What to Do If You Get a Copyright Strike on YouTube

A YouTube copyright strike is one of the more serious warnings a channel can receive. It means YouTube removed content because a copyright owner or authorised representative submitted a legal copyright removal request, and YouTube reviewed the request and found that it appeared valid.

This is different from a Content ID claim. A Content ID claim may block, track, or monetise a video, but it does not automatically create a strike. A copyright strike is more serious because it affects the channel itself. If a channel receives three active copyright strikes within 90 days, the channel is subject to termination. If the channel is terminated, uploaded content can become inaccessible and the creator may not be allowed to create new YouTube channels.

If you get a copyright strike, do not ignore it. Do not panic either. The correct response depends on what happened, whether the removal request was accurate, whether you have rights, whether you can contact the claimant, and whether a counter notification is appropriate.

This guide explains what a YouTube copyright strike means, how it differs from a Content ID claim, what happens after the first, second, and third strike, how long strikes last, how to resolve one, when to ask for a retraction, when to submit a counter notification, and how to avoid making the situation worse.

The Short Answer

If you get a copyright strike on YouTube, read the notice carefully first. YouTube should email you with details about the removed content and the reason. Then choose the correct route.

There are three main ways to resolve a copyright strike:

• Complete Copyright School and wait 90 days for the strike to expire, if eligible.
• Ask the copyright owner or claimant to retract the removal request.
• Submit a valid counter notification if you believe the content was removed by mistake or qualifies for a copyright exception, such as fair use or fair dealing.

Do not submit a counter notification casually. It is a legal request. False information or misuse of the process can create serious account or legal consequences.

What a Copyright Strike Means

A copyright strike means your content was removed because of a copyright removal request. This is not just an automated match. A copyright owner or authorised representative submitted a legal request to remove the content from YouTube.

When YouTube receives a copyright removal request, it reviews the request. If the request appears valid, YouTube removes the content and applies a copyright strike to the uploader channel.

A strike can apply to videos, livestreams, Shorts, community posts, channel images, or other content depending on what was removed.

The key point is simple: a copyright strike affects the channel, not only the video. It should be treated as a serious channel health issue.

Copyright Strike vs Content ID Claim

Many creators confuse copyright strikes with Content ID claims. They are not the same.

A Content ID claim is usually an automated match. YouTube Content ID system detects that part of your upload matches copyrighted material in a reference database. The copyright owner can choose to block, monetise, or track the video.

A copyright strike happens after a copyright removal request. The content is removed, and the strike affects the channel.

In plain English:

• Content ID claim: An automated match that can affect a video.
• Copyright strike: A legal removal request that removes content and affects the channel.

If you have a Content ID claim, you may be able to dispute or edit the claimed content. If you have a copyright strike, you need to handle it through the strike resolution options.

What Happens After One Copyright Strike?

After one copyright strike, YouTube removes the content. You can usually complete Copyright School and wait for the strike to expire after 90 days, provided the channel does not receive too many active strikes.

One strike is not the end of a channel, but it is a warning that should be taken seriously.

After one strike, check:

• Which content was removed
• Who submitted the removal request
• Whether the claim is accurate
• Whether you have rights or permission
• Whether you can request a retraction
• Whether a counter notification is appropriate
• Whether similar videos on your channel create the same risk

Do not only deal with the one removed video. Review your wider channel for similar copyright risks.

What Happens After Two Copyright Strikes?

Two active copyright strikes are much more serious. Your channel is now close to the termination threshold.

If you receive a second strike, you should stop uploading risky material immediately and review your content library. Do not assume the problem is isolated.

Check whether other videos contain the same music, clips, footage, images, or reused material. If the same copyright owner is likely to submit more requests, you need to act quickly.

At two strikes, get organised. Save notices, licence documents, permission emails, edit histories, and claim details. If this is a business channel, involve the responsible person or legal adviser before making decisions.

What Happens After Three Copyright Strikes?

If a channel receives three active copyright strikes within 90 days, the channel is subject to termination. If terminated, uploaded content may become inaccessible and the creator cannot create new YouTube channels.

This is why a strike should never be ignored. The risk increases quickly if several videos use the same copyrighted material.

If you already have two active strikes, treat every copyright notice as urgent. Do not upload similar content until you have understood the issue.

How Long Does a YouTube Copyright Strike Last?

A copyright strike can expire after 90 days if you complete Copyright School and your channel has fewer than three copyright strikes. If you do not complete Copyright School, the strike may remain active.

