Submit a copyright counter notification

If your content was removed due to a copyright removal request and you believe that 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.

Bear 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.

Prepare a counter notification

To review videos that were removed due to a copyright removal request:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. From the left-hand menu, select Content .
3. In the Videos tab, click the filter bar Copyright claims.
4. Find the video in question.
5. In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright claim.
   • If the hover text says Copyright claim – Takedown it means that a video is affected by a copyright removal request.
6. Click SEE DETAILS.

Before submitting a counter notification, consider the following:

• 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 licence 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 considerations 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 authorised representative (such as a lawyer) can submit on the uploader's behalf by email, fax or post.

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 Actions Submit counter notification.
3. Read the counter notification requirements and tick the boxes to confirm CONTINUE.
4. Enter your contact info CONTINUE.
   • Make sure that 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 that the removal of your content qualifies as a mistake or misidentification.
6. Review the statements and tick the boxes to agree.
7. Enter your full legal name as your signature CONTINUE.
8. Click SUBMIT.

You can also submit a counter notification by email, fax or post.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

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

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. From the left-hand menu, select Content .
3. Click the filter bar  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 that 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 that the counter notification was received). In your reply, state that you want to retract your counter notification. You can also email [e-mail] 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 post.

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 suspended 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 post.

More info

• Copyright strike basics
• Fair use on YouTube
• Retract a copyright takedown request