Don’t Panic: How to Handle a Copyright Claim

You’ve done everything right.

You took the time to find the right track, purchased the correct licence, added it to your video or client project… and then, after hitting publish, the notification lands:

“Copyright claim“

It’s a horrible feeling — even for experienced creators. Before you rush to mute the audio, delete the video, or assume the worst, knowing how to handle a copyright claim can make all the difference. But first, it’s important to understand:

A copyright claim is not the same as a strike.

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Copyright Claim vs Copyright Strike

These two often get lumped together, but they’re very different.

A copyright strike is serious. It usually follows a manual takedown request for unlicensed use and can affect your channel’s standing.

A copyright claim, on the other hand, is usually automated. Platforms like YouTube (where this happens most often) use systems such as Content ID to detect music and manage how those tracks are used.

If you’ve licensed the music correctly, a claim isn’t a threat to your channel — it’s more like a flag saying, “This track has been detected. Let’s double-check your license.”

And yes—this can happen even when you’ve done everything by the book.

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Why Licensed Music Still Gets Claimed

It’s a common challenge that even seasoned professionals run into, especially when working with multiple clients or long-term projects. Understanding who holds the license helps ensure a smooth process—something we cover in detail in our post on music licensing for client work.

Most claims happen because the music is registered in Content ID to protect it from unlicensed use. The system doesn’t automatically know who has permission — it just knows the music exists.

Common reasons a legitimate video gets flagged include:

• The system is still updating: It can take a moment for a database to recognise a new license or a newly added channel.
• A change in management: If a track has recently changed administration or publishers, it can cause a temporary mismatch in the automated system.
• Allowlist details: Your channel may not be on the copyright owner’s allowlist yet (sometimes called whitelisting).
• A simple technical delay: Sometimes, the system just needs a little extra time to match your specific licence to your account.

None of these mean you’ve done anything wrong.

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The “Don’t Panic” 3‑Step Approach

If you’ve licensed music from us — whether for your own channel or client work — you’re covered. Here’s a straightforward way to resolve a claim and get your project back on track.

1. Don’t Delete the Video

How to handle a copyright claim doesn’t mean deleting and re‑uploading the video. This usually makes things worse, not better.

Most claims are resolved within a few working days. If you dispute the claim promptly, any ad revenue earned during that time, if there is any, is usually held and released once the claim is cleared.

The key thing: pause, don’t panic.

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2. Use Your Digital Paper Trail

This is where good record‑keeping pays off—something we cover in more detail in our guide on protecting your music licenses long-term.

Find the license PDF you saved with your project or client delivery. Then, in your video dashboard:

• Navigate to the Dispute section
• Select the option to provide your licence or written permission

Helpful tip: Include details like the track name, license reference number, and music library name in your dispute description. This provides the reviewer with the context they need to help verify your rights and resolve the claim.

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3. Use the Human Safety Net

If you’re unsure how to proceed or feel stuck during the dispute process for a claim related to our music, please get in touch. In many cases, we can contact distributors or administrators directly to help release the claim.

We pride ourselves on being accessible to our creators — it’s part of the support we provide with every license.

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Moving Past the Claim

A copyright claim can be an inconvenient hurdle, especially when you have deadlines to meet. But it doesn’t have to disrupt your project.

With the right music, clear records, and the knowledge of how to handle a copyright claim effectively, you can navigate the process and keep your work moving forward.

You focus on the creative side—and if you ever need a hand resolving a claim, we’re here to help.