TL;DR
- Don't assume that giving credit makes copyrighted music safe to use.
- Don't rely on the "5-second rule." There is no general rule that makes a few seconds of copyrighted music automatically safe to use.
- Use specialized sources offering music, videos and images with clear and transparent licensing terms.
- Copyright claims can affect monetization, mute or block your video, or even block certain Shorts globally. Be especially careful if content creation is your primary source of income.
- Understand that a Content ID claim is not the same as a copyright strike.
- Music labeled "free" or "copyright-free" online can still trigger copyright claims.
- You never know which piece of music is registered with Content ID. Follow the provider's instructions for whitelisting your channel to avoid copyright claims.
Copyright claims are a pain for a lot of creators since they can affect monetization, restrict access to videos, or even block them. Learning how to avoid copyright claims on YouTube can make your life as a creator much easier, allowing you to focus on your craft.
In this guide, we'll look at the most common mistakes creators make, how YouTube's Content ID system works, the difference between copyright claims and strikes, and how to choose music you can use with confidence.
Common YouTube Music Copyright Mistakes to Avoid
Most copyright problems start with a simple misunderstanding:
"If I can find and download the song online, I can use it in my video."
A song can be available on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, or another website without giving you permission to use it in your own video.
Copyright generally gives the rights holder control over how their work is used. If you want to use someone else's music, you normally need permission, a suitable license, or another legal basis that allows the use.
The following are the most common reasons which lead to
To avoid the consequences of using copyrighted music without permission, it’s important to understand some of the most common misconceptions about music licensing:
Not Understanding Music License Types
"Royalty-free," "copyright-free," "free music," and "Creative Commons" are often used as if they mean the same thing.
They don't.
For example, royalty-free music usually means that you don't have to pay ongoing royalties every time the music is used after obtaining the appropriate license. It does not necessarily mean that the music is free or that you can use it for every purpose without restrictions.
Since there are so many misconceptions about music licenses, even music channels that distribute music to YouTube creators can get the licensing rules wrong. So instead of downloading music from random sources on the internet, our advice is to use established royalty free music platforms which openly communicate their licensing terms.
Thinking Artist Credit Replaces a License
This is one of the most persistent copyright myths on YouTube.
You find a song you like, add the artist's name to your description, and assume you're covered.
Unfortunately, giving attribution and permissions are two different things.
YouTube explicitly states that giving credit to the copyright owner does not by itself give you permission to use copyrighted material. The same applies to disclaimers such as "No copyright infringement intended" or "I do not own this music."
Placing an attribution text in your description can sometimes be an additional requirement to the music in your videos. What really matters is that you legally acquired a license which certifies the use of the material on YouTube.
Using Popular Music Without Permission
Popular music (chart music) is generally protected by copyright, and using it in a YouTube video can result in a Content ID claim or other copyright-related consequences.
This doesn't mean you can never use commercially released music. For commercially released music (songs you would hear on the radio), you’ll often need permission or a license from the relevant rights holders for your specific use. And these licenses can be very expensive.
Assuming That Using Just a Few Seconds Is Safe
There is no minimum amount of copyrighted music you can use without risking a copyright claim.
YouTube's own guidance explains that even short uses of copyrighted material can result in a Content ID claim. Whether a particular use qualifies for a copyright exception is a separate legal question and depends on the situation.
YouTube's Content ID System can detect copyrighted material even if it is used for a fraction of a second.
Don't try to make it "safe" by trimming it down to a few seconds. It won’t work.
What Music Can You Legally Use on YouTube?
There are several possibilities, and each comes with its own conditions.
Royalty-Free Music
Royalty-free music is one of the simplest options for creators who want professional music without negotiating individual permissions with every artist.
The biggest advantage for you as a content creator?
Royalty-free music licenses are affordable and clearly define the scope of permitted use.
A reputable royalty-free music library should tell you exactly what you are allowed to do with its tracks.
For example, HookSounds produces its catalog in-house and offers a large catalog of royalty-free music specifically for creators and other types of content.
Just because royalty free music is affordable doesn’t mean it’s low quality. Today’s releases can meet the highest professional standards. And there is something for every content type.
