Videos may get blocked or removed from platforms like YouTube or Facebook due to copyright claims. This happens when the video uses content that the uploader does not have the rights to use. There are a few main reasons why a copyright holder may file a claim against a video:
Using Copyrighted Music
One of the most common reasons videos get blocked is due to unauthorized use of copyrighted music. Many creators use popular songs as background music in their videos. However, in most cases they do not obtain proper licenses from the music rights holders. The record labels or publishers can file a DMCA takedown notice to have the video removed.
Using Movie or TV Clips
Videos that use short clips or footage from copyrighted movies, TV shows, sports broadcasts, etc. often get flagged for copyright infringement. The content owners aggressively monitor YouTube and other platforms for unauthorized use of their intellectual property. Even short 10-15 second clips are enough grounds for a takedown notice.
Reposting Other Videos
Reposting someone else’s video in full without permission is a clear violation of copyright law. The original uploader can easily issue a DMCA notice in these cases. This includes videos that may have originally been posted elsewhere like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. You must get permission first before reuploading full videos to YouTube or other sites.
Using Copyrighted Images
Videos that heavily use copyrighted images like logos, products, comics, memes, etc. can also get flagged for infringement. Images are protected by copyright just like videos, music and text. Stealing and reusing images without permission is grounds for removal.
Other Examples of Copyrighted Material
In addition to the examples above, videos may get blocked for using all kinds of copyrighted material like:
- Photos
- Illustrations
- Articles
- Books/eBooks
- Logos
- Brands/products
- Software
- Video game footage
- Sports broadcasts
- Movies
- TV shows
- Educational content
Basically any content that is created and owned by someone else cannot be reused freely without permission or a license. Otherwise, the copyright holder can issue a takedown notice and have your video blocked.
How Does Copyright Detection Work?
Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc. use sophisticated content ID algorithms to detect potential copyright infringement. When you upload a video, it gets scanned against a database of copyrighted material provided by content owners. If there is a match, the video may get blocked worldwide or just blocked in certain countries. This detection process happens automatically without any humans reviewing the video initially.
In some cases, the copyright holder may manually file a DMCA takedown notice if they find the infringing content. But most detection happens automatically based on digital fingerprints and metadata matching.
Fair Use
Fair use is a legal exception to copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission in certain cases. Fair use is determined by a four factor test:
- Purpose of use (commercial vs. educational)
- Nature of copied work (factual vs. creative)
- Amount copied
- Effect on value of original work
If the use of copyrighted content passes this test, it may be considered fair. However, automated systems cannot fully determine fair use. So videos may still get flagged. In these cases, the uploader can file a counter-notice citing fair use exceptions. But there is no guarantee the video will be restored. Fair use law is complex and open to court interpretation.
How to Avoid Copyright Blocks
Here are some tips creators can follow to minimize the risk of copyright blocks on their videos:
- Only use music, images, footage, etc. that you have created or have explicit permission to use. Or use content under public domain or Creative Commons licenses.
- Attribute and credit any third party content properly.
- Keep music, clips and images short – under 10-15 seconds if unlicensed.
- Alter content significantly through remixing, editing, commentary, criticism, etc. to make it transformative.
- Dispute any incorrect copyright claims with proper fair use justification.
- You can also preemptively block videos in certain regions to avoid country-specific takedowns.
Following copyright law and best practices carefully is key to avoiding headaches. Many creators get frustrated by blocks, but it’s important to respect content owners’ rights.
Appealing Copyright Claims
If you believe your video was wrongly blocked due to a mistake or incorrect copyright claim, you can dispute it through the platform’s appeal process:
YouTube
- Go to YouTube Studio and find the copyright claim notice on the video.
- Click “Appeal” and explain why your use of content is lawful (fair use, public domain, etc.).
- YouTube will forward your appeal to the claimant. Allow some time for a response.
- If the appeal is rejected, you can submit a formal DMCA counter-notice to force the claimant to take legal action or reinstate the video after 10-14 days.
- Go to the Page that posted the blocked video and find the notification.
- Click “Dispute” and select a reason like “I have permission” or “It’s not copyright infringement.”
- Submit your appeal and any supporting details.
- If rejected, you can submit a DMCA counter-notice through Facebook’s form.
