Submit a copyright counter notification

If your content was removed due to a copyright removal request and you believe it's because of a mistake or misidentification, you can submit a counter notification. This is a legal request for YouTube to reinstate content that was removed due to a copyright removal request.

Keep in mind:

  • Only submit a counter notification if your content was removed due to a mistake or misidentification. This includes exceptions to copyright, such as cases of fair use or fair dealing.
  • If your content doesn't fit the criteria above, you can wait 90 days for the copyright strike to expire. You can also try to get in touch with the claimant directly to request a retraction.
Do not submit false information. Misuse of our processes, such as submitting fraudulent documentation, may result in the termination of your account or other legal consequences.

Evaluate the content

To review content that was removed due to a copyright removal request:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, select Content .
  3. Click the filter bar and then Copyright.
  4. Find the video in question.
  5. In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright.
    • If the hover text says Copyright – Takedown it means that a video is affected by a copyright removal request also known as a "takedown".
  6. Click SEE DETAILS.
  7. Review the Video copyright details page, which shows more info on the content identified in the removal request.
    • If other videos were removed and belong to the same copyright strike, make sure you review the Video copyright details page for the other videos, too. If you believe multiple videos were incorrectly removed, you can submit one counter notification for all videos.
  8. Consider the following before submitting a counter notification: 
  • Ownership: Is the content your own original content and do you own all the rights to it?
  • Evidence: If you’ve used someone else’s copyrighted work, do you have evidence of a license or permission to use that content?
  • Copyright exception: Is your use protected by fair use or a similar copyright exception?
  • Public domain: Is the content in the public domain?

If none of the above apply to your content, you can wait 90 days for the copyright strike to expire. You can also try to get in touch with the claimant directly to request a retraction.

Submit a counter notification

Counter notifications should be submitted by the original uploader of the content at issue. The original uploader must consent to sharing the information in the counter notification with the claimant. If disclosing personal information is a concern, an authorized representative (such as an attorney) can submit on the uploader's behalf by email, fax, or postal mail.

To submit a counter notification in YouTube Studio:

  1. Follow the steps above to find the removed video in YouTube Studio.
  2. Under Content identified in this video, click SELECT ACTIONS and then Submit counter notification.
  3. Read the counter notification requirements and check the boxes to confirm and then CONTINUE.
  4. Enter your contact info and then CONTINUE.
    • Make sure you include your complete physical address and full legal name (usually a first and last name). Do not enter a company or channel name.
  5. Enter your rationale. Clearly and concisely explain why you believe the removal of your content qualifies as a mistake or misidentification.
  6. Review the statements and check the boxes to agree.
  7. Enter your full legal name as your signature and then CONTINUE.
  8. (Optional) If other videos were removed from the same removal request and you also believe they were incorrectly removed, you can select these videos and include all of them in the counter notification.
  9. Click SUBMIT.
You can also submit a counter notification by email, fax, or postal mail.
 

What happens after you submit a counter notification

After a counter notification is submitted, it's forwarded to the claimant if it meets all the requirements, including a clear explanation of why you believe the content was misidentified or removed in error. Counter notifications that don't meet all the requirements may be rejected.

The claimant has 10 US business days, as required by copyright law, to respond to the counter notification. They must respond with evidence of legal action taken to keep your content from being reinstated to YouTube.

If the claimant doesn't do this within this 10-day time period, your content is reinstated to YouTube (unless you deleted it) and the associated copyright strike is cleared from your channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I check the status of a counter notification I submitted?

To check the status of a counter notification that you submitted:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, select Content .
  3. Click the filter bar and then Copyright.
  4. Find the video in question.
  5. In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright.
  6. Click SEE DETAILS.
  7. Look under the Content identified in this video section to find the status of the counter notification.
Can I cancel a counter notification I submitted?
If you want to cancel a counter notification, you can do so as long as the claimant hasn't responded to the counter notification yet.
To cancel it, reply directly to YouTube's confirmation email (the email that confirmed the counter notification was received). In your reply, state that you want to retract your counter notification. You can also email copyright@youtube.com with this information.
How do I submit a counter notification for non-video content?

Counter notifications for non-video content, such as comments or channel banner images, must be submitted by email, fax, or postal mail.

Note: Because channel profile pictures are hosted on Google, counter notifications related to channel profile pictures must be submitted through Google’s webform.

Can I submit a counter notification if my account was terminated for copyright violations?
If your account was terminated for copyright violations, you won't be able to submit a counter notification in YouTube Studio. You can still submit a counter notification by email, fax, or postal mail.

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