Here are three royalty free music examples from the current HookSounds catalog:
Rainy Day is a calm, subdued and chill lo-fi instrumental with a dreamy atmosphere. It works particularly well for vlogs and videos where you talk into the camera, providing a subtle energy lift.
Tropical Summer is an upbeat and energetic tropical pop track. It’s perfect for travel, lifestyle, and other energetic content. Pick this track if your projects can be described as modern, lively and fresh.
Dramatic Buildup takes a completely different approach, featuring dark, cinematic orchestral sounds. It’s perfect for epic adventures, gaming highlights, and impactful moments designed to leave a lasting impression.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons (CC) is another option and it is free to use under certain conditions.
But you still need to understand the license. CC is not just CC—The license tells you exactly what you can and cannot do with the music. Here is a handy overview:
- CC BY – You can use and edit the music in YouTube videos, including monetized videos, as long as you give proper credit.
- CC BY-SA – You can use and edit the music, including commercially, but adaptations must be shared under the same license.
- CC BY-ND – You can use the music in YouTube videos, including monetized content, but you cannot modify the original work.
- CC BY-NC – You can use and edit the music, but not in commercial or monetized content.
- CC BY-NC-SA – You can use and modify the music for non-commercial videos, but adaptations must use the same license.
- CC BY-NC-ND – The most restrictive option: you can use the music only for non-commercial purposes and cannot modify it.
- CC0 – The creator has waived copyright restrictions to the extent legally possible, so you can generally use, modify, and monetize the music without asking for permission.
YouTube also recommends checking the terms of Creative Commons before using the material.
Public Domain
Public domain music refers to music that is no longer protected by copyright. This generally means it can be used, copied, modified, and distributed without obtaining permission from the copyright holder or paying royalties.
This can make public domain music an interesting option.
But there is an important detail:
A composition can be in the public domain while a particular recording of that composition is still copyrighted.
So don't assume that because a piece of music is centuries old, every recording of it is free to use. Always check that the download source clearly labels the music as Public Domain (PD).
Musopen is an archive of public-domain music that you can download and use on YouTube.
Commercially Released Music
You can legally use popular music if you have the necessary rights or permission.
For example, an artist, label, publisher, or licensing service may grant you the required rights.
The “problem” is that commercially released music can involve multiple rights holders and different rights for the composition and recording. This makes licensing very complex.
For most YouTube creators, obtaining all the necessary permissions for using commercially released songs isn't particularly practical because it is often expensive and complex.
How YouTube Copyright Detection Works
YouTube isn't relying entirely on someone manually watching your video and deciding whether you've used copyrighted music. With 2.5 million videos uploaded to YouTube every day, manually reviewing every video simply wouldn’t be possible.
So a major part of the process is automated.
This automated system is called “Content ID”.
What Is Content ID?
Content ID is Google’s automated system for detecting registered material on several social media platforms (not just YouTube).
Here is how the Content ID system works:
- When an artist or producer creates new music, sounds, images or videos, they can decide to register those assets in the Content ID database.
- Every time a new video gets uploaded on YouTube, the Content ID system scans it and compares its audio and visual content against reference material provided by copyright owners. If the system detects a match, it can generate a Content ID claim.
- What happens next depends on the copyright owner's policy.When the owner of this asset uploads it to the Content ID database, they can also decide what happens if their assets get detected.A Content ID claim can result in the video being…
- …monetized by the copyright owner (the copyright owner receives the ad revenue instead of the video uploader)
- …tracked for viewing statistics
- …muted
Copyright Claim vs. Copyright Strike: What's the Difference?
Copyright claims and copyright strikes are often used interchangeably.
A Content ID claim is not the same thing as a copyright strike.
What Is a Copyright Claim on YouTube?
A copyright claim (also known as “Content ID claim”) is, as we’ve learned, generated when YouTube's Content ID system identifies a match with registered copyrighted content.
The copyright owner then applies a policy (defines what happens).
Depending on that policy, your video may remain online while being monetized, tracked, or it may be muted.
How Does a Copyright Claim Affect Your Channel?
