How to appeal a YouTube copyright strike

Open YouTube Studio, check active copyright strikes on the Dashboard, and inspect the affected video's copyright details under Content. Save the removal notice, video URL, claimant details and any relevant licences or original recordings.

• Content ID claim: May affect revenue or availability but is usually not a strike. Use the claim dispute process only when you have a valid reason.
• Copyright strike: Follows a valid copyright removal request; the video is removed. Use the resolution options below.
• YPP reused-content rejection: A separate monetization review, not a copyright strike. Read the monetization guide.

Sources: Understand copyright strikes and Dispute a Content ID claim. A Content ID dispute generally gives the claimant 30 days to respond; that is not the counter-notification deadline below.

If you can resolve the issue directly, use the claimant contact details in the notice or Studio to request a retraction of the copyright removal request. Explain the specific video and the relevant permission or mistake calmly. Only the claimant or an authorized representative can retract their request.

A retraction generally clears the associated strike and restores the content unless you deleted it or other videos remain associated with the strike. Deleting a video yourself does not normally remove an existing strike.

Hypothetical example: A licensed music track was mistakenly targeted. Share the licence and video URL with the claimant and ask them to retract the removal request. A receipt only helps if the licence actually covers your use.

Source: Retract a copyright removal request.

1. Review the notice and the exact removed material. Check your rights and the law that applies to you.
2. In Studio, open the affected video's copyright details and select the counter-notification option if available. Follow YouTube's current submission instructions.
3. Provide the required identifying and contact information, original video URLs, your explanation and legal statements. Do not use invented information or a generic fair-use template.
4. Review the declarations carefully, including consent to the specified court jurisdiction and service of process. Submit only if you can truthfully agree.
5. Watch your email for requests from YouTube and updates from the claimant.

YouTube shares a valid counter notification with the claimant, including required personal information. An authorized representative, such as a lawyer, can submit on your behalf if disclosure is a concern. False information or misuse can lead to account termination or legal consequences.

After forwarding, the claimant has 10 US business days to provide evidence of legal action to keep the content down. Without it, the content may be reinstated; this is not a guaranteed restoration date.

Sources: Submit a copyright counter notification and Respond to a counter notification.

If you cannot substantiate a mistaken removal, completing Copyright School and waiting 90 days is another strike-resolution option. Expiration does not restore the removed video. Three active copyright strikes can put your channel and associated channels at risk of termination, so do not treat the waiting period as permission to repeat the same use.

Hypothetical example: You used a commercial song without permission and cannot establish an exception. A counter notification is not a way to ask for forgiveness. Consider a retraction request, complete Copyright School, and use cleared music in future videos.

Source: YouTube's strike resolution options. If your channel has already been terminated, follow the separate instructions in that notice; ordinary Studio options may be unavailable.

Useful records: Original raw footage and project files, applicable commercial licences, written permission identifying the use, and a clear explanation of a genuine misidentification.

Not sufficient by themselves: Giving credit, buying a song, not monetizing, using only a few seconds, or writing “no infringement intended.” Copyright exceptions are case-specific and vary by country. Commentary does not automatically establish fair use.

Hypothetical example: A claimant targeted footage you shot yourself. Keep the original recording and editing project, compare them with the notice, and consider a retraction request or legal advice on a counter notification. Do not assume this example proves your own case.

Source: Copyright on YouTube.

• Understand copyright strikes
• Retractions
• Counter-notification requirements
• Claimant response and legal-action evidence
• Content ID disputes
• Copyright guidance

Reviewed 22 October 2026. Your notice and the current official instructions take precedence if procedures change.