A copyright strike on YouTube can be removed by deleting the video, which allows you to request reinstatement and clears the strike within days if the owner doesn’t appeal. 2. If you believe the strike is mistaken, submit a counter-notification in YouTube Studio, providing your details and a statement of error, but be aware this is a legal step that could lead to lawsuits if challenged. 3. If neither deleting nor disputing, wait 90 days for the strike to expire automatically, though channel features may remain restricted. 4. Contact the copyright owner directly to request a retraction, especially if you’ve removed the content or have permission, as many owners will cooperate. 5. To prevent future strikes, use royalty-free content, obtain proper licenses, and understand that credit does not substitute for permission.

Getting a copyright strike on YouTube can be stressful, especially if you're worried about your channel's standing. A copyright strike means someone has claimed that your video uses their copyrighted content without permission. Here's how to handle and potentially remove a copyright strike, depending on your situation.

1. Understand What a Copyright Strike Is

A copyright strike is issued when a copyright owner files a formal legal complaint (via a Content ID claim or a manual takedown request) and YouTube verifies it. Unlike a Content ID claim (which might just block or monetize your video), a copyright strike affects your channel's status. You’ll get:

• A notification in YouTube Studio
• Restrictions on features (like live streaming) if you have multiple strikes
• Risk of channel termination after three strikes

Important: Copyright strikes expire after 90 days, but you can try to get them removed earlier.

2. Delete the Video (Fastest Way to Clear the Strike)

If you agree that your video violates copyright, the simplest solution is to delete the video.

• Go to YouTube Studio > Content
• Find the video with the strike and delete it
• After deletion, go to the Copyright Notices section and click “Request Reinstatement” or “Clear copyright strike”
• YouTube will usually remove the strike within a few days

? This works only if you delete the video and the copyright owner doesn’t appeal.

3. Submit a Counter-Notification (If You Believe It’s a Mistake)

If you think the strike was issued unfairly — for example, you used the content under fair use, you have permission, or it's your own content — you can file a counter-notification.

Steps:

• Go to YouTube Studio > Content > Videos with issues
• Click on the video with the strike
• Select “Counter-notification” and fill out the form
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your contact info
  • Description of the content
  • Statement that you believe the removal was a mistake or misidentification
  • Consent to legal jurisdiction (U.S. federal court)

?? Warning: This is a legal declaration. If you’re wrong, the copyright owner can sue you.

After you submit:

• YouTube forwards your counter-notification to the claimant
• They have 10 business days to respond
  • If they don’t respond, the strike is removed
  • If they do respond, the video stays down, and you may need to pursue legal action

4. Wait It Out (If You Can’t or Won’t Delete or Dispute)

If you don’t delete the video and don’t file a counter-notification:

• The strike remains on your channel for 90 days
• After 90 days, it automatically expires
• During that time, you won’t be able to monetize, go live, or use certain features if you have multiple strikes

This is a last resort, but sometimes the safest if you're unsure about legal risks.

5. Contact the Copyright Owner Directly

Sometimes, the quickest fix is to reach out to the person or company that filed the claim.

• Find their contact info (often in the copyright notice or their channel)
• Politely explain your situation
• Ask them to retract the claim if you’ve removed the content or have a license

Many creators retract claims once the issue is resolved — especially if you’re respectful and cooperative.

Bonus Tips to Avoid Future Strikes

• Use royalty-free or properly licensed music and video clips
• Give credit doesn’t equal permission — always get a license when needed
• Use YouTube’s Audio Library or platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Pixabay
• Understand fair use — it’s narrow and doesn’t always protect you legally

Basically, your options are: delete it, dispute it, wait it out, or negotiate. Each has trade-offs. If you're not confident, deleting the video is the safest way to clear the strike quickly.

The above is the detailed content of How to remove a copyright strike on YouTube. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!