A Content ID claim affects the specific video, but has no effect on your channel.
The rights holder of the claimed material might monetize your video and collect the advertising revenue associated with it.
That can obviously turn into a problem if ad revenue is an important income source for you.
A copyright claim is not a copyright strike.
This distinction matters.
- A copyright claim on YouTube is a notification that copyrighted material has been detected on your video. The rights holder can monetize it, mute it, or track its performance
- A copyright strike is a much more serious copyright enforcement action that requires manual intervention. That means someone submitted a copyright removal request for your video for infringing copyrights.
How to Remove a Copyright Claim
If the claim is valid, YouTube provides several ways to resolve it, including removing or replacing the claimed content. If you have the necessary rights to use the content, you may be able to dispute the claim.
To dispute a Content ID claim:
- Open the YouTube Studio app.
- Tap Content.
- Select a video with a copyright restriction and click on Restrictions.
- In the bottom panel, tap Review issues.
- Click on the relevant claim.
- Click on Dispute under Actions you can take.
- Go through the following screens to submit the dispute.
YouTube specifically states that having given credit, owning a copy of the song, or choosing not to monetize the video are no valid reasons for disputing a Content ID claim.
If you have a valid license, however, that can be a legitimate basis for a dispute. To remove a copyright claim, you may need to provide proof that you have the necessary rights or permission to use the content.
Keep your license certificates or invoices handy so you can attach them to your dispute.
How Can You Avoid Copyright Claims on YouTube?
The best way of avoiding copyright claims on YouTube is to only use music with clear licensing terms, such as with royalty free music.
Even free-to-use music, music released under Creative Commons, or music labeled as ‘copyright free’ can trigger copyright claims where it’s not clear who owns the copyright. And once you receive a claim, there may be no one available to help you resolve it.
Royalty Free Music platforms not only provide you with a royalty free music license, but they are able to communicate with YouTube directly to help prevent your channel from receiving copyright claims. This is done via a so-called "whitelist", "allowlist" or "safelist".
As an example, on HookSounds, every user who purchases a subscription or single license has access to their own whitelist via their profile. Simply add your YouTube channel URL, and we’ll notify YouTube to prevent copyright claims on your videos because you have the necessary rights to use the music.
Here you will find a full and detailed guide on how to whitelist your social media channels to avoid copyright claims.
What Is a Copyright Strike on YouTube?
A copyright strike occurs when YouTube removes content following a valid copyright removal request.
This is a much more serious situation because the content is actually removed from YouTube following a copyright infringement claim.
At this point, the matter goes beyond a simple notification and becomes a more serious copyright issue.
What Happens After One, Two, or Three Copyright Strikes?
YouTube currently states that a copyright strike expires after 90 days if you complete Copyright School and have fewer than three active strikes.
With one strike, the infringing content is removed and the strike remains active.
With two strikes, the same process applies, but your channel is now much closer to the most serious consequences.
With three copyright strikes, your account along with all associated channels are subject to termination. You also won’t be able to create new YouTube channels.
That’s more than enough reason to take copyright strikes seriously.
How Do You Remove a Copyright Strike?
Here are three ways to resolve a copyright strike on YouTube:
- Wait 90 days for a strike to expire. Important: You have to complete a short copyright course (”Copyright School”) designed to teach you how copyright works on YouTube and what you need to know to avoid future violations. It includes a few theoretical lessons followed by a quiz.
- Sometimes, the claimant may retract the copyright removal request on their own.
- Contact the copyright owner and ask them to retract the copyright removal request.
Where Can You Find Copyright-Safe Music for YouTube?
Instead of downloading music from random sources on the internet, make sure to use specialized royalty-free music platforms with experience handling YouTube copyright and clearly defined licensing terms.
For creators looking for royalty-free music specifically for YouTube, HookSounds has a dedicated collection of music for YouTube videos along with built-in whitelisting tools to prevent copyright claims.
Create your free HookSounds account and enjoy browsing through a huge music library of high quality, royalty free music and sound effects that you can safely use on YouTube and social media.
