces the original, it’s less likely fair use

Important: Fair use is a legal defense, not a right. You may still get a claim and have to dispute it.

4. Create Original Content

The safest approach is to use only content you create yourself:

• Record your own gameplay footage
• Film your own B-roll
• Create your own graphics and animations
• Write and perform your own music

5. Use Stock Footage Properly

If you use stock footage or images:

• Buy proper licenses from sites like Shutterstock, Pexels, or Unsplash
• Read the license terms carefully — some don’t allow YouTube use
• Keep your receipts/licenses as proof

6. Be Careful with Gameplay

Game streaming and gameplay videos exist in a gray area:

• Most game publishers allow gameplay footage and let’s plays
• Some publishers have specific content creator policies — check their website
• Cutscenes and in-game music may trigger Content ID even if gameplay is allowed

What to Do If You Get a Copyright Claim

Option 1: Accept It

If the claim is valid, you can leave it. Your video stays up, but the rights holder may monetize it.

Option 2: Trim or Replace the Music

In YouTube Studio, you can:

1. Go to your video’s Copyright section
2. Use Trim to remove the claimed segment
3. Or use Replace song to swap the music with a free alternative

Option 3: Dispute the Claim

If you believe the claim is wrong (fair use, public domain, or you own the rights):

1. Go to YouTube Studio > Content
2. Click the copyright claim
3. Select “Dispute”
4. Provide your reason

Be honest — false disputes can lead to copyright strikes.

What to Do If You Get a Copyright Strike

1. Don’t panic — one strike doesn’t terminate your channel
2. Review the takedown — check if it’s legitimate
3. Submit a counter-notification if you believe the takedown is wrong
4. Wait 90 days — strikes expire after 90 days if no further action is taken
5. Complete Copyright School — YouTube requires this after your first strike

Types of Content That Commonly Trigger Claims

• Background music (even quiet/ambient)
• Movie and TV show clips
• Song covers (the composition is still copyrighted even if your performance is original)
• Sports highlights
• News broadcasts
• Other people’s YouTube videos

YouTube’s Content ID System

Content ID is an automated system that scans uploads against a database of copyrighted content. When it finds a match:

• The rights holder is notified
• They can choose to: monetize your video, block it, or track it (no action)
• You receive a claim notification

Content ID is separate from DMCA takedowns. It’s automated and less severe, but it can still affect your revenue.

Best Practices Summary

1. Use YouTube Audio Library or licensed music services
2. Don’t use copyrighted music — even short clips
3. Create original content whenever possible
4. If commenting on copyrighted material, keep clips short and add substantial commentary
5. Always check game publisher content policies before streaming
6. Keep license documentation for any stock content you use

For more on optimizing your YouTube channel, check our YouTube SEO guide and free tools for creators.