Have you ever received a copyright strike on your YouTube channel? Do you know why it happens and how it can seriously affect your channel’s future? In this guide, VIPS – Vietnam Copyright Services will walk you through everything you need to know about copyright strikes on YouTube: what they are, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get one. Don’t risk losing your channel over a small mistake — read on to protect your content legally and effectively!

A YouTube copyright strike is an official warning issued when you upload content that infringes on someone else’s copyrighted material without permission. This often includes music, images, videos, or other copyrighted content not used under a valid license or Fair Use policy.

If a channel receives three copyright strikes within 90 days, YouTube may permanently delete the channel—along with all videos, views, and subscribers. Moreover, the account owner may be banned from creating new channels, and other linked accounts may be affected as well.

What Is a YouTube Copyright Strike?
What Is a YouTube Copyright Strike?

Để hiểu đầy đủ về cảnh cáo bản quyền, bạn nên nắm rõ các quy định cơ bản của bản quyền YouTube. Điều này giúp phân biệt giữa những vi phạm nghiêm trọng dẫn đến strike và các trường hợp xử lý nhẹ hơn.

YouTube uses a system called Content ID to automatically detect copyrighted content by matching your uploads against a database of registered materials. Common reasons for strikes include:

  • Using copyrighted music, images, or videos without permission
  • Live-streaming content owned by others (e.g., sports events, concerts)
  • Re-uploading (re-upping) videos from other creators or platforms
  • Failing to credit the original creator or obtain proper licensing

Trên thực tế, người dùng Việt Nam thường gọi Copyright Strike là gậy bản quyền YouTube. Cách gọi này phản ánh đúng hậu quả nặng nề mà kênh phải gánh chịu khi vi phạm bản quyền nhiều lần.

Types of Content Likely to Receive Copyright Strikes

YouTube enforces copyright policies strictly. If you use the following content types without proper authorization, your video may be flagged or removed:

Copyrighted Music

Using background music, beats, or recordings from artists or labels without a license.

Third-Party Videos and Images

Clips from movies, TV shows, vlogs, reviews, or other channels — even short snippets — without permission.

Livestream Content

Broadcasting live events like football matches, concerts, or television shows without official rights.

Reuploaded Videos

Reposting someone else’s YouTube or social media content (e.g., from TikTok, Facebook) without their consent.

Sound Effects, Voice Clips, Logos

Many sound effects, voiceovers, and even logos are protected under copyright and can’t be used freely.

Không phải mọi hành vi sử dụng tác phẩm có bản quyền đều dẫn đến strike. Trong một số tình huống đặc biệt, bạn có thể dựa vào nguyên tắc Fair Use trên YouTube để chứng minh nội dung thuộc phạm vi sử dụng hợp pháp.

If you receive a strike, don’t panic. You can follow these legal and effective steps from VIPS to resolve the issue without relying on third parties or MCNs:

Step 1: Identify the Copyrighted Content

YouTube will remove the infringing video and notify you via email. To check manually:

  • Go to YouTube Studio > Content
  • Look for the © icon next to any video title — this signals a copyright claim or strike

Understanding which video was flagged and why is the first step toward resolving the issue.

If you believe your content was used legally or you had permission, reach out to the claimant:

  • Use their contact info listed on their channel's “About” tab
  • Try finding them via their official website, social media, or contact forms
  • If they’re part of a YouTube network, contact the network for support

Explain your case clearly and provide evidence or licenses if available. If they agree, the claimant can retract the strike, and YouTube will remove it from your channel.

Step 3: Submit a Counter Notification

If the claimant refuses to retract and you’re confident your content qualifies as Fair Use, you can submit a counter notification via YouTube Studio:

  • Go to YouTube Studio > Content > Copyright Notices
  • Select the affected video
  • Click Submit Counter Notification and follow the instructions

The claimant has 10 business days to respond with legal proof of ownership. If they don’t, your video will be reinstated and the strike removed.

Trước khi bị cảnh cáo bản quyền, nhiều video chỉ nhận khiếu nại bản quyền (Copyright Claim). Đây là cảnh báo nhẹ hơn, thường liên quan đến việc chia sẻ doanh thu hoặc giới hạn phạm vi hiển thị thay vì xóa video.

The copyright holder can:

  • Request removal of the infringing video
  • Issue a strike to your channel
  • Redirect ad revenue to themselves

If you receive 3 strikes in 90 days, your channel may be terminated entirely.

Nếu bạn tin rằng nội dung của mình không vi phạm, hoàn toàn có thể gửi khiếu nại bản quyền. Đây là cơ chế chính thức mà YouTube cung cấp để người sáng tạo bảo vệ quyền lợi chính đáng khi bị áp dụng strike không đúng.

Use YouTube Studio:

  1. Log in to your YouTube account
  2. Open YouTube Studio
  3. Go to Content and look for the © icon
  4. Check your email for notifications
  5. Use Content ID to track copyright claims

Với những nhạc sĩ, ca sĩ hay nhà sản xuất, việc đăng ký bản quyền bài hát là giải pháp lâu dài để phòng tránh strike. Khi đã có giấy chứng nhận bản quyền, bạn sẽ dễ dàng yêu cầu gỡ video vi phạm hoặc thu hồi lợi ích kinh tế từ YouTube.

What content and language is restricted or prohibited on YouTube?

YouTube enforces Community Guidelines to protect viewers. Restricted or banned content includes:

  • Profanity or sexually explicit language

  • Misleading titles, tags, or thumbnails

  • Graphic violence or self-harm

  • Scams, spam, and clickbait

  • Misinformation, especially on health or social issues

  • Hate speech or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc.

Such content can lead to age restrictions, video removal, strikes, or account suspension.

Nếu muốn sử dụng âm nhạc trong video, giải pháp an toàn nhất là xin phép trước. Bạn có thể tham khảo hướng dẫn xin phép bản quyền bài hát Trang Nhật Ký hoặc xin phép bản quyền bài hát Hoa Đầu Mùa để đảm bảo video không bị dính strike.

When can a YouTube account be terminated?

YouTube may permanently disable your account if:

  • You violate Community Guidelines repeatedly or severely

  • You upload harmful, deceptive, or spammy content

  • You create new accounts to evade previous bans

Once terminated:

  • All videos, playlists, and data are deleted

  • You are no longer allowed to create or access any other channels

Final Thoughts

Copyright strikes don’t just impact individual videos — they can endanger your entire YouTube career. Whether you're a content creator, a business, or a music channel, understanding how copyright works is essential.

If you use music, images, or video footage not originally yours, make sure to obtain proper licenses. Don’t leave your channel at risk.

For safe, reliable copyright protection and expert support, partner with VIPS – Vietnam Copyright Services. We’re here to help creators stay compliant and thrive on YouTube.