In the world of copyright, most disputes aren't as straightforward as someone claiming you used their content. There can be a number of complicated moving parts when it comes to digital rights management and your responsibilities and obligations as a YouTube creator.

As a content creator or viewer on YouTube, you must have come across the terms 'copyright claim' and 'copyright strike.' They are both related to copyright infringement, but there are some significant differences between the two. Today, we'll discuss how they are different but let's start from the basics.

 This post is an overview of how copyright works on YouTube. Please consult a lawyer if you need advice on a specific case.

 is a legal right that grants creators of original work exclusive rights to use and distribute their creations. This right applies to various types of creative works, including music, videos, images, and literary works. In simpler terms, it means that the creator has the right to control how their work is used, distributed, and monetized.

Unsurprisingly, YouTube serious about copyright infringement. The platform has 

 that match copyright policies in the U.S. (and presumably beyond), and it states very clearly that:

“Creators should only upload videos that they have made or that they’re authorized to use. Users should not upload videos that they didn’t make or use content in videos that someone else owns without necessary authorizations."

So, with that warning in mind, let's take a more detailed look at claims and strikes.

What Does Copyright Claim Mean on YouTube?

A copyright claim is a notification sent by YouTube's Content ID system. It occurs when a portion of a channel owner's video matches another copyrighted work. That creator can then decide whether to make a claim, depending on whether the video falls under 

, instead of submitting a copyright takedown notice. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

A YouTube copyright claim will not adversely affect your channel.

The rights holder can claim the revenue on your video if you have used their content.

The copyright holder can place ads on your video to generate that revenue.

The copyright holder can restrict your video in some countries or regions.

The copyright holder may also choose to take no action (but absolutely don’t rely on that!)

Copyright claims are a part of Copyright Law.

They only apply to the videos flagged and not the entire channel

A claim can be proven false depending upon if you really own the content that is being claimed by someone else.

How to Remove YouTube Copyright Claims From Your Videos

As a general rule, copyright claims on YouTube are made against video clips, audio, and other content that qualifies as owned media and hasn’t been available for publication. Claims are issued to creators if they don't own the TV or music clips, music, or other copyrighted media.

The rights owners have full control of their Content ID policy. Some creators and media publishers always opt to stop certain content from being uploaded to YouTube, like TV clips or music videos. Others allow their content to remain published on the uploader’s channel but only if some or all of the advertising revenue is funneled back to the copyright owners as compensation.

That all sounds a little confusing, so let’s break it down.

ContentID claims come with a monetization, tracking, or viewing restriction rule. For the latter, the video may only remain live in certain countries or regions at the rightsholder’s discretion. The owner can also decide to:

Block the entire video from being viewed on YouTube.

Monetize the video by placing ads against it - this might come with the option of a potential revenue share with the uploader.

The rights owner takes 100% of the revenue share from ads. The creator can still keep the video up but they won’t generate any revenue from that upload.

Track the video’s viewership stats which disables any monetization and lets the owner see how well your video is performing in case they choose to claim any revenue in the future.

YouTube itself has a handy guide for the options 

 Not everyone can access the Content ID feature. YouTube has very specific criteria for rights owners who want to track their content. Find out 

What to Do if There's a Copyright Claim on Your Video

In order to resolve and remove a copyright claim, the uploader will need to dispute it. Once the claim has been formally disputed by the uploader, the rights owner then has 

 to that appeal with the option of either:

Releasing the claim if they find evidence that the uploader does in fact have permission to use the material (as is often the case when a creator uses a music track licensed through a third party like 

Rejecting the dispute and upholding the claim because they believe they still have a strong and valid case

Receiving a copyright claim takedown request can lead to a copyright strike against a YouTube channel. Even if the ownership of the video is being disputed, it can still make money, which will be stored in a separate account until the disagreement is settled.

The rights owner has 30 days to respond to the dispute. They can choose to release their claim, take down the video, or set up a delayed takedown. The uploader then has 7 days to retract their appeal.

Here is Rob, YouTuber-in-residence at vidIQ, explaining how to deal with copyright claims:

A YouTube copyright strike, also known as a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) strike, is a warning issued by YouTube to a channel owner for violating the platform's copyright policy. It occurs when a creator notifies YouTube that their content has been used without their permission. The copyright owner can request that the video be removed, or they can choose to monetize it.

PSA: You do NOT want to attract any copyright strikes against your channel!

A copyright strike is issued when a rights owner requests the legal removal of a video on YouTube because the uploader didn’t have permission to use their images, audio, or video clips. As you can see from the image above (

), a strike differs significantly from a claim.

Copyright strikes are manual and are activated when a rights owner files a DMCA takedown request. The owner must supply YouTube with specific information regarding the takedown which includes:

The rightsholder’s contact information.

