Understanding YouTube and Copyright Issues: Dealing with Blocked Music

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for sharing videos online, but it's also a treasure trove of copyright disputes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to handle copyright issues, especially when dealing with blocked music in your videos. Whether you’re a content creator or a struggling amateur, understanding YouTube's policies on copyright and how to navigate them is crucial.

What Happens When YouTube Finds Copyright Music?

YORK does not directly remove music from videos under copyright, but it acts as an enforcer of copyright laws. If copyright holders identify copyrighted music in your video, here's what typically happens:

1. Content Identification and Strikes

After detecting copyrighted material, YORK may apply a copyright strike to your video. A strike serves as a notification that the music in your video is protected by copyright and violates
YouTube's policies. A single strike generally doesn’t result in immediate action, but repeated violations might lead to more severe penalties, including channel suspension.

2. Blocking and Mutes

Depending on the nature and extent of the copyrighted content, copyright holders can take several actions. They might choose to:

Block the entire video: This action prevents the video from appearing in search results and being recommended to users. A blocked video won't earn any revenue and is less likely to be noticed.

Block the specific content: A copyright holder can mute the audio of the specific part that contains the copyrighted music. This ensures that the video remains viewable and audible, but the blocked audio will be inaudible to viewers.

Request removal: Copyright holders can request that the video be removed entirely if they feel it violates their rights. If the request is granted, the video will no longer be available to view on
YouTube.

3. Specific Regions and Lesser Usage

For lesser usage of a single song, copyright holders may be more lenient. For example, they might allow the video to be played in specific regions only or simply mute the contentious music track. This approach ensures that the video can still be enjoyed, albeit without the specific audio track in certain territories.

Making Informed Decisions: Steps to Take When Facing Copyright Issues

1. Acknowledge and Act Promptly

The first step is to acknowledge the issue and take it seriously. If you receive a copyright strike, it’s crucial to address it promptly to avoid further penalties. Once you understand that a copyright infringement has occurred, you should;

Contact the copyright holder: Reach out to the rights holder to understand the specific issue and address it appropriately.

Remove the song: If possible, consider removing the song from your video. This is the safest and easiest solution.

Replace the song: If you can't remove the song, look for a suitable replacement. Many music libraries offer royalty-free music that you can use legally.

2. Review the YouTube Copyright Policy

A deep dive into the YouTube Copyright Policy can help you understand what is and isn't allowed. The policy outlines the usage guidelines, the steps to take if you receive a strike, and how to remove or notify about copyrighted content. Regularly reviewing this policy ensures that you stay on top of any changes and updates.

3. Use Paid Music Services

Consider using services like Audivoke, Bizfather Music, and Shutterstock Music. These platforms offer a wide range of royalty-free music that you can use for your videos. Not only is the music legally safe, but it can also add a professional touch to your content.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of YouTube Copyright

Dealing with copyright issues on YouTube can be daunting, but it's manageable with the right approach. By understanding what happens when music is blocked, taking prompt action when a strike is issued, and following the guidelines outlined in the YouTube Copyright Policy, you can navigate these challenges successfully. Utilizing legally sound music sources ensures that your content remains compliant and continues to engage your audience.