Learn about Content ID claims

A Content ID claim is automatically generated when an uploaded video matches another video (or segment of a video) in YouTube's Content ID system. Depending on the copyright owner's Content ID settings, Content ID claims can:
  • Block a video from being viewed
  • Monetize the video by running ads on it, sometimes sharing revenue with the uploader
  • Track the video’s viewership statistics

Any of these actions can be geography-specific. For example, a video with a Content ID claim can be monetized in one country/region and blocked or tracked in a different country/region.

Keep in mind:
  • Videos longer than three minutes in length: When a claimed video is tracked or monetised, it stays viewable on YouTube with the active Content ID claim on it. Copyright owners can apply any of the following policies to their claims: monetize, track, or block. “Monetize” is the most common policy applied to music claims.
  • Videos 1-3 minutes in length:  Claimed videos will be blocked if there is an active claim applied, regardless of policy. You will not receive a copyright strike for videos that contain active claims.
  • Content ID claims are different from copyright removal requests and copyright strikes.
  • Content ID claims affect videos, but usually don't impact your channel or account.

In this video, learn how to check if your video has a Content ID claim and how you can respond:

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Content ID claims in three-minute Shorts

Starting on October 15 2024, all new vertical videos that are 1-3 minutes in length will be categorized as Shorts on YouTube. Shorts longer than one minute that have an active Content ID claim, regardless of the policy, will be blocked on YouTube.

If a claim is found when you upload a 1-3-minute Short, you’ll get a notification. You may remove claimed content from your videos. If you believe the claim was made in error, you can file a dispute. Once the claim is resolved, your Short will be viewable. Learn more about 1- to 3-minute Shorts.

 

Check if your video has a Content ID claim

If your video gets a Content ID claim, YouTube will email you. You can also use YouTube Studio to check if your video has a Content ID claim.

  1. Sign in the YouTube Studio app.
  2. Tap Content .
  3. Select a video with a copyright restriction and tap on the restriction.
  4. In the bottom panel, tap REVIEW ISSUES.
  5. Tap Status overview for more info on the claim.

See who claimed your video

  1. Sign in the YouTube Studio app.
  2. Tap Content .
  3. Select a video with a copyright restriction and tap on the restriction.
  4. In the bottom panel, tap REVIEW ISSUES.
  5. Tap the relevant claim to see who the content owner is.

If you don't recognize the copyright owner, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the claim is invalid. Also, if your video has a claim from "one or more music publishing rights collecting societies", you may want to learn more about collecting societies.

Keep in mind:
  • You can get claims from different copyright owners for different segments of your video.
  • If the content has different copyright owners in different countries or regions, you can get multiple claims on the same video or segment.

Manage Content ID claims

Depending on the situation, you have a few options to respond to a Content ID claim:

Leave it as is
If you believe that a claim is valid, you can do nothing and leave the claim on your video. You can also change your mind later.
Remove the claimed content

If you believe a claim is valid, you can remove the claimed content without having to upload a new video. If done successfully, any of these options will automatically remove the claim:

  • Trim out segment: You can edit out the claimed segment from your video.
  • Replace song: If the audio in your video is claimed, you may be able to replace your audio track with other audio from the YouTube Audio Library.
  • Mute song: If the audio in your video is claimed, you may be able to mute the claimed audio. You can choose whether to mute just the song or all audio in the video.
Share revenue
If you’re in the YouTube Partner Program and the music in your video is claimed, you may be able to share revenue with the music publisher.
Dispute the claim

If you believe a claim is invalid, you can dispute the claim if you're confident you have all the necessary rights to use the claimed content.

If you plan to dispute a claim and were monetizing your video, be sure you understand how monetization works during disputes. Keep in mind that YouTube doesn’t mediate copyright disputes.

If you dispute a claim without a valid reason, the copyright owner may request the removal of your video. If we get a valid copyright removal request for your video, your account will get a copyright strike.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Am I in trouble if my video has a Content ID claim?

Probably not. Copyright owners are the ones who decide whether other people can reuse their copyright-protected content. They often allow their content to be used in claimed videos in exchange for running ads on those videos. Ads might play before the video or during it (if the video is longer than 8 minutes).

If copyright owners don't want their content reused, they can:

  • Block a video: Copyright owners may block a video, which means it won't be viewable on YouTube. The video could be blocked worldwide or just in certain countries/regions.

  • Restrict certain platforms: Copyright owners may restrict the apps or websites where their content appears. Restricting doesn't change the availability of the video on YouTube.

What can I do if a Content ID claim is wrong?
If you believe a claim is invalid, you can dispute the claim if you're confident you have all the necessary rights to use the claimed content.
Keep in mind that if you dispute a claim without a valid reason, the copyright owner may request a removal of your video. If the copyright removal request is valid, a copyright strike is applied to your channel.

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