Hey creators!
Ever had your YouTube videos re-uploaded or remixed without your permission? It’s frustrating, right?
Not only does this mess with your originality, but it can also affect your earnings and brand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if this happens. We’ll cover YouTube’s tools like the Copyright Match Tool and Content ID, show you how to use them, and share tips to prevent unauthorized use of your content.
Plus, we’ll give you some advice on reaching out to the offending channels directly and when to consider legal action. Let’s dive in and keep your content safe!
Step by step guide for YouTubers Addressing Unauthorized Re-uploads or Re-mixes
In this guide, we’ll start with the simplest option of checking if you in fact allowed remixing in your video settings, all the way to the heavy weight options like taking legal action.
Keep reading!
1. Check Video Options for “Allow Remixing”
When this option is checked it grants others permission to “remix” your video.
The “remixing” setting on YouTube applies to the YouTube Shorts feature and allows creators to use snippets of your video content in their own Shorts.
To disable remixing do this:
Go to YouTube Studio > Content > Select your video > Click on “Details”.
Scroll down and ake sure “Don’t allow remixing” is checked.
2. Contact the channel and ask to remove re-uploaded video
Sometimes all you need to do is ask.
Perhaps it was just a new Youtuber who wanted to try things out?
Reaching out to the channel that re-uploaded or remixed your content can help to resolve the issue directly without involving formal processes.
Go to the infringing channel’s “About” page, find their email address (if any) or use YouTube’s messaging feature to send a polite request for the removal of your content.
3. Utilize YouTube’s Copyright Management Tools to take down re-uploaded videos
Ok, if the above steps didn’t help it’s time to look into something more serious.
Content ID (for large established channels only!)
Content ID is an automated system that scans videos uploaded to YouTube for matches with content that is in the Content ID database.
Content ID is typically available to larger channels or those with a lot of content. If eligible, you can apply through YouTube’s partnership programs.
Once enrolled, YouTube will notify you of matches, and you can choose to block, monetize, or track the usage of your content.
Copyright Match Tool
Unlike Content ID, this tool is available to all YouTubers from the get go.
Copyright Match Tool helps you find re-uploads of your content on YouTube.
Go to YouTube Studio > Copyright > Matches. Review the matches and choose to request removal, archive, or take no action.
Click on the icon with the exclamation mark to request the removal of the copied video.
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4. Submit a Takedown Request after finding re-uploaded video on your own
What to do if the automated YouTube tools did not report any infringements but you happen to find it yourself?
You have two options:
Manual Takedown Request
You can manually report a video that infringes on your copyright.
Go to the specific video, click on the three dots (more options) below the video, select “Report,” choose “Legal issues”, and follow the prompts.
Submit a Takedown Request via YouTube Studio
You can also access the take down form to submit a copyright infringement notice via your YouTube Studio.
Visit YouTube’s Copyright page and click on the “Removal requests” tab. Here you can submit new requests, as well as track the previous take downs.
Click on the button, fill out the form with the necessary details, and submit it.
Related: How to submit copyright removal request on YouTube (Google Help)
5. Legal action
If all of the steps above fail consistently or you believe the infringement has caused you some serious financial damage consider the legal action.
Seek professional legal advice to determine the best option to protect your content.
A copyright lawyer can guide you through sending cease and desist letters or pursuing further legal action.
As you imagine, lawyers are not cheap, so make sure it’s worth the money you’ll spend.
how to protect your content on youtube from getting copied and re-uploaded
While there are no foolproof methods to completely protect digital content from being re-uploaded or remixed without permission, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chances.
Implementing these measures can help safeguard your work and make it more difficult for others to re-use your content.
Content ID
If you have a large and established channel, using YouTube’s Content ID system can help identify and manage unauthorized use of your videos.
In our experience, YouTube will ask you to demonstrate the history of offenses, in order to accept you into the Content ID program.
In other words, if nobody is re-uploading your videos, your chances of getting accepted into the Content ID is somewhat small.
Consider using Content ID registered music as a workaround
Use Content ID registered music from a trusted music provider.
All videos using this music will receive copyright claims on YouTube.
You will be able to remove copyright claims using the license certificate from your music provider.
However, the channels that re-upload your videos won’t be able to do clear the claims and monetize their videos
.
This will help to discourage the further re-uploading.
If Content ID is not an options, consider one of the following steps:
Watermarking
Consider adding a logo or text to your videos.
A prominent logo may discourage re-uploads and makes it easier for you to identify your content.
Use a recognizable audio logo for branding.
Regular Monitoring
Keep actively checking for unauthorized use of your content, as early detection allows for quicker action.
Idea: Set up Google Alerts with your video titles or unique phrases to get notified of re-uploads.
Engage with the Community
Ask loyal followers to report unauthorized content.
Disclaimer (Important!)
Always ensure that you have the legal right to make a copyright claim before submitting a report.
Misuse of copyright tools can harm your reputation and lead to significant penalties.
Questions?
We hope you find this guide helpful. Tell us about your experience! Post a comment
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