Yes, you can upload a video with copyrighted music on YouTube, but it may lead to a copyright claim, demonetization, or blocking, depending on the rights holder’s Content ID settings; 1. YouTube may monetize the video for the owner, block it in regions, mute the audio, or track stats; 2. Most cases result in a claim, not a strike, but a strike can occur if the owner chooses, and three strikes can terminate your channel; 3. To use music legally, obtain a license, use YouTube’s Audio Library, subscribe to licensed music services like Epidemic Sound, or use properly attributed Creative Commons music; 4. Fair use rarely applies to music, especially in vlogs or background use, as it depends on purpose, amount used, and market impact; always use licensed or royalty-free music to avoid risks and maintain control over your content.

Yes, you can upload a video with copyrighted music on YouTube, but doing so comes with risks and limitations. YouTube doesn’t automatically block every video with copyrighted music — instead, it uses a system called Content ID to detect and manage copyrighted content. Here’s what you need to know:

1. What Happens When You Use Copyrighted Music?

When you upload a video with copyrighted music, YouTube scans it and may:

• Monetize the video for the copyright owner (ads run on your video, and revenue goes to them)
• Block the video in certain countries (or entirely)
• Mute the audio in your video
• Track the video’s viewership stats for the owner

This depends on how the music rights holder has set up their Content ID policy.

2. When You Might Get a Copyright Claim (Not a Strike)

Most of the time, using copyrighted music results in a copyright claim, not a strike. A claim means:

• The owner has identified their content in your video
• They may run ads on it or restrict it in some regions
• Your channel isn’t penalized (unless you dispute and lose)

But if the owner chooses to issue a copyright strike, that’s more serious. Three strikes can get your channel terminated.

3. How to Use Copyrighted Music Legally

If you want to use copyrighted music safely, here are your options:

• Get direct permission (a license) from the copyright holder (both the recording and the composition)
• Use YouTube’s Audio Library – it has free music that’s cleared for use
• Use licensed music from third-party services like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Lickd
• Use music labeled under Creative Commons (but check if it requires attribution and if it’s approved for commercial use)

?? Note: Just giving credit doesn’t make it legal. You still need permission or a license.

4. Fair Use Is Rarely a Defense for Music

Some creators claim “fair use” to justify using copyrighted music, but fair use is a legal defense, not a right. Courts consider things like:

• Purpose (educational vs. entertainment)
• Amount used
• Effect on the market

Using a full song in a vlog or background music rarely qualifies as fair use.

Bottom line:
You can upload videos with copyrighted music, but you risk claims, demonetization, or takedowns. To stay safe and keep full control of your content, use royalty-free or properly licensed music.
It’s not hard to find great alternatives — and it keeps your channel protected.

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