A thorough description of the material the owner wants to protect.

A sworn statement of good faith belief that the material (a video clip, a gif, an image, etc.) has been used without express permission.

After a DMCA takedown notice request is filed by the rights owner, YouTube has to remove the video in question from the uploader’s channel. That creator is notified, and they can either file a counter-notice or accept the takedown decision.

If the video is taken down following a manual claim, the creator’s channel will receive a copyright strike. Oh, and deleting the offending video will not resolve the strike. The first strike can have a negative impact on channel features like live streaming and monetization. However, creators have the opportunity to redeem themselves by completing YouTube's Copyright School within 90 days.

If you receive a second strike before the first one expires, your account will remain out of good standing for another 90 days. If you receive a third strike before the first two expire, your account will be terminated, and all uploaded videos will be removed. Additionally, you may face legal challenges and be required to pay legal fees and fines if you lose the case.

 is someone asserting that you have used their content, whether that be a video clip, an image, or a piece of audio. A 

 is much more serious for a YouTube creator, and your channel can be suspended for repeated copyright offenses.

The difference between copyright takedowns and Content ID claims

The legal issues all YouTube creators need to know about

The expert's guide to Fair Use & copyright on YouTube

How to get royalty-free music for your YouTube videos

YouTube logo and statue of a woman balancing scales

YouTubers, do you know the difference between a copyright claim and a copyright strike? If not, find out right now.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

In this post, we show you how to unlock every single YouTube feature. A good place to start is by finding out what features you already have and working your way up from there. You can do this by visiting your 

, which shows you most (but not all) of your features.

When you create a YouTube channel, it's a good idea to verify the account immediately. A successful verification, from YouTube's perspective, means you probably aren't a robot ready to spam viewers and creators.

Verifying your channel unlocks basic YouTube features, including the ability to:

Choose a method to receive your verification code (text message or phone call).

Type in the six-digit code from your text message or automated voice call.

When following these steps, this is the first screen you'll see (step one): 

Unlock Every YouTube Feature for Creators

Simply verifying your YouTube account unlocks the features above. To access additional creator tools, keep reading!

One of the best ways to reach your YouTube audience is through the Community tab. We use it every day to engage with subscribers, and we find that people can't get enough of our voting polls. 

YouTube Community Tab - The Underrated Growth Tool You NEED to Use

To unlock the Community tab, you will need more than 500 subscribers. The requirement used to be 1,000, but starting October 12, 2021, YouTube will make the tab available to more creators.

Is your YouTube URL long and complicated? Something like...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UTA0Fu8zHbPtnIgWLg5UtIN1

How would you like to have a simple address, like the one below?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/solarsystemfacts

How To Get a Custom URL For Your YouTube Channel

If so, you only need three things to set a custom URL for your YouTube channel:

Upload a profile picture to your channel.

YouTube Monetization: How to Earn AdSense Revenue

Making money on YouTube is an important milestone for many people. It helps you become a serious creator on YouTube and 

turn your channel into a brand or business

Here are the basic requirements for unlocking that journey:

Gaining 1,000 subscribers on your channel

Earning 4,000 hours of Watch Time over the last 12 months

Linking a Google AdSense account to your YouTube account

Having a channel free of active community guidelines strikes

Living in a country where monetization is available

Not having all of this in order can affect your application to the YouTube Partner Program, which is how creators get monetized.

YouTube Partner Program - How to Monetize Your Channel

Once you apply to the program, YouTube will review your channel and either reject or deny your request. If you're rejected, don't worry. You can re-apply to the program in 30 days.

YouTube Shorts Monetization: How to Earn Bonus Money

Did you know that YouTube Shorts – vertical, less-than-a-minute videos – are eligible for monetization? YouTube announced a 

 to pay creators making the best Shorts on their channels. And recently, the platform shared more good news: 

Creators can earn a YouTube Shorts bonus of up to $10,000.

Have at least one YouTube Short uploaded in the last 180 days. 

Comply with all of YouTube's rules and policies.

Create Shorts that are free of logos or watermarks from other websites.

"Each month, we’ll notify thousands of Shorts creators to claim a bonus from the Shorts Fund based on their channel’s Shorts’ performance in the previous month," YouTube states on this 

Want to know how much money creators are earning from YouTube Shorts? Watch this video to find out!

How to Enable Super Chats on YouTube (plus Super Thanks and Super Stickers)

 allow your fans to pay you during live streams. It's like receiving a small (or sometimes very large) tip to supplement your AdSense revenue. Viewers who purchase Super Chats will have their comment pinned temporarily to the top of the live stream chat. When viewers buy Super Stickers, a digital image or animation will appear in the feed.

Want to access Super Chats and Stickers on your channel?

