How To File DMCA Takedowns Against Stolen YouTube Content
Uploading other creators’ content to your YouTube channel without permission is copyright infringement. If someone has reused your YouTube videos without your consent, you can have that content removed by filing a DMCA takedown notice.
Submitting accurate and effective DMCA takedown notices is crucial for enforcing your copyrights and cleaning up cases of content theft on YouTube. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is a DMCA Takedown?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a U.S. copyright law that provides a process for copyright holders to request the removal of infringing content online.
A DMCA takedown notice asserts your rights as a copyright holder and requires online service providers, like YouTube, to take down videos or channels that use your content without authorization.
When to File a DMCA Takedown
You should file a DMCA takedown if someone has uploaded one of your YouTube videos to their own channel without your permission. Common examples include:
- Full reuploads of your videos
- Compilations featuring your content
- Reused clips from your videos
- Background footage taken from your channel
You should also send takedowns if others have illegally downloaded and reposted videos that you have the rights to.
Gather Evidence of Infringement
Before submitting a DMCA notice, you need to gather evidence of the copyright infringement. Make sure to save and document instances where your content has been stolen.
Identify Exact Videos Copied
Search YouTube to find exact copies of your videos uploaded without authorization. Compare videos side-by-side to confirm reused content.Save the full URLs of every infringing video and channel. You will need to list these out in your takedown notice.
Check Video Details
When you find stolen videos, check key details like view count, date uploaded, video descriptions, and channel analytics. This can help you estimate the scope of the infringement.Save screenshots of video titles, descriptions, tags, channel details, and view counts for supporting evidence.
Download Copies
Download copies of the full infringing videos for your records. This preserves evidence in case videos get deleted later.
Confirm Ownership
Double check that you own the exclusive copyrights to the reused content. Search online to confirm original posting dates and channel details.Having ironclad proof that you own the content is crucial for valid DMCA takedowns.
Draft the DMCA Notice
Once you’ve gathered your evidence, it’s time to draft the DMCA notice. This written statement formally asks YouTube to remove infringing videos based on copyright law.Follow YouTube’s exact notice requirements outlined on their copyright center. Notices must include:
Sender Details
Your full legal name and physical address, email address, and phone number. YouTube needs to verify the notice comes from the real copyright holder.
Target Content
The specific URLs of all infringing YouTube videos and channel homepages. List out every single video in your request.
Ownership Certification
A statement confirming under penalty of perjury that you own the exclusive rights to the content being infringed.
Authorization Statement
Confirmation that you have the authority to submit the DMCA notice and enforce your copyrights.
Accuracy Statement
A line certifying that your notice is accurate and you have a good faith belief the content should be removed.
Signature
Your physical or electronic signature confirming all above details.
Submitting the Takedown Notice
Once your DMCA notice meets all requirements, submit it to YouTube through their online webform. This sends your request straight to their copyright team.
Maintain detailed records including submission dates and reference numbers. Follow up if videos aren’t removed promptly.
After Submitting Your Notice
Once received, YouTube will process your DMCA takedown request. Here is what you can expect:
Video Removal
If valid, YouTube will swiftly remove or disable the infringing videos specified in your notice. This cuts off views and advertising revenue.Removed videos will display a gray box explaining the takedown. Channel strikes may also be applied against repeat offenders.
Counter Notification
The infringing uploader has the option to file a counter notification contesting your allegations and requesting that their videos be put back up after 10-14 business days.
If you receive a counter notification, you may need to consider legal action to settle the copyright dispute.
Monitoring Reuploads
Even after infringing content gets removed, many uploaders will attempt to reupload stolen videos again in the future. Monitor these channels closely for additional DMCA notices.
Tips for Effective DMCA Takedowns
Follow these best practices when sending DMCA notices for the best results enforcing your copyrights:
Be Extremely Detailed
List the direct URL to every single infringing video in your request. Don’t just include channel homepages. Specificity is key.
Triple Check Accuracy
Confirm all details like video titles and view counts match the real infringing videos. Notices with errors may be rejected.
Only Report True Infringements
Base takedowns solely on legitimate unauthorized use of your copyrights – not other disputes or personal issues.
