# How to Avoid Copyright on YouTube: Claims, Strikes & Music | Aswati Updated 10 Oct 2026 Creator guide # How to avoid copyright on YouTube. Claims, strikes and background music: how YouTube actually detects copyright, the myths that don't protect you, and the simple system that keeps your videos and your revenue safe. To avoid copyright on YouTube, **only use music and footage you created, licensed for your use, or took from YouTube's own Audio Library, and keep proof of the licence.** Content ID automatically matches audio, including short, slowed and pitched clips, so crediting the artist, adding a disclaimer or writing “no copyright intended” does not protect you. Before publishing, let the upload **Checks** step finish, and replace anything it flags. ## Claims vs strikes A **Content ID claim** is automatic. When your video matches a rights holder's reference file, their policy applies: block the video in some countries, take its ad revenue, or just track its views. Your channel is not penalised. A **copyright strike** comes from a formal takedown request. The video is removed, your channel loses some features, and three active strikes can get it terminated. Strikes expire after 90 days once you complete Copyright School. ## Seven rules that keep you safe 1. **Use audio you made or licensed.** A paid library, a royalty-free provider, or the YouTube Audio Library. 2. **Read what the licence covers.** Check that it includes monetised and commercial use, and whether it needs attribution. 3. **Keep proof.** Save licences and certificates with your project files so you can dispute a mistaken claim. 4. **Avoid "no copyright" re-uploads.** Many are other people's music re-posted without permission. 5. **Don't rely on edits.** Slowing, pitching, cutting short or adding reverb does not get past Content ID. 6. **Don't rely on credits or disclaimers.** They are not permission. 7. **Let Checks finish before you publish.** YouTube Studio scans for copyright matches during upload. Want a quick read on a specific track? Use the free [YouTube copyright checker](https://aswati.co/tools/youtube-copyright-checker). ## How to fix a claim - **You have a licence:** dispute the claim in YouTube Studio and include the licence or certificate. - **You don't:** use the YouTube Studio editor to erase the song, replace the audio, or trim the section. The claim is released once the match is gone. - **Don't dispute without proof.** A rejected dispute can turn into a takedown request and a strike. ## What a claim really costs When a rights holder monetises a claim, the ad revenue from that video goes to them. On a channel where most videos use found music, that adds up fast. Put your own numbers into the [YouTube money calculator](https://aswati.co/tools/youtube-money-calculator) to see how much claims take. ## Safe background music for Muslim creators Many Muslim creators also want audio without instruments, which rules out most stock libraries. Aswati's voice-only nasheeds and vocal beds are royalty-free, cleared for monetised YouTube, and come with a licence certificate for every download. See [nasheeds for YouTube](https://aswati.co/nasheed-for-youtube) and [halal music alternatives](https://aswati.co/halal-music-alternatives). From Aswati ### Licensed, instrument-free, claim-free 120+ voice-only tracks cleared for monetised YouTube videos, with a licence certificate for every download. Start with eight free tracks. [Get 8 free tracks](https://aswati.co/vocals) [Explore Aswati Studio](https://studio.aswati.co) ## Frequently asked questions ### Does giving credit avoid copyright on YouTube? No. Crediting the artist or writing "no copyright intended" does not give you permission to use their work, and Content ID will still match it. ### Can I use 10 or 30 seconds of a song? There is no number of seconds that is automatically allowed. Content ID regularly matches short clips, and rights holders can claim them. ### How long do YouTube copyright strikes last? A strike expires after 90 days, as long as you complete YouTube's Copyright School. Three active strikes at the same time can lead to the channel being terminated. ### Is it okay to use copyrighted music if I don't monetise? No. Unmonetised videos are still claimed, muted, blocked or removed. Monetisation only changes who earns from the video. ### What is fair use? Fair use is a US legal defence for limited uses such as commentary, criticism and education. It is decided case by case and rarely covers using a song as background music. ### How do I check if a song is copyrighted before uploading? Assume it is unless you made it or have a licence. YouTube Studio's upload "Checks" step also scans for copyright matches before you publish, and the free Aswati copyright checker rates your risk from where the audio came from. Royalty-free · voice only ## Publish without the claims [Get the free pack](https://aswati.co/vocals) --- Canonical page: https://aswati.co/how-to-avoid-copyright-on-youtube