Eligible videos that aren't age-restricted.

Here's how to turn on Super Chats and Stickers:

On the right side of the page, turn on Super Chats and Stickers.

Receiving Super Thanks revenue is another way to monetize regular YouTube videos, but the feature is currently in beta. According to this 

, certain monetizing creators have access. Stay tuned for a widespread release of this handy feature.

How to Get YouTube Stories on Your Channel

 allow you to capture micro-moments to share just like you would an Instagram Story. It's also a mobile-only feature. When you post a YouTube Story, it will expire in seven days instead of just one – the standard life cycle on Instagram.

Stories is in beta, but you can access it once you have more than 10,000 subscribers (as long as you don't have a made-for-kids channel).

There are many ways to make money on YouTube, merchandise being one of them. You may have noticed merchandise carousels appearing on channels. This is part of YouTube's direct-merchandising feature, and it takes the pain out of setting up a store yourself. 

, you must already be in the YouTube Partner Program and have 10,000 subscribers. 

A clean slate when it comes to community guideline strikes.

Videos that don't violate YouTube's monetization policies.

A channel membership allows viewers and subscribers to become members of a YouTube channel for a monthly fee. Those members get extra perks regular viewers don't receive, like badges, private live streams, and bonus videos. You can think of it as a Patreon-type service within YouTube.

Make More Money on YouTube With Channel Memberships

Here are the YouTube Channel Membership requirements:

You need a monetized YouTube channel with 1,000 subscribers and a Community tab.

You shouldn't have lots of ineligible videos that violate YouTube's policies.

Have you unlocked every feature available to you as a YouTube creator? Here's how to get access to some of the best tools on the platform.

How to Unlock All the Free YouTube Creator Tools on Your Channel

Receiving a copyright claim affects your ability to make money on YouTube. But the exact ramifications are somewhat of a mystery. Can you join the YouTube Partner Program with active copyright claims? Or will an automatic rejection be hurled your way?

YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize Your Channel

Many creators have unintentionally used copyrighted content, so it's a question worth answering. 

 guilty of using another person's work. YouTube handles this in two ways: 

Copyright 101: YouTube Claims vs. Strikes

So what does a copyright claim mean on YouTube?

 when your video contains media protected by copyright. That could be music, a movie clip, images, a speech – virtually anything that doesn't belong to you or you don't have permission to use. 

YouTube's Content ID system looks for media matches as soon as you upload a video. 

If it finds a match, you're alerted on the spot and have several options going forward:

How to Get Rid of Copyright Claims on YouTube

When you receive a copyright claim, YouTube, as a third party, is saying:

You can use the copyright-protected content

, but the owner has the option to earn ad revenue from your video.

The copyright owner can restrict the viewing of the video

Ultimately, the copyright owner can choose to do nothing.

 But that doesn't mean you'll end up making money from the video.

 means the owner of the intellectual property you're using isn't playing around.

The copyright owner is asserting their rights and can have your YouTube video removed.

You may not be able to monetize your videos.

If the copyright strike is on a live stream, you may lose streaming privileges for 90 days.

YouTube will terminate your channel after three copyright strikes.

And the consequences might not end there. In extreme cases, you could find yourself in legal hot water and have to defend yourself in court.

Copyright laws are complicated. Watch this video to learn more about YouTube claims and strikes. 

It's also worth mentioning that non-monetized channels can receive copyright claims and strikes. And you don't need any views or subscribers to find yourself in trouble. All it takes is one video with copyrighted material.

Monetizing a YouTube Channel with Copyright Claims

Now that you have some background, we can finally answer this question: 

Can you monetize a channel that has copyright claims?

As usual, it's never a black or white answer when it comes to YouTube. But the platform has clear requirements for applying to the YouTube Partner Program, and we can start there to get our answer.

Accumulating 4,000 Watch Time hours in a 12-month period.

Complying with all of YouTube's rules – 

Having a Google AdSense account linked to your channel.

Living in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available to creators.  

If you just needed the first two requirements, applying would be easy. But you need to comply with 

 rule to monetize your channel – and those rules include copyright policies.

Because everything is so complex, YouTube uses human reviewers to assess every channel.

A human reviewer will look for these things when checking your channel:

Video metadata, like descriptions, thumbnails, and titles

It's not a complete list of everything YouTube looks for. But in terms of copyright claims and how they'll affect your application, 

So, yes: You have a better chance of monetizing your channel if your most-viewed videos don't have copyright claims.

Applying to the YouTube Partner Program with Copyright Claims

Let's say you have 10 videos on your channel, and one of them has a copyright claim. The video in question is pretty popular and accounts for 60% of your channel's Watch Time. 

