Copyright Infringement: What Every YouTube Content Creator Should Know

As a YouTube content creator, you’re not just uploading videos—you’re navigating a minefield of copyright laws. The last thing you want is for your hard work to be taken down due to a copyright strike. So, let’s dive into what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law and avoid having your content removed.

What is Copyright Infringement on YouTube?

Copyright infringement happens when you use someone else’s content—music, videos, images—without their permission. YouTube’s algorithms are very good at catching this. Whether it’s a 10-second clip of your favorite song or a meme video you “borrowed,” copyright owners can flag it and take action.

If you're not careful, copyright strikes can lead to video takedowns, loss of revenue, or even the worst—having your channel banned. Ouch!

Illegally Uploaded Feature Films: A Big Red Flag

One of the most common (and serious) forms of copyright infringement on YouTube is the illegal uploading of full-length feature films. Many creators try to bypass detection with tricks like speeding up the footage, cropping the video, or adding overlays, but YouTube's Content ID system is smart enough to catch these attempts. Uploading entire movies without permission from the rights holder is a major violation, and not only can it result in immediate takedowns, but it can also lead to legal action from movie studios. The risk isn't just limited to your channel—you could face fines, or worse, in court!

YouTube’s Copyright Policy: The Essentials

YouTube operates under some serious copyright laws across the EU, US, UK, and Canada, and their policy is clear: you need permission for everything you use. So, what counts as infringement?

• Music: Did you use that catchy chart-topping track without permission? Strike.

• Video clips: Borrowed footage from a movie? Strike.

• Images: Slapped a stock photo in your video without a license? Strike again.

YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans videos to check for copyrighted material. If it finds something that doesn’t belong to you, expect a claim.

How to Avoid Copyright Strikes

1. Use Royalty-Free or Licensed Music: Many creators get strikes for using copyrighted music. Opt for royalty-free tracks or services like YouTube’s Audio Library.

2. Create Your Own Content: This one’s obvious, but it works! The more original your content, the less likely you’ll face a copyright claim.

3. Get Permission: Want to use someone’s content? Ask for permission or get a license. Simple, but it works wonders.

4. Understand Fair Use: In some cases, “fair use” allows limited use of copyrighted material. But don’t rely on this without understanding the rules—especially in the US and UK, where fair use is very complicated.

Copyright Disclaimer: A Safety Net?

Some creators add a copyright disclaimer to their videos, thinking it’ll protect them from infringement claims. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. While a disclaimer might signal you’re not intentionally infringing, it doesn’t replace getting permission or licensing content.

YouTube Copyright in the US, UK, and Canada

YouTube follows local copyright laws across different territories:

• US: Fair use is a big deal, but it’s no get-out-of-jail-free card. Even under fair use, your video can be flagged.

• UK: More limited protections than in the US, so tread carefully.

• Canada: Similar to the US but with less protection under fair dealing (their version of fair use).

What Happens If You Infringe?

If YouTube identifies copyright infringement, here’s what could happen:

• Copyright strike: Three strikes, and your channel could be permanently removed.

• Revenue loss: If someone claims your content, they could take all the ad revenue from that video.

• Video removal: Your video may be taken down entirely. (Or they might close down the channel. It’s their platform, they coul do that potentially).

Sound stressful? It can be! But with the right knowledge and steps, you can avoid these pitfalls.

Concerned about copyright on YouTube? Don’t let strikes ruin your channel! Let’s chat about how to protect your content. Book an Ask Céleste Anything session for 15 minutes - £99.