Waiting can be the right option if the removal request was valid and you do not have a strong basis to challenge it.

However, waiting does not restore the removed video. It only allows the strike to expire if the requirements are met.

Option 1: Complete Copyright School and Wait

Copyright School is YouTube educational process for channels that receive copyright strikes. Completing it is part of allowing a strike to expire after 90 days.

This is often the safest option when:

• The removal request was accurate
• You used content without permission
• You do not have a valid copyright exception
• You do not want to escalate legally
• The video is not important enough to fight over
• You want the strike to expire normally

The downside is that the removed content stays removed. If the video matters, you may need to re-edit it without the copyrighted material and upload a new compliant version.

Option 2: Ask for a Retraction

A retraction means the person or organisation that submitted the copyright removal request withdraws it. If the request is retracted successfully, the copyright strike can be cleared from the channel, unless other videos are associated with the same strike.

This can be a good option if:

• The copyright owner made a mistake
• You have a licence but the owner did not recognise it
• The dispute can be solved privately
• The claimant is willing to work with you
• You can provide proof of permission
• You want to avoid a counter notification

When asking for a retraction, stay professional. Explain the situation clearly, provide evidence, and ask whether they are willing to retract the removal request.

Option 3: Submit a Counter Notification

A counter notification is a legal request asking YouTube to reinstate content that was removed due to a copyright removal request. You should only submit one if you believe the removal was caused by a mistake, misidentification, or your use qualifies for a copyright exception such as fair use or fair dealing.

This is not a normal support ticket. It is a legal process. YouTube forwards the counter notification to the claimant. The claimant then has 10 US business days to provide evidence of legal action to keep the content down. If they do not, YouTube may reinstate the content and remove the strike.

Submit a counter notification only when you are confident and understand the risk.

When a Counter Notification May Be Appropriate

A counter notification may be appropriate if:

• You created all the removed content yourself
• The copyright owner misidentified your content
• You had permission or a licence and can prove it
• The material is public domain
• Your use qualifies for fair use or fair dealing
• The removal request targeted content that was not actually infringing

If you are unsure, get proper advice before submitting. A counter notification can have legal consequences.

When a Counter Notification Is Not Appropriate

Do not submit a counter notification just because:

• You gave credit
• You bought the song or movie
• You found the clip online
• Other channels use the same content
• You did not monetise the video
• You used only a short clip
• You added a disclaimer
• You feel the strike is unfair but have no legal basis

Those points may be part of context in some cases, but they do not automatically give you the right to use copyrighted material.

What If the Copyright Removal Request Was Scheduled?

A scheduled copyright removal request gives you 7 days to act before the content is removed and a copyright strike is applied. During that period, you may be able to delete the content to avoid the strike or seek a retraction from the claimant.

This is different from a strike that has already been applied. If the takedown is scheduled, check the deadline immediately.

During the 7-day window, you should:

• Review the notice
• Check whether the claim is accurate
• Decide whether to delete the content
• Contact the claimant if appropriate
• Save records
• Check whether similar content is at risk

Once the removal becomes effective and the strike is applied, the options change.

Does Deleting a Video Remove a Copyright Strike?

In most cases, deleting a video after a copyright strike has already been applied does not resolve the strike. YouTube notes that deletion only helps with a scheduled takedown before the 7-day period ends.

This is a common mistake. Creators receive a strike, delete the video, and assume the strike is gone. It usually is not.

If the strike has already been applied, use the official strike resolution options: Copyright School and wait, retraction, or counter notification where appropriate.

What to Do Immediately After a Strike

Use this checklist:

1. Read the YouTube email carefully.
2. Confirm that the email is from an official YouTube address.
3. Open YouTube Studio and review the strike details.
4. Identify the removed content.
5. Identify the claimant.
6. Check whether you have rights, permission, or a valid exception.
7. Complete Copyright School if required.
8. Decide whether to request a retraction.
9. Decide whether a counter notification is appropriate.
10. Review other videos for similar copyright risk.

Do not respond emotionally. Copyright strike decisions should be factual and careful.

How to Review Similar Videos on Your Channel

If one video received a strike, other videos may be at risk if they use the same material.

Search your channel for:

• The same song
• The same intro music
• The same background track
• The same film or TV clip
• The same sports footage
• The same stock footage
• The same third-party images
• The same reused trailer or advert

If you find similar issues, decide whether to remove, edit, replace, or private those videos before more removal requests arrive. Be careful, though. Do not delete records you may need if you are handling a dispute or legal issue.