Now, imagine the reason your video got so much attention is because you used copyrighted content.

 reached 4,000 hours of Watch Time within the spirit of YouTube's monetization program? After all, you used someone else's content for a massive push.

Make Money on YouTube - How to Get 4,000 Hours of Watch Time

On the flip side, let's say a creator has hundreds of videos on their channel, and four or five of them have copyright claims. But those videos account for just 20 to 30 hours of the channel's total Watch Time. The human reviewer at YouTube is probably going to recognize that as nothing to be concerned about.

And to be clear, this is hypothetical. I'm not saying this as fact; I'm just putting myself in YouTube's shoes.

So if you have a copyright claim or strike on your channel, will you be rejected from the YouTube Partner Program 100% of the time? No, but bear in mind that copyright strikes are severe.

If your channel has no copyright claims or strikes, will you automatically be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program? Again, no. You have to consider the other community guidelines too.

YouTube Partner Program: Being Rejected Because of Copyright Claims

If you use someone else's content enough to annoy YouTube, they will reject your application to the YouTube Partner Program via email. The platform may use 

There is a silver lining, though. You can reapply after 30 days, and in that time, you can fix some of the issues that might've led to your rejection.

At the same time, YouTube won't tell you specifically what's wrong with your channel. It might list a particular video that needs to be removed or ask you to get rid of some copyright-claimed videos. Either way, you have to work it out yourself.

Want to avoid copyright claims on YouTube? Use original content that belongs to you as much as possible. You won't have anything to worry about if you stick to the content you've created yourself.

Did you know that avoiding copyright claims can also help you avoid YouTube demonetization? Here are 14 ways to make as much money as possible on YouTube.

What happens when you get a copyright claim on YouTube? Will it stop you from joining the YouTube Partner Program and monetizing your channel? Use our handy guide to find out now.

YouTube Copyright Claims: Can I Still Monetize My Channel?

Halloween is one of the biggest and most celebrated tentpole events of the year, and thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube. There are still major opportunities to create videos about the holiday - but what keywords and terms have YouTube users been searching for around this event in the last 30 days? Let's dive in.

If you plan on a Halloween inspired video then you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers are searching for. You should also know when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your video’s viewing potential. Using the invaluable 

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched for Halloween keywords and phrases on YouTube right now:

When are Viewers Searching for Halloween Content on YouTube?

YouTube is an extraordinary place to find content on almost any subject under the sun. But interest in that content is often seasonal, especially when it comes to tentpole or holiday events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Halloween starts to peak around the end of August, and lasts right through to the beginning of November. No big surprises there of course but a good strategy would be to publish 2 to 4 weeks ahead of October 31st to attracts those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that tentpole content is evergreen so if you’ve published any Halloween clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Finding Opportunities to Create Halloween Content on YouTube

When viewers are searching for content on YouTube, it’s usually with a question in mind. They want an answer on a particular topic, or will you use a core keyword as a kickoff point for more ideas.

A look at the top most searched-for keywords brings up a lot of search intent around costumes for Halloween, so let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

Top 10 Halloween Costume Keywords: YouTube

If you want an idea of the type of Halloween costume ideas that YouTube viewers love, take a look at this upload, published by CloeCouture in October 2016. To date, it has generated over 30M views, and is generating over 2.5K views per hour at time of writing:

Top 10 Halloween Food Keywords on YouTube

Halloween content around party food, snacks, and treats is also a total winner with viewers (and creators) on YouTube. Here are the top keywords in this category:

King of the food channels, Tasty, uploaded this 17:51 minute video a week before Halloween 2018 which attracted 12.3M views. 2 weeks before Halloween 2019, it is generated an amazing 4,000 views per hour.

Top 10 Halloween Makeup Keywords on YouTube

Halloween is perhaps the one time of the year where anyone, young or old, male or female, can go to town with a painted face. Makeup tutorials are big business on YouTube, and those how to’s that focus on Halloween wildly popular. The most searched for keywords are:

To prove how evergreen Halloween makeup tutorials are on YouTube, this was published in October 2017, has garnered nearly 42M views, and is right now generating 4.5K new views per hour:

If you want to take your YouTube channel to the next level and 

 then make sure to download vidIQ. Join over 1 million other users and use vidIQ to help you research YouTube, analyze videos, audit your own channel, and take actionable steps 

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are the most searched keywords on YouTube around this spooky tentpole event.

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

Given the mass appeal of Roblox, it's no wonder so many YouTubers want to make this content their bread and butter. But how do you grow a Roblox channel, especially when there are already so many YouTubers covering this game? Take a read of the steps you should take, or watch the following video for advice:

How to Grow a Roblox YouTube Channel: Content Ideas

Everyone and their dog might be playing Roblox on YouTube, but it's not too late to start your own successful channel about the game.

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