How To Remove Copyright Claims on YouTube (FAST & EASY)
Learn how to remove copyright claims on YouTube to restore your video monetization. Discover fast and easy ways to erase, replace, trim, or dispute content.
Key Takeaways
How to Identify Copyright Claims on Your YouTube Videos
If copyright claims are blocking your YouTube earnings, either causing revenue to be shared or blocking monetization entirely, you need to resolve them to get your video fully monetized again.
To find out if your videos are affected, navigate to the Content tab inside YouTube Studio. Check the Monetization and Restrictions columns for your uploaded videos.
FAQ
Do I have to delete and re-upload my video if it gets a YouTube copyright claim?
No, you do not need to take your video down. YouTube offers built-in editing tools within YouTube Studio that allow you to clear the claim by erasing the flagged audio, replacing the song, or trimming out the copyrighted segment entirely without losing the video's views or URL.
Why are the options to edit or remove a copyrighted song grayed out?
If the editing options like 'Erase Song' or 'Replace Song' are grayed out, it is usually because you have automatic language dubbing enabled. YouTube cannot currently edit videos that have multiple audio tracks. To fix this, navigate to the Languages tab, remove the translated tracks, and reopen the copyright details to access the editing tools.
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Identify active claims in YouTube Studio by checking for "Ineligible," "Blocked," or "Sharing" statuses under the Monetization and Restrictions columns.
Clear claims without re-uploading by using YouTube's built-in "Take action" tools to Erase, Replace, or Trim the flagged segment.
Fix grayed-out editing options by temporarily removing any multiple audio tracks or language dubs from your video's Languages tab.
Dispute the claim if you legally own the rights, using valid categories like Original Content, Fair Use, Public Domain, or by pasting your purchased license text.
Ad revenue is held in escrow for up to 30 days during the dispute process and is released directly to you if the claim is overturned.
No Claims: If the video is monetized and free of claims, monetization will be set to "On" and restrictions will simply say "None."
Active Claims: If the monetization status says "Ineligible," "Blocked," or "Sharing," there are copyright claims on your video that must be resolved.
To start the removal process, hover your mouse over the Restrictions column and click See details. This will open a window showing exactly where the issue is located in your video (e.g., a flagged song in your outro). Click the Take action button to view your options.
Ways to Remove Copyright Claims Without Disputing
If you do not have the rights to use the flagged content, YouTube provides built-in editing tools to remove the copyrighted material from your video. These options allow you to clear the claim without having to take the video down and re-upload it.
Option
Description
Best For
Erase Song
Removes the copyrighted audio. You can choose to mute the segment entirely or remove the song while keeping your spoken audio intact.
Keeping your visuals unchanged while easily stripping out background music.
Replace Song
Swap the copyrighted track with a safe alternative. You can select a replacement using the plus icon, adjust the clip, and preview the new sound.
Videos that still need background music to maintain their pacing and energy.
Trim Out Segment
Cuts out the flagged content entirely, removing both the audio and the video from the offending area.
Completely removing a problematic section, though it will create a jump cut in your video.
Note: Trimming out the segment is generally considered the worst option of the three, as it forces you to lose some of your actual video content.
Troubleshooting: "You Can't Edit a Video With Multiple Audio Tracks"
If you open the "Take action" menu and find that the editing options are grayed out, you likely have automatic language dubbing enabled. YouTube cannot currently edit videos with multiple audio tracks.
To fix this:
Open the Languages tab for the video.
Go through the translations and remove them one by one.
Reopen the copyright details. You should now be able to select the editing options.
How to Dispute a Copyright Claim
If you believe you actually have the right to use the flagged content, your best bet is to dispute the claim. Unlike the editing options, which modify your video and remove content, disputing allows you to appeal the claim, have it removed, and fully monetize your video while keeping it exactly as it is.
To begin, hit Dispute, read the prompts, and click Continue. You will need to select a reason for your dispute and provide a written rationale. The available reasons include:
1. Original Content
Select this if the flagged material is completely your own original work and not created by anyone else. You will need to provide as much detailed information as possible to prove ownership.
2. Copyright Exception (Fair Use)
You can claim fair use if the copyrighted content has been transformed enough to fall under copyright exceptions, such as news reporting, parodies, or reaction videos.
YouTube provides a long list of reuse types to select from. Keep in mind that fair use is a legal gray area, so clearly explain exactly how your content qualifies for this exception.
3. Public Domain
If the content is in the public domain, it is no longer protected by copyright law and is free to use. Be sure to read YouTube's listed misconceptions about valid public domain reasons to ensure your claim is accurate.
4. License
Select this option if you have purchased or obtained a license to use the content.
Example: Disputing with a Purchased License
If you licensed a song from a platform like Envato Elements, resolving the claim is very straightforward:
Go to the platform where you purchased the music and download the license file for the specific song.
Open the file and copy the license text to your clipboard.
Back in YouTube Studio, paste the contents of that license file into the rationale box.
Review the information, check the required agreement boxes, sign with your name, and click Submit.
What Happens During a Dispute? (The Escrow Process)
Once your dispute is submitted, it is sent to the claimant for review. The claimant has up to 30 days to review the dispute and respond.
During this 30-day period, your video will be placed in escrow. This means that all ad earnings generated by the video are held securely by YouTube. If you win the dispute, all the held ad revenue will be released directly to you.
When the claim is officially released, you will receive an email notification from YouTube confirming that your video is fully monetized again.
Further Resources for Content Creators
Looking to improve your YouTube workflow with safe, high-quality assets? Check out this guide on the best free resources for making YouTube videos to help you create better content while avoiding future copyright strikes and claims.
How long does a YouTube copyright claim dispute take?
Once you submit your dispute in YouTube Studio, the copyright claimant has up to 30 days to review your appeal and issue a response. If they release the claim, YouTube will send you an email notification confirming your video is fully monetized again.
Will I lose my ad revenue while waiting for a dispute to finish?
No, you will not lose your earnings assuming you win the appeal. During the 30-day review period, your video is placed in an escrow process. YouTube securely holds all ad earnings generated during this time and will release the full amount directly to you once the claim is resolved in your favor.
How do I prove I purchased a license for a song during a dispute?
If you purchased a track from a stock library like Envato Elements, simply download the license file for that specific song from the platform. Open the document, copy the license text, and paste it directly into the rationale box under the 'License' option when filing your dispute in YouTube Studio.
How can I avoid getting copyright claims on my future YouTube videos?
The easiest way to avoid claims and protect your monetization is to only use assets you have the rights to. To find safe, high-quality music and visuals, check out this guide on the best free resources for making YouTube videos.