How to Contact the Claimant Professionally

If you want a retraction, contact the claimant respectfully. Do not threaten, insult, or spam them.

A good message should include:

• The removed video title
• The video URL if available
• The copyright strike date
• A short explanation
• Any licence or permission details
• A clear request for retraction
• Your contact details

Keep it short and factual. If you have proof, provide it. If you made a mistake and want goodwill, say that plainly and ask whether they would consider retracting the request after you remove or replace the content.

What If the Claimant Does Not Reply?

If the claimant does not reply, your options depend on the situation.

You can:

• Complete Copyright School and wait for the strike to expire
• Submit a counter notification if you have a valid basis
• Get advice if the content is important
• Accept that the content will remain removed

Do not keep sending aggressive messages. That rarely helps and can make the situation worse.

How Businesses Should Handle Copyright Strikes

A business channel should treat a copyright strike as a business risk. It can affect brand trust, campaign timing, content access, and future channel safety.

A business should document:

• The removed content
• The claimant
• The date of the strike
• The asset that caused the issue
• Who approved the asset
• Whether a licence exists
• Whether an agency supplied the content
• The chosen response route
• Future prevention steps

Do not let a junior team member submit counter notifications without approval. The legal and account risk belongs to the business.

How Agencies Should Handle Client Copyright Strikes

If an agency manages a client YouTube channel, a copyright strike should be escalated to the client immediately. The agency should not quietly handle it without approval.

The agency should provide:

• A summary of what happened
• The video affected
• The claimant details
• Whether the agency supplied the asset
• Proof of licence if available
• Options and risks
• A recommended next step

The client should approve any retraction request, counter notification, or major channel action.

How to Avoid Future Copyright Strikes

The best way to handle copyright strikes is to avoid them before upload.

Use this checklist:

• Create original video and audio where possible
• Use properly licensed music
• Use properly licensed stock footage
• Keep licence records
• Avoid random clips from films, TV, sport, or music videos
• Do not rely on disclaimers
• Check background music in event recordings
• Review videos before publishing
• Upload early enough to catch claims
• Train editors and agencies on copyright rules

If a channel has commercial value, copyright checks should be part of the publishing workflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes after a copyright strike:

• Ignoring the email
• Deleting the video and assuming the strike is gone
• Submitting a counter notification without understanding it
• Using false information
• Arguing that credit is enough
• Uploading the same content again
• Continuing to publish similar risky videos
• Letting agencies appeal without approval
• Waiting until a third strike to act
• Creating new channels to bypass restrictions

The safest response is calm, documented, and rights-based.

FAQ

What is a YouTube copyright strike?

It means content was removed because YouTube received a copyright removal request that appeared valid.

Is a copyright strike the same as a Content ID claim?

No. A Content ID claim is usually an automated match. A copyright strike comes from a removal request and is more serious.

How long does a copyright strike last?

A strike can expire after 90 days if you complete Copyright School and your channel has fewer than three strikes.

Can I remove a copyright strike by deleting the video?

Usually no. Deleting helps only with a scheduled removal request before the 7-day period ends.

How can I resolve a strike?

Complete Copyright School and wait, get a retraction, or submit a valid counter notification.

What is a retraction?

A retraction is when the claimant withdraws the copyright removal request.

What is a counter notification?

It is a legal request asking YouTube to restore content that was removed by mistake or under a valid copyright exception.

Can a counter notification be risky?

Yes. It is a legal process and should only be used when appropriate.

What happens after three copyright strikes?

A channel with three active copyright strikes within 90 days is subject to termination.

Should I appeal every strike?

No. Use the correct route based on rights, evidence, and risk.

Final Thoughts

A YouTube copyright strike is serious, but it is not always the end of the channel. The important thing is to respond properly. Read the notice, understand what was removed, check whether you have rights, and choose the correct resolution path.

If the removal was valid, complete Copyright School and wait for the strike to expire. If the claimant made a mistake or is willing to withdraw the request, ask for a retraction. If the content was removed by mistake or qualifies for a copyright exception, a counter notification may be appropriate, but only if you understand the legal nature of that process.

For creators, a strike is a warning to tighten your copyright workflow. For businesses and agencies, it should trigger a proper review of licences, approvals, and publishing controls. The best copyright strategy is not a clever appeal after the damage is done. It is a clean content process before the video goes live.