Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about copyright strikes, Content ID claims, counter-notifications, and how our read-only channel check works.
Copyright Strikes & Content ID
A copyright strike is a formal legal takedown request; receiving three active strikes within 90 days terminates the channel. A Content ID claim is an automated audio-visual match that typically tracks or monetizes the upload without issuing a strike against your account.
A strike expires 90 days from the date it was issued, provided you complete Copyright School. You can resolve it immediately by submitting a valid counter-notification or obtaining a retraction from the claimant.
Your account and any associated channels are subject to permanent termination. All uploaded videos are removed, and you are restricted from creating or operating new channels.
Channel Check & Privacy
No. The initial check reads publicly available channel metadata only. Sign-in with Google is only needed if an active strike is found and you want to open the channel dashboard to submit an appeal.
Scans complete in about 4 seconds, resolving your `@handle` or channel URL against public metadata and returning an instant summary.
Disputes & Counter-Notifications
If your upload was flagged by mistake, misidentification, fair use, or licensed usage, you can submit a formal counter-notification. The claimant then has 10 business days to provide evidence of legal action; otherwise, the strike is cleared and your content is restored.
No. Deleting a video under an active takedown notice does not remove the strike from your channel and forfeits your ability to file a counter-notification.