Copyright strikes and the yellow icon: how to avoid them

What Content ID claims, copyright strikes and the yellow icon are, and how to stay clear of them.

To protect your income and channel, learn to tell three things apart.

1. Content ID claims

If your video contains someone else's music or footage, it is detected automatically. There is usually no penalty to your channel, but the video's revenue may go to the owner or the video may be blocked in some countries.

2. Copyright strikes

When a rights holder files a formal takedown, the video is removed and you get a strike. Three strikes within 90 days can get the channel terminated. Strikes usually expire after 90 days.

3. The yellow icon (limited ads)

If a video doesn't meet the advertiser-friendly guidelines, ads are limited or turned off. Strong profanity, violent scenes, sensitive events and shocking titles or thumbnails are common causes. You can request a review without deleting the video.

How to avoid problems

• Only use music with clear permission, such as the YouTube Audio Library
• "Giving credit" is not the same as having permission
• Check the copyright and ad-suitability results in the Checks step before publishing
• Avoid extreme words in titles and thumbnails

When something goes wrong

• Content ID claim: YouTube Studio lets you trim the segment or swap the music. If you believe your use is allowed, you can dispute.
• Copyright strike: you can ask the claimant to retract or file a counter notification. A careless counter notice can lead to a legal dispute, so think it through.
• Yellow icon: request a human review. If the same reason keeps coming up, avoid it in future videos.

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