YouTube tells you a song is copyrighted when you upload it
When you upload a video to YouTube, the platform automatically scans the audio for copyrighted music. If it finds a match, YouTube displays a copyright notice in your video's details page — usually within minutes of upload. You do not have to search for this information. YouTube shows you directly.
The notice appears under the "Copyright" section of your video's details. It tells you the name of the song, the copyright holder, and what YouTube has done about it. The action depends on who owns the copyright: some copyright holders let YouTube videos use their music and collect the ad revenue instead, while others require you to remove the song or face a copyright strike.
If you want to check before uploading, you can use YouTube's Copyright Match Tool, which is built into the YouTube Studio dashboard. Search for the song title and artist name, and the tool will tell you whether that exact track is registered in YouTube's copyright database.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube automatically detects copyrighted music when you upload a video and shows the result in your video's Copyright section within minutes.
- Different copyright holders have different rules: some allow the music and take the ad revenue, while others require removal or issue strikes.
- You can check a song before uploading using YouTube Studio's Copyright Match Tool by searching the song title and artist name.
- A copyright claim does not always mean your video will be taken down — it depends on the copyright holder's policy.
- Royalty-free music sites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and YouTube's own Audio Library let you use songs without copyright claims.
What happens when YouTube finds copyrighted music in your video
YouTube's system, called Content ID, compares your audio against a database of millions of copyrighted works. When it finds a match, the copyright holder decides what happens next. The three most common outcomes are: the copyright holder monetizes your video (takes the ad revenue), the copyright holder mutes the audio, or the copyright holder issues a copyright strike.
If the copyright holder monetizes your video, you keep uploading normally but YouTube gives the ad revenue to them instead of you. Your video stays live and viewers can watch it. This is the most common outcome for popular songs.
If the copyright holder mutes the audio, viewers see your video but cannot hear the copyrighted song. The muted section appears as silence. Your video is not removed, but the audio is unusable.
If the copyright holder issues a strike, YouTube removes your video and adds a mark to your channel. Three strikes in 90 days and YouTube terminates your entire channel. This is rare for a single song use, but it can happen if the copyright holder is strict or if you have a pattern of violations.
How to use YouTube's Copyright Match Tool
Open YouTube Studio on your computer. Click the menu on the left side and select "Tools," then "Copyright Match." Type the song title and artist name into the search box. YouTube will show you whether that song is registered in its copyright database.
The results tell you the copyright holder's name and sometimes their policy. However, the Copyright Match Tool does not tell you what the copyright holder will do if you use the song — only whether they have registered it. You still need to check the copyright holder's website or contact them directly to learn their specific rules.
This tool works best for well-known songs. Obscure or independent music may not appear in the database even if it is copyrighted. If a song does not show up, that does not mean it is free to use — it may straightforward mean the copyright holder has not registered it with YouTube yet.
Understanding copyright claims versus copyright strikes
A copyright claim means YouTube has identified copyrighted material in your video and the copyright holder has chosen to monetize it or mute it. Your video stays up. You can dispute a claim if you believe you have the right to use the music, but most claims are accurate.
A copyright strike means the copyright holder has asked YouTube to remove your video because they do not allow use of their music. Strikes are serious: they count toward channel termination and can prevent you from uploading, creating playlists, or livestreaming for a period of time. You can appeal a strike, but the copyright holder has to agree to withdraw it.
Most creators encounter claims, not strikes. Strikes usually happen when you use music from major record labels that actively enforce their rights, or when you repeatedly upload the same copyrighted song across multiple videos.
Where to find royalty-free music for YouTube videos
YouTube's own Audio Library is free and built into YouTube Studio. Click "Create" in the left menu, then "Audio Library," and browse thousands of royalty-free songs and sound effects. You can read any track and use it in your videos without copyright claims. The Audio Library is the fastest option if you want to avoid copyright issues entirely.
Epidemic Sound and Artlist are paid subscription services that provide royalty-free music. Both offer thousands of tracks sorted by mood, genre, and length. Epidemic Sound costs around $10 per month for creators, and Artlist costs around $15 per month. Both are used by professional YouTubers and video editors.
Free sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Free Music Archive also offer royalty-free tracks. The selection is smaller than paid services, but the music is genuinely free to use. Always check the license before downloading — some tracks require you to credit the artist, while others do not.
How to dispute a copyright claim if you believe it is wrong
Open your video in YouTube Studio and go to the Copyright section. Click "See details" next to the copyright claim. YouTube will show you the copyright holder's name and the exact section of your video that matched their music.
If you believe the claim is incorrect, click "Request review." YouTube will ask you to explain why you think the match is wrong. Common reasons include: the audio is not actually the copyrighted song, you have permission from the copyright holder, or the audio is a cover you created yourself.
YouTube sends your dispute to the copyright holder. They have 30 days to respond. If they agree with you, the claim is removed. If they disagree or do not respond, the claim stays. Disputing a claim does not hurt your channel, but false disputes can lead to strikes, so only dispute if you genuinely believe the claim is wrong.
What copyright means for different types of creators
If you monetize your YouTube channel (meaning you earn ad revenue), copyright claims usually do not stop you from uploading. The copyright holder straightforward takes the revenue instead of you. Your video stays live and you keep the views and subscribers.
If you do not monetize your channel, copyright claims still happen, but they affect you less directly. Your video may be muted or claimed, but you are not losing ad revenue because you were not earning any. However, muted audio makes your video less useful to viewers.
If you are a music producer or artist uploading your own music, you can register your work with YouTube's Content ID system to protect it. This lets you claim other people's videos that use your music and collect revenue from them. Registration requires explore through a Content ID partner, which typically costs money or takes a percentage of revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a song if the copyright claim says the copyright holder is monetizing it?
Yes. A monetization claim means the copyright holder allows the use but takes the ad revenue. Your video stays live and you keep the views. This is the copyright holder's way of saying "you can use this, but we get paid instead of you."
What is the difference between a copyright claim and a copyright strike?
A claim means the copyright holder is taking revenue or muting audio, but your video stays up. A strike means the copyright holder wants the video removed. Three strikes in 90 days terminates your channel. Strikes are much more serious.
If a song does not show up in the Copyright Match Tool, can I use it freely?
Not necessarily. The tool only checks YouTube's database. A song can be copyrighted but not registered with YouTube yet. If you are unsure, contact the artist or copyright holder directly before uploading.
Can I appeal a copyright strike?
Yes, but only the copyright holder can remove it. You can submit an appeal explaining why you think the strike is wrong, but YouTube sends it to the copyright holder for review. They have to agree to withdraw it. Most appeals are denied unless you have proof you own the rights to the music.
Does YouTube's Audio Library music work on other platforms like TikTok or Instagram?
No. YouTube's Audio Library is only licensed for use on YouTube. Using it on TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms may result in copyright claims on those platforms. Check each platform's music library for tracks you can use there.