YouTube Copyright Strikes: Explained Channel Terminations
YouTube’s copyright system aims to balance the interests of copyright holders with the ability for creators to include copyrighted materials in their videos under fair use. However, channels that repeatedly violate copyright rules risk receiving strikes and eventual termination. As a content creator, it’s important to understand these rules to avoid penalties.
What Counts as a Copyright Violation on YouTube
YouTube receives many copyright complaints daily against videos that use copyrighted content without authorization. Some common violations include:
Unauthorized Use of Music and Audio
Uploading full songs or music tracks without licenses counts as copyright infringement. Even using short music clips or samples may violate rules if unlicensed.
Stolen Video Footage
Downloading and reuploading videos produced by others, or using significant portions without commentary or criticism, violates copyright.
Lack of Commentary in Reaction Videos
Reaction videos featuring long segments of copyrighted materials without sufficient transformative commentary or critique may get flagged.
Unattributed Use in Compilations
Compilation videos that heavily use copyrighted materials without credits or attribution can lead to takedown notices. Proper attribution is no substitute for getting actual permissions.
Consequences of Copyright Strikes
Copyright owners can submit DMCA takedown requests against videos containing their content. Videos confirmed to violate copyright rules will receive “strikes” as follows:
- 1st Strike: Video taken down, strike lasts 3 months
- 2nd Strike: Channel functionality restricted for 2 weeks
- 3rd Strike: Channel removed and terminated
Strikes expire after 90 days. However, channels that repeatedly violate rules may get terminated immediately without accumulating three strikes.
Case Studies: Terminated YouTube Channels
Several YouTube channels with millions of subscribers have gotten shut down due to repeated copyright issues. These examples illustrate why creators must follow guidelines:
1. SSSniperWolf
One of YouTube’s most popular personalities, SSSniperWolf (86 million subscribers) had her channels terminated in 2020 after receiving multiple strikes for using Nintendo game footage without permission. This demonstrated no channel is “too big to fail” when facing repeat violations. She had to create a new channel losing millions of subscribers.
2. LeafyIsHere
LeafyIsHere focused on commentary roasting various subjects. However, lengthy unlicensed music clips and unauthorized footage in videos led to copyright strikes. Despite 11 million subscribers, the channel got permanently removed in 2020 after failing to address issues.
3. Mumkey Jones
This popular commentary channel (over 500k subscribers) frequently used unlicensed anime and movie clips. After receiving strikes, Mumkey tried circumventing rules by continuing uploads on alternate channels. But YouTube terminated all associated channels in 2018 for copyright evasion.
Best Practices to Avoid Copyright Issues
Learning from these examples, creators can take proactive steps to avoid copyright penalties:
Seek Licenses for Music, Video Clips, Images
Major labels, stock media firms, game studios often grant licenses if you request permission. Getting licenses protects you even if materials are disputed later.
Commentary and Critique Should Transform Content
Using copyrighted materials for commentary and criticism is allowed under fair use. But your critique must offer an educational perspective that “transforms” content in some way through insights.
Attribute and Credit Sources Visibly
Even with commentary, properly crediting all copyrighted materials visibly in your video improves standing if disputes arise. Show you attempted acting in good faith.
Dispute Strikes If You Have Valid Grounds
If you believe strikes were assessed incorrectly, you can dispute with appropriate fair use rationales. Supplying counterevidence helps.
Don’t Attempt Circumvention of Rules
Techniques like editing videos to escape Content ID or creating alternate channels to upload struck content will lead to permanent account termination.
FAQ About Copyright Strikes
Can strikes expire faster than 90 days?
No – strikes remain for 90 days minimum according to YouTube’s policies. However, each strike expires independently, so old strikes falling off will restore more functionality.
Are strikes assessed per video or per channel?
Strikes are issued on a per channel basis. Multiple videos being flagged on the same channel contributes to accumulating channel strikes.
Can I lose my channel without 3 strikes?
Yes – channels with over 3 copyright issues in 90 days may get immediately terminated without formally receiving 3 sequential strikes.
What content can I dispute?
Disputes may be warranted if materials constitute fair use, properly credited sources, or licensed works. But repeated disputes on clearly infringing videos may backfire.
Does deleting videos help avoid strikes?
Deleting videos after receiving copyright notices on them does not revoke strikes. However, proactively deleting videos upon realizing licensing issues may help avoid some strikes in the first place.
Conclusion
YouTube provides creators the tools to upload and share content, but with rights come responsibilities. Learning about copyright rules empowers you to exercise your fair use privileges wisely while respecting protections owed to copyright owners. Avoiding penalties comes down to education, vigilance, and making a good faith effort towards compliance. With the right approach, you can focus on creating great content without worrying about your channel getting unfairly shut down one day!
