Creating on YouTube is enjoyable, but a single copyright strike will land your entire channel in trouble—or worse, get it shut down. So how do you avoid copyright strikes on YouTube and be sure that you're uploading legally safe vids? This SEO-friendly guide teaches you the essential steps to stay strike-free in 2025.
What Is a YouTube Copyright Strike?
A copyright strike occurs if a copyright holder informs you that you uploaded their copyrighted content—like music, video clips, or graphics—without authorization. The offending video is removed by YouTube and you receive a strike. Three strikes, and the account is deleted forever.
✅ Best Practices to Avoid Copyright Strikes
1. Use Royalty-Free or Licensed Content
Use only content you created yourself or licensed through legal channels. Look for:
- Royalty-free music libraries like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or YouTube's Audio Library
- Stock videos and images from Pexels, Pixabay, or Storyblocks
Tip: Always double-check the licensing terms at all times—even royalty-free isn't "free for all."
2. Avoid Popular Commercial Music
Adding a hit song to your video without a proper license is the #1 reason behind copyright strikes on YouTube. Even incorporating short clips can have YouTube's Content ID system tagging them.
.Alternative: Utilize music from YouTube's built-in Audio Library or purchase commercial-use rights on paid music websites.
.3. Do Not Reupload Other People's Videos
Reposting popular videos, movie scene clips, sports highlight reels, or other individuals' content—even with credits—is illegal. Unless you are specifically approved or the content is in the public domain, do not re-upload other people's content.
4. Be Wary of Creative Commons Videos
You can locate Creative Commons (CC-BY) videos via the YouTube filter, but these videos:
- Have to be changed or used in a new context
- Nevertheless, require attribution
- Can't be reposted in its original context
5. Transform Content to Make it Fair Use (With Caution)
"Fair Use" lets you use copyrighted content for commentary, criticism, or education, but it's risky and subjective.
✅ Examples of potential fair use:
- Reaction videos
- Educational deconstructions
- Short clip movie reviews
- Transformative commentary news reporting
Don't upload entire scenes, music tracks, or shows out of context.
What Is YouTube Content ID?
YouTube's Content ID system automatically scans uploaded videos for copyrighted visual and audio material. If a match is found:
- The rights holder can block, monetize, or track the video
- You could get a copyright claim or a strike
Be sure to regularly check your YouTube Studio > Copyright section to catch problems early.
Tools to Keep You Copyright-Safe
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free music & sound effects for monetized content |
| Lickd | Licensed chart music for YouTube creators |
| Epidemic Sound | Commercial royalty-free music |
| Copytrack / Pixsy | Monitor your work being used illegally |
| TubeBuddy & VidIQ | SEO and content optimization (not for copyright but helpful overall) |
What Will Happen If You Get a Copyright Strike?
- Your video gets taken down
- You temporarily lose monetization opportunities
- After 3 strikes in 90 days, your channel gets removed
- You can face legal action by the copyright holder
Content Creator Tips
- Maintain records of all licenses and permissions
- Avoid trendy clips unless you have the rights
- Give proper attribution where required
- Add a disclaimer using small clips for fair use (won't always keep you safe, but helps)
- Appeal sensibly if you feel a strike is a mistake
Conclusion: Play It Safe, Create with Confidence
Understand how to avoid YouTube copyright strikes and it can contribute to the long-term success of your channel. Use copyrighted materials wisely, get creative thinking outside the box, and stay abreast of YouTube's ever-shifting copyright policies. Your imagination is worth defending—not penalizing.
External Resources
#YouTubeTips #CopyrightStrike #ContentCreatorHelp #FairUse #YouTube2025 #AvoidCopyright