Twitch
- Go to your Dashboard and find the copyright notification.
- Click “Appeal.” Select your reason and explain why you have the right to use the content.
- If your appeal is rejected, you can submit a DMCA counter-notice.
Be professional and provide valid legal justification in your appeals. Hiring a lawyer can also help dispute more complex claims. But there is no guarantee content will be restored. The best policy is to avoid infringement in the first place.
Copyright Strikes
On many platforms, getting multiple copyright takedowns can lead to your account being penalized.
YouTube
- First strike: No penalty
- Second strike: Temporary upload suspension, videos restricted
- Third strike: Upload suspension for 2 weeks
- Fourth strike: Channel termination
- First block: Account restricted for 24 hours
- Second block: Account restricted for 3 days
- Third block: Account restricted for 7 days
- Fourth block: Account disabled
Twitch
- First strike: Suspension for 24 hours
- Second strike: Suspension for 48 hours
- Third strike: Suspension for 7 days
- Fourth strike: Indefinite suspension
Too many copyright blocks can seriously damage your account standing or get you banned entirely. So it’s critical to manage your use of copyrighted content diligently.
Licensing Content
The safest way to use copyrighted material without issues is by obtaining proper licenses. Here are some options:
- Song licenses – Obtain synchronization licenses from music publishers to use songs in videos legally.
- Music libraries – Use music from royalty-free libraries like Artlist, Epidemic Sound.
- Stock media – Legally use stock photos, videos, illustrations from sites like Getty Images, Adobe Stock.
- Permission – Get written permission from creators to use their original videos, images, articles.
- Public domain – Use classics content that is no longer under copyright like very old music, film, books.
- Creative Commons – Use CC-licensed content that explicitly allows reuse and modifications.
Licensing avoids copyright issues but can get expensive. Relying fully on original or public domain content is the lowest risk and cost.
Consequences Beyond Blocking
Copyright violations can have serious repercussions beyond just video blocking:
- Channel strikes leading to account termination.
- Civil lawsuits – copyright owners can sue for substantial statutory damages.
- Attorney fees if you lose an infringement lawsuit.
- Court orders compelling you to pay damages or stop infringing.
- Getting fired by an employer for using copyrighted content improperly.
- Foregoing ad revenue and video monetization.
- Permanent blackmarks on your online reputation.
These outcomes demonstrate why creators must be very thoughtful about copyrights. Fair use has limits, and courts often side with big media companies in close calls. Don’t let overuse of unlicensed content sink your channel.
What Content Can You Use Safely?
These types of content can be used more freely with low risk of copyright claims:
- Original music, images photos created by you.
- Your own commentary, criticism, narration.
- Gameplay footage and screenshots captured yourself.
- Editorial news reporting and commentary.
- Non-substantial use of material under fair use (short clips, remixes, etc.)
- Work for which you have explicit permission from the copyright holder.
- Public domain material.
- Content under Creative Commons or similar free licenses.
Rely primarily on this kind of lawful, original, licensed or public domain content. Be cautious about repurposing third party copyrighted material without permission.
Final Recommendations
Here are some final tips for video creators on avoiding copyright issues:
- Learn copyright law basics and fair use thoroughly.
- Audit your old videos for any unlicensed content.
- Dispute any erroneous copyright claims properly.
- Build a library of licensed content and original creative assets.
- Get written licenses, waivers, releases for copyrighted material.
- Use highest quality original footage – avoid screen recordings.
- Credit creators and provide sources for all third party content.
- Consult an attorney on copyright questions if unsure of rights.
- Purchase proper licenses and permissions when affordable.
- Block restricted videos globally if unable to clear rights cost-effectively.
Staying compliant takes work, but will keep your channel safe. Handling copyright law diligently protects your account standing and reputation.
Conclusion
Copyright claims that lead to blocked videos can be very frustrating. But they exist for good reason – to protect creators’ intellectual property rights. The best approach as a channel owner is learning how to avoid infringement in the first place. Be very cautious about reusing unlicensed content without sufficient justification. Consider licensing options when affordable. Rely on open source media, public domain works, properly attributed fair use, and your own original creations whenever possible. Staying compliant takes effort but is well worth it to keep your channel in good standing.