So, you’ve been putting in the time and effort to produce high-quality videos for your YouTube channel. However, receiving a copyright claim on one of your videos can be a major setback and can even result in the removal of your content from the platform. Don’t worry, this blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about how to avoid copyright claims on YouTube videos and ensure that your content is safe and protected.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Avoid Copyright Claims on YouTube Videos
Copyright laws ensure that an original creator has the exclusive right to use, distribute, and profit from their work. If you use someone else’s copyrighted material in your YouTube video without permission, you could receive a copyright claim on your content. This claim can result in a strike against your account, which may limit your access to YouTube features.
Additionally, if you receive multiple copyright claims/strikes, your channel may be terminated. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid copyright claims on your content while creating your YouTube videos.
Method 1: Use Royalty-Free Music and Images
Using someone else’s copyrighted music or images is the easiest way to get a copyright strike on your video. Therefore, it is vital to use royalty-free music and images. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Find Royalty-Free Music and Images using websites like Shutterstock, Pixabay, and Pexels.
- Step 2: Add the royalty-free music or images to your video project.
Pros:
- It’s free to use;
- Plenty of options to choose from;
- You won’t receive any copyright claims.
Cons:
- The music or images may not fit your video project perfectly;
- Some royalty-free sources require attribution.
Method 2: Use Copyright-Free Sounds
Another easy way to get a copyright claim on your video is by using a sound effect or YouTube audio library without proper clearance. Here’s a safe way to use sounds in your videos:
- Step 1: Browse YouTube Audio Library or other library resources for free music and sound effects.
- Step 2: Download the sounds and add them to your video project.
Pros:
- The sound effects are ready to use;
- You won’t receive any copyright claims as all sounds/library are authorized by YouTube.
Cons:
- Library sources may not have a variety of sounds;
- Sounds may not fit your video project perfectly.
Method 3: Create Your Original Content
Creating original content is the best way to avoid a copyright claim on your YouTube videos. Original content means the content you make yourself, using your camera, and your editing skills. Here are some steps to create original content:
- Step 1: Brainstorm a concept of your video and write down the key ideas.
- Step 2: Plan out the shot including; what you will film, the angle, and the lighting.
- Step 3: Record the video.
- Step 4: Edit the raw footage to produce a final awesome video.
Pros:
- Your content is unique;
- No copyright claim on your video;
- You own all rights to the content.
Cons:
- It takes more effort;
- It requires creativity skills to make excellent content.
What to Do If You Can’t Avoid a Copyright Claim
If you receive a copyright claim on your video, you can file a dispute through YouTube’s copyright management program. You will need to prove that you have the right to use the copyrighted material under YouTube’s fair use policy. You can also consider using licensed music, images, or sounds if you need to use copyrighted material in your video.
Bonus Tips
– Always give credit when necessary.
– If you’re still unsure about using content, reach out to the owner and ask for permission or purchase a license to use their work.
– While uploading a video, ensure you have disabled monetization feature if you’re not the owner.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can You Avoid a Copyright Strike By Giving Credit to The Copyright Owner?
A: giving credit does not guarantee you won’t get flagged or receive a copyright claim. However, it shows that you are not trying to pass off someone else’s work as your own.
Q2: What Is Fair Use?
A: Fair use is a doctrine in copyright law that allows the use of someone else’s copyrighted material without their permission, if it is for the purpose of comment, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
Q3: How Do I Know If an Image or Music is Copyrighted?
A: Any music or images you encounter are likely copyrighted by default unless stated otherwise. Therefore, it’s best to find sources that freely offer free pieces that you can use legally.
Q4: What Happens if You Get a Copyright Strike?
A: If you get a copyright strike, you may lose access to some of the YouTube features. If you receive multiple strikes, your account may be terminated.
Q5: How Long Do Copyright Strikes Last on YouTube?
A: Copyright strikes on YouTube remain on your account for 90 days. However, If you believe your copyright strike is not acceptable, you have the option to dispute it.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding copyright claims on YouTube videos is a vital aspect that content producers need to understand. Always consider creating your original content or use authorized things such as royalty-free music, Sounds from the YouTube Audio Library, or licensed content, which will remove your chances of getting a copyright strike. If you receive a claim, be sure to understand the fair use policy and fight back if necessary. Happy creating!