Follow Up Regularly
If videos aren’t removed promptly, send polite follow up emails to check status. Persistence pays off.
Request Channel Termination
For severe repeat offenders, explicitly request full channel deletion after multiple video takedowns.
Consult Legal Counsel
If infringements continue despite multiple DMCA notices, seek professional legal help enforcing your copyrights.
Common DMCA Takedown Issues
Submitting DMCA notices can be straightforward, but you may encounter hiccups. These troubleshooting tips address common issues:
Automated Rejection Responses
YouTube’s automated systems may accidentally flag valid notices as errors or incomplete. Politely follow up if this happens. Ask for manual review by the YouTube team.
Difficulty Finding Contact Info
YouTube purposefully makes it hard to find copyright team contact information. Persistently search online or request contacts from your YouTube partner manager.
Pushback from YouTube
In some cases, YouTube may improperly reject certain elements of valid DMCA requests. Thoroughly explain your reasoning while remaining professional if challenged.
Lengthy Review Times
While YouTube aims to process takedowns within 1-2 business days, more complex cases can take 1-2 weeks. Follow up if response times lag without explanation.
Videos Reappear After Removal
Infringing uploaders often reupload stolen content repeatedly after takedowns. Keep sending new DMCA notices each time to play whack-a-mole.
Counter Notifications
If uploaders contest your takedowns with counter claims, you’ll need to provide proof of legal action within 10 days. Consult a copyright lawyer immediately in these cases.
DMCA Takedown Prevention Tips
Beyond playing defense with DMCA takedowns, you can also take proactive steps to prevent theft of your YouTube videos:
Watermark Videos
Overlay a prominent visual watermark like your channel logo or name to clearly identify your content. This deters reuploads.
Custom Thumbnails
Use unique custom thumbnail images to differentiate your videos from copies. Stock thumbnails make videos easier to steal.
Monitor YouTube Closely
Actively search YouTube to catch copies early before they gain views. Set up alerts on your channel and videos to detect reuploads.
Publish Exclusively At First
Initially publish videos only on your YouTube channel before expanding to other platforms. This makes confirming theft simpler.
Stay Below Repost Radar
Avoid overly viral hits that spur theft. More modest view counts often avoid attracting content thieves.
File Takedowns Immediately
Send DMCA notices as soon as unauthorized videos surface to minimize infringement. Nipping issues early limits damages.
Consult a Lawyer
For creators dealing with rampant ongoing theft, discussing options with a copyright lawyer can help formulate customized prevention plans.
DMCA Takedown FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sending DMCA notices:
What exactly constitutes copyright infringement on YouTube?
Any unauthorized reuse of copyrighted video content is infringement. This includes reuploaded videos, compilation videos featuring your clips, or background video/audio taken from your channel.
What happens if I accidentally request an invalid takedown?
Falsely targeting videos with DMCA notices can leave you open to legal penalties. Confirm infringements thoroughly before submitting notices.
Can I request a takedown without submitting a formal notice?
Informal requests typically don’t work. Follow YouTube’s official process using their webform. This formally logs the notice and obligates removal.
What if the infringing uploader provides attribution?
Attribution alone without permission doesn’t waive copyrights. Reusage still requires the explicit consent of the rights holder.
How long does YouTube take to process DMCA notices?
Most straightforward requests are processed within 1-2 business days. More complex cases may take 1-2 weeks. Follow up if videos aren’t addressed promptly.
Can I request removal of entire channels through DMCA notices?
Yes, if a channel continually reuploads your content, explicitly request full channel termination after multiple video takedowns.
What happens after I submit my notice?
YouTube disables access to infringing videos after validating your request. Rights holders then have 10-14 days to take legal action if uploaders issue counterclaims.
What should I do if infringing videos reappear after takedowns?
Persistent uploaders often repeatedly repost stolen content. Send fresh DMCA notices as soon as each new instance of copied videos surfaces.
Can I recover potential earnings from stolen videos?
Calculating lost earnings is very difficult for civil lawsuits. Focus takedown efforts on stopping ongoing theft rather than recouping previous video revenue.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you successfully enforce your copyrights against unauthorized use of your YouTube videos! Let me know if you have any other questions.
