With content creators rapidly growing their channels using services like YouTube watch time and subscribers, understanding YouTube copyright rules is not optional—it’s critical. YouTube’s copyright system is stricter and more automated than ever before. If you’re not careful, your entire channel can be demonetized or even terminated for copyright violations.
This article walks you through how to avoid copyright strikes and bans, especially if you’re scaling your presence professionally using tools like YouTube likes or YouTube comments.
What Is YouTube’s Copyright System?
YouTube complies with the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), which means they are legally required to remove infringing content when notified by copyright holders. To help with this, YouTube uses:
Content ID
This system automatically scans your uploads and compares them to a vast database of protected content. If your video includes copyrighted music, movie clips, or other protected content, you may receive a copyright claim.
While a claim won’t result in a strike immediately, it may:
- Redirect monetization to the content owner
- Restrict video visibility
- Block your video in certain regions
To stay safe, it’s essential to understand how claims differ from copyright strikes.
Copyright Claim vs. Strike: Know the Difference
- Copyright Claim: YouTube flags your video via Content ID. The rights holder may monetize or restrict your video.
- Copyright Strike: A legal takedown request. If you receive three strikes within 90 days, your channel will be deleted permanently.
This distinction is important when you’re working hard to grow your brand through YouTube growth services or cross-promotion via platforms like Instagram or Facebook BM accounts.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Strikes
- Using copyrighted music without permission — Even a 5-second clip can trigger a strike.
- Uploading content from TV shows, movies, or sports events
- Relying on “crediting the owner” as a valid defense — Spoiler: it’s not.
How to Avoid Copyright Strikes and Bans
1. Use Royalty-Free or Licensed Content
Leverage platforms like YouTube’s Audio Library or paid stock services for background music. If you’re producing videos at scale, using different channels with segmented ownership through multiple Gmail accounts or Google Voice backups helps reduce risk exposure.
2. Understand Fair Use (But Don’t Rely on It Blindly)
Fair use can apply to commentary, parody, or education—but it’s not guaranteed protection. YouTube doesn’t decide fair use; courts do. Misusing it can still lead to a strike.
3. Avoid Reusing Other People’s Work
Creating your own visuals, voiceovers, and music reduces the chance of any legal issues. If outsourcing content, make sure freelancers have original licensing or ownership.
Tools YouTube Offers for Copyright Protection
YouTube gives creators multiple tools to avoid accidental copyright issues:
- Copyright Match Tool: Lets you know if others are re-uploading your content
- YouTube Studio Dashboard: Tracks claims and strikes
- Automatic Mute or Replace Tools: Let you fix videos with copyrighted music
Also, make sure you have two-factor authentication enabled for added protection. If you haven’t already, learn how from our guide on enabling 2FA on YouTube.
What to Do If You Get a Copyright Strike
Wait It Out
Strikes expire in 90 days as long as you complete YouTube’s copyright school and avoid new violations.
Request a Retraction
Politely reach out to the copyright owner and ask them to retract the strike if you believe it was issued in error.
File a Counter Notification
If you’re confident your content qualifies as fair use or you hold the rights, you can submit a legal request for re-upload. But beware—this is a formal legal process.
Use Secure Practices If You’re Scaling Channels
When managing multiple YouTube brands, consider:
- Separate logins with buy old Gmail accounts for channel compartmentalization
- Secure backups for access recovery
- Using ProtonMail or Zoho accounts for additional communication security
Related Blogs to Explore
- Learn how to secure your YouTube account from hackers
- Discover privacy settings on YouTube you should change right now
- Step-by-step on recovering a hacked YouTube channel
Final Thoughts
YouTube copyright enforcement in 2025 is fast, automated, and unforgiving. If you’re creating content professionally—especially while growing your audience with premium engagement tools—your best defense is education and proactive protection.
Stay original. Stay licensed. Stay secure. And keep uploading without the fear of losing your hard-earned channel.