If you upload copyright-protected content to YouTube without the copyright owner’s authorization, it may be taken down. If you believe your video was taken down in error, you can submit a copyright counter notification.
A counter notification is a legal request for YouTube to reinstate a video that was taken down for alleged copyright infringement.
Before you submit a counter notification, you should know:
- The video’s original uploader, or an agent authorized to act on their behalf, such as an attorney, must submit the counter notification.
- Only submit a counter notification if your video was taken down due to a mistake or misidentification of content, including cases of fair use. Don’t submit counter notifications for any other reasons.
- If your video doesn't fit the criteria above, you can wait 90 days for your copyright strike to expire. You can also reach out to the copyright owner directly to request they retract their claim of copyright infringement.
- Counter notifications for non-video content, such as comments or channel banner images, must be submitted through a free-form counter notification.
- Note: Because Google hosts channel profile pictures, you need to submit counter notifications for channel profile pictures through Google’s webform.
Prepare your counter notification
YouTube requires that your counter notification must:
- Meet all legal requirements.
- Clearly explain your right to use the copyrighted content in your own words. If you think the content was identified as a mistake, explain why in a clear and concise manner.
Evaluate the copyrighted content
Your counter notification should include details about the specific content claimed in your video. To find these details:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- From the left menu, select Content.
- Select Filter
Copyright claims.
- In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright claim next to your video.
- Click SEE DETAILS.
Copyright claims.Before submitting a counter notification, consider the following:
- Who owns the content?
- If you’ve used someone else’s copyrighted work, can you provide evidence of a license or permission to use that content?
- Is your use of the content protected by fair use, fair dealing, or a similar copyright exception?
- Is the content in the public domain?
Submit a counter notification
To submit a copyright counter notification:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- From the left menu, select Content.
- Select Filter
- In the Restrictions column, hover over Copyright claim.
- Click SEE DETAILS.
- Under Actions, click SELECT ACTION
- Enter your contact info and rationale.
- Make sure you include your complete physical address and full legal name.
- If necessary info is missing from your counter notification, it may be rejected.
- Click SUBMIT.
By submitting a counter notification, you consent to sharing your info with the claimant.
If your account has been suspended for copyright violations, you can’t send a counter notification following the steps above. You can try submitting a free-form counter notification.
What happens next?
Your counter notification will be forwarded to the claimant if it meets all legal requirements and clearly explains your right to use the content. Under most circumstances, we won't forward the counter notification to any party other than the original claimant. If the counter notification is forwarded, it will include the full text, including any personal info you’ve entered.
The claimant has 10 business days, as required by copyright law, to reply to your counter notification. They’ll need to respond with evidence that they’ve taken legal action to keep the content from being restored to YouTube.