YouTube has several tools that copyright owners can use to protect and manage their copyrighted content on YouTube. Copyright management tools are designed for different types of creators, from occasional uploaders to established media companies.
Our copyright management tools include:
By default, the copyright takedown webform is available for everyone on YouTube to use. The availability of the other copyright management tools is based on:
- Demonstrated need for frequent copyright management
- Available resources to manage your rights and content
- Knowledge of YouTube’s copyright system
While we work to expand the availability of our tools, we’re also committed to protecting against significant disruptions that can result from their misuse.
For infrequent copyright management
Copyright takedown webform
Everyone with a YouTube Account has access to our copyright takedown webform. If your copyright-protected work is uploaded without your permission, you can use our webform to submit a copyright takedown to request the content be taken down from YouTube.
For most copyright owners, the webform is the fastest and easiest way to request a copyright takedown. The copyright owner, or an agent authorized to act on the owner’s behalf, should submit the webform.
Learn more about the submitting a copyright takedown request.
For frequent copyright management
To find the right tool for your frequent copyright management needs, start by filling out this form. Make sure you're signed in with the same YouTube account you've previously used to submit takedown requests through our webform.
Your responses will give us more info about your needs for copyright management so we can find the tool that’s right for you. Once you submit the form, we’ll review your responses and email you our recommendations based on:
- How often you upload videos
- How often your videos are reuploaded
- Whether you manage an account on behalf of a company
- Your history of submitting requests through our webform. Specifically, how your previous webform requests show an understanding of copyright and a need for frequent takedowns.
More info on our tools for frequent copyright management can be found below:
Copyright Match Tool
The Copyright Match Tool can automatically identify videos that are copies or potential copies of other videos on YouTube. The tool finds videos that match other videos that were already uploaded to YouTube or taken down due to a takedown request. Once matches are found, you can choose actions to take, such as:
- Emailing the uploader of the matched content
- Requesting a removal of the content
- Archiving the match
The Copyright Match Tool uses the same matching technology as Content ID, but it’s easier to manage and requires fewer resources.
Learn more about the Copyright Match Tool.
Content Verification Program
If you often need to remove content and have previously submitted many valid takedown requests, you may be eligible for our Content Verification Program. The program gives copyright owners a tool to search for content they believe is infringing and request takedowns for many videos at once.
If you don’t need to search and remove many videos on an ongoing basis, the copyright takedown webform is the best option.
Learn more about the Content Verification Program.
Content ID
Content ID is available to copyright owners with the most complex copyright management needs, such as record labels or movie studios. To qualify for Content ID, copyright owners must have previously submitted many valid takedown requests and have the resources to manage Content ID, among other criteria.
Content ID is a matching system that automatically identifies content that may be infringing. When videos are uploaded to YouTube, they’re scanned against a database of files submitted by copyright owners. If Content ID finds content that matches one of your works, you can choose actions to take, such as:
- Block a whole video from being viewed
- Monetize the video by running ads against it, sometimes sharing revenue with the uploader
- Track the video’s viewership statistics
These actions can be specific to a country/region. For example, a video may be monetized in one country/region, and blocked or tracked in another.
Learn more about Content ID.
Notes:
- Even unintentional misuse of Content ID can have serious consequences for YouTube and creators.
- Content ID comes with complex controls that require ongoing management and an advanced understanding of copyright.
- Copyright owners who use Content ID must also make sure their content is eligible for Content ID and safe for automated matching technology.
- Many copyright owners prefer to use a third-party service provider to manage their rights using Content ID. These Content ID service providers act on behalf of copyright owners for a fee. You can find one in this directory.
- Using any of these copyright management tools to submit a takedown request starts a legal process.
- Misuse of any of these tools, such as submitting false information, may result in the suspension of your account or other legal consequences.
- Before submitting takedown requests, it’s important to consider whether fair use, fair dealing, or other exceptions to copyright applies in each situation.