How to avoid copyright on YouTube without losing revenue

2. Understand YouTube’s copyright rules before uploading

Before posting any YouTube videos, make sure you understand YouTube’s policies on copyright infringement. YouTube protects copyright holders by using the Content ID system to detect copyrighted material, including background music, video content, and images. 

If you use copyrighted music or clips without legal permission, you risk a copyright claim or even a copyright strike, which can lead to ad revenue loss or channel termination.

3. Use licensed or royalty-free music

Music labels and publishers actively monitor content, so using unlicensed music can get your video content taken down or blocked in certain regions.

To avoid this, use licensed or royalty-free music from platforms like YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound, or Free Music Archive. Some services provide free tracks, while others require a one-time license or subscription fee. If you’re unsure whether a track is safe, always check the licensing terms before adding it to your video.

Pro tip: Canva also offers a library of copyright-free music, making it easy to add background tracks without worrying about copyright infringement. 

4. Credit original creators when using third-party content

If you’re using content that wasn’t created by you, such as clips from movies, interviews, or someone else’s footage, always make sure you’re following the correct guidelines. Some content is available under a Creative Commons license, which allows reuse under certain conditions. Often, you must credit the original creator in the video description. 

However, just giving credit doesn’t automatically make your use legal. If the copyright owner hasn’t explicitly granted permission, your video could still get flagged for copyright infringement. Always check whether you’re actually allowed to use third-party content before uploading.

5. Transform content to avoid copyright strikes

YouTube does allow some level of reuse, but only if the content has been significantly transformed. If you’re adding commentary, analysis, or education, your use may fall under fair use, but this isn’t guaranteed. 

Just editing a video, changing the speed, or cropping footage isn’t real content creation. It’s lazy and dishonest. If your video is primarily made up of someone else’s work with only minor edits, you’re still at risk of a copyright claim or a copyright strike. 

The best way to stay safe is to create something that truly adds value and is distinct from the original material.

6. Check YouTube’s audio library and fair use guidelines

The YouTube Audio Library provides copyright-free background music and sound effects that can be used without restrictions. 

If you want to use copyrighted content under fair use, make sure it meets the legal criteria. This includes how much is used, the purpose, and its effect on the market. Fair use isn’t automatic and can still result in copyright claims on YouTube.

7. Monitor and respond to copyright claims quickly

If your YouTube content gets flagged for a copyright claim, check your YouTube Studio dashboard to see how the claim affects your video. Sometimes, a claim just means the copyright holder is monetizing your video instead of you. Other times, it means your video is blocked or restricted in certain countries. 

If you believe the claim is incorrect, you can dispute it through YouTube Studio. This process notifies the copyright owner, who has 30 days to review and respond. If they reject your dispute, they can escalate it to a copyright strike, so only dispute claims if you’re confident you have the appropriate licenses or are protected under fair use.

8. Avoid using copyrighted clips without permission

Some creators assume they can use a few seconds of copyrighted videos or songs without an issue, but this isn’t true. 

YouTube’s Content ID system is designed to detect even short clips of copyrighted material, and using 5 seconds of copyrighted content can still result in a copyright claim or even a copyright strike. 

If you don’t want to deal with claims, avoid using copyrighted clips entirely unless you have explicit permission or you’re confident it qualifies as fair use.

9. Know the difference between copyright strikes and Content ID claims

A Content ID claim isn’t necessarily a big problem. It just means that the copyright holder has detected your use of their material and has decided to either block your video, monetize it, or restrict it in certain regions. However, a copyright strike is more serious. 

If a copyright owner files a formal DMCA takedown request, you get a copyright strike, which can lead to channel suspension if you receive three within 90 days. Unlike Content ID claims, copyright strikes don’t expire unless they’re resolved, so avoiding them should always be a priority.

10. Get explicit permission for copyrighted content

If you want to use copyrighted material in your YouTube videos, always try to obtain proper licenses or seek permission from the copyright owner before uploading. Some record labels, content creators, and stock media platforms offer licensing agreements that let you use their content legally. 

Others may allow you to use their work for free, as long as you credit them properly in the video description. However, if you don’t get permission, your video could be demonetized, blocked, or removed, and repeated violations could put your entire channel at risk. 

If you’re unsure whether you have the right to use something, it’s best to leave it out or replace it with public domain or royalty-free content.

Frequently asked questions