From subtle ambient music all the way to epic film soundtracks - there is something for every channel and niche.
The important thing is choosing a music library where you understand what you're actually licensed to do.
Your YouTube Copyright-Safe Music Checklist
Before you publish your next video, run through this list.
[ ] I have used a reliable and reputable source for safe-to-use music.
[ ] I understand what I can and cannot do with the music
[ ] Commercial or monetized use is explicitly allowed (if it applies to my videos)
[ ] I know whether attribution is required and how to properly credit the artist.
[ ] I have whitelisted my channel(s) - if needed.
[ ] If available: I’ve saved evidence that I have obtained the necessary usage rights.
If you can tick all of these boxes, you've already eliminated many of the most common causes of music-related copyright problems.
How HookSounds Helps Creators Use Music on YouTube Safely
Given the many types of music, sources, and licensing models available, music copyright can feel like a jungle full of pitfalls.
That’s why it’s often best to stick to one trusted music source with clear, consistent licensing terms across its entire catalog.
HookSounds provides human-made, royalty-free music and SFX under a transparent licensing system, designed for creators who want to publish content without having to navigate complicated music rights for every upload.
One particularly useful feature for avoiding copyright claims on YouTube is our channel whitelisting feature.
After whitelisting your social media channels, HookSounds communicates your licensing authorization to YouTube, helping prevent HookSounds tracks from triggering copyright claims.
This makes music licensing a more predictable and streamlined part of your content production workflow.
FAQ
Can I use 5 seconds of a copyrighted song on YouTube?
No.
YouTube specifically notes that even using very short snippets of copyrighted material can result in a Content ID claim. The safest approach to avoid a copyright claim would be to use a properly licensed track from a reliable music source.
Can a YouTube Short Get Copyrighted?
Yes.
YouTube Shorts can be affected by copyright claims.
Shorts under 60 sec in length remain available while the claimant can choose to monetize, track, or block the content.
Shorts between one and three minutes long with an active Content ID claim are blocked worldwide, regardless of the claimant's policy.
Can a YouTube Livestream Get a Copyright Claim?
Yes.
Copyright-protected music can cause copyright issues during livestreams. All livestreams are scanned for third-party copyrighted content while the stream is running.
When YouTube detects a match, the streamer is warned to stop using the third-party content. You can continue if you stop streaming the copyrighted content. If you don’t, your livestream will be stopped and replaced by a placeholder image.
Do Reaction Videos Get Copyrighted?
Yes, reaction videos can get copyright claims.
Content ID scans your reaction video and applies the relevant policies just as it does on regular videos. If registered material was used, it can trigger a copyright claim on reaction videos because it does not understand the context of the use, such as whether it may qualify as fair use.
Make sure your reaction video contains commentary or criticism that could potentially qualify for a copyright exception, but that doesn't mean every reaction video is automatically fully protected.
YouTube's monetization policies may allow some reaction videos when they add meaningful commentary, but copyright law still applies separately.
Does Giving Credit Prevent a Copyright Claim?
No.
Giving credit is only required when the applicable license or permission says that it is required. It does not replace permission.
YouTube explicitly states that simply crediting the copyright owner is not a valid reason to dispute a Content ID claim.
Keeping a written license or other documentation proving your rights to use the content is one of the safest ways to avoid copyright claims on YouTube.
How long does a copyright dispute on YouTube take?
24 hours up to 30 days.
When you submit a dispute to a copyright claim, the copyright owner has 30 days to respond to that claim. If they ignore it, the claim will be released automatically after 30 days.
If the claimant rejects your dispute, you can appeal the rejection. The claimant then has another 7 days to respond to your appeal. If they don’t respond, the claim will be released automatically after that period.
Final Thoughts
First of all, don’t worry. A Content ID claim is not the same as a copyright strike and does not by itself mean your channel has received a copyright penalty.
To stay on the safe side, use properly licensed music in your YouTube videos from reputable sources with transparent licensing terms—such as HookSounds.
If you are using music in your YouTube videos which you did not create yourself, then make sure the platform or service you downloaded the music from offers a way to whitelist your channel or at least an easy way of resolving claims.