YouTube is often thought of as a site for sharing videos with big public audiences, but it may also be a terrific tool to back up or share recordings discreetly, as long as you adhere to the platform’s copyright policies.
According to David Gewirtz of ZDNET, YouTube’s Content ID checks continue to apply to videos published as private (meaning only the uploader may watch them) or unlisted (viewable by anyone with a link or if they appear in public playlists).
Professional content makers can benefit from scanning unlisted and private videos. They can upload a video as private to ensure it passes YouTube’s Content ID checks before making it public, or they can edit the video to avoid demonization or major copyright strikes. However, this is a significant hassle for users who simply wish to share movies with a small group of friends or post a school assignment for simple access.
If your content is identified by YouTube’s Content ID checks, you will often receive a warning. However, if the copyright holder decides to take action, your video may be withdrawn or you may get a copyright strike.Strikes are a severe problem because just three copyright strikes against your account may result in the permanent deletion of your channel, barring you from future uploads and rendering all posted content inaccessible until you appeal the removal.
Fortunately, there are solutions to prevent copyright difficulties on your private and unlisted YouTube videos.
How to avoid Copyright Flags and Strikes against unlisted or private YouTube videos
- Use copyright-free content: Make sure the content you upload is either original or falls under fair use or creative commons licenses. Avoid using copyrighted materials such as music, images, and videos without proper permission.
- Obtain necessary licenses and permissions: If you want to include copyrighted content in your videos, seek proper licenses or permissions from the copyright holders. This can include obtaining sync licenses for music, securing rights for video clips, or acquiring permission to use images or artwork.
- Create your own content: Focus on creating original content that doesn’t rely heavily on copyrighted materials. This can include filming your own videos, using royalty-free music, or creating your own graphics and animations.
- Give credit and attribute: If you do use copyrighted content that falls under fair use or creative commons licenses, make sure to give proper credit to the original creator. Provide attributions, links, and acknowledgments in the video description or on-screen.
- Use royalty-free music and images: There are many websites that offer royalty-free music and images that you can use in your videos without infringing on copyright. Utilize these resources to enhance your videos while avoiding copyright issues.
- Stay informed about copyright laws and policies: Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and YouTube’s copyright policies. Regularly check for updates and changes to ensure you comply with the latest regulations.
- Consider obtaining legal advice: If you have concerns about potential copyright issues, consult with a legal professional who specializes in copyright law. They can provide guidance and help you navigate any complex copyright situations.
It’s important to note that even with these precautions, content disputes can still occur. In such cases, be prepared to respond to any copyright claims promptly and follow YouTube’s dispute resolution process. Keeping records of your permissions, licenses, and any necessary documentation can also be helpful in resolving copyright issues.
Remember, it’s crucial to respect the intellectual property rights of others and use copyrighted materials responsibly to avoid copyright flags and strikes on your YouTube videos.
What to do if your unlisted or private YouTube video is flagged
- Review the flagged content: Carefully examine the flagged portion of your video to determine the reason for the flag. YouTube provides a detailed description of the issue, such as copyright infringement or community guideline violation.
- Remove or edit the flagged content: If the flagged content is indeed infringing or violates YouTube’s guidelines, consider removing or editing it. This could involve cutting out the problematic portion, replacing it with appropriate content, or deleting the entire video if necessary.
- File a dispute or appeal: If you believe the flag is in error, and you have the necessary rights to use the content, you can file a dispute or appeal the decision. Follow the instructions provided by YouTube to submit your dispute or appeal and provide any supporting evidence or documentation to substantiate your claim.
- Wait for a response: After filing a dispute or appeal, YouTube will review your case. This process may take some time, so be patient and check your YouTube account or email regularly for updates or notifications from YouTube.
- Communicate with the claimant (if applicable): If the flag was due to a copyright claim, YouTube typically provides a way to communicate with the claimant through their Content ID system. Engaging in a respectful conversation with the claimant may help clarify any misunderstandings or resolve the issue amicably.
- Seek legal advice (if necessary): If the situation becomes complex or you need further assistance, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in copyright or intellectual property law. They can provide guidance and help you navigate the dispute resolution process.
Remember to familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies and guidelines to ensure your future videos comply with their requirements. It’s also a good practice to regularly review your videos for any potential copyright or guideline violations to prevent future flags and strikes.
Note: The above steps are general guidelines, and the specific process for handling flagged content may vary depending on YouTube’s policies and procedures.