Submit a copyright takedown request

If your copyright-protected work was posted on YouTube without authorization, you can submit a copyright takedown request. Submitting a takedown request will start a legal process.

Before you submit a takedown request, you should know:

  • Copyright exceptions: You need to consider whether fair use, fair dealing, or a similar exception to copyright law applies. If an exception applies, then the takedown request you submit would be invalid.
  • Personal info:
    • If a video is removed for copyright infringement, the name of the copyright owner will be visible on YouTube in place of the video.
      • If you give us a valid legal alternative, such as the name of a company or authorized representative, we'll review and apply it if appropriate.
      • The copyright owner name you enter will become part of the public record of your request. Learn more about the public record of your takedown request.
    • Your full legal name is required to complete a takedown request. It may be shared with the uploader of the video removed for copyright infringement.
    • The primary email address from your takedown request may be shared with the uploader of the video removed for copyright infringement. The uploader might get in touch with you to resolve their copyright strike.
    • Your physical address and phone number will remain confidential unless requested as part of a lawsuit. If YouTube is required to share any information, we'll notify you before doing so.
  • Prevent copies: You can select the option to prevent copies of the videos you're reporting from being reuploaded to YouTube. If you select this option, your email address and copyright owner name may be shared with the user whose video is prevented from upload. Learn more.
  • Scheduled requests: You can schedule takedown requests to take effect after 7 days. Scheduled requests will notify the uploader and give them 7 days before the content gets removed.
  • Non-video content: If you want to submit a takedown request for non-video content, such as channel icon images, follow the steps outlined here. Our webform doesn't support non-video takedown requests.

How to submit a takedown request

The fastest and simplest way to submit a copyright takedown request is to fill out our webform on a computer. The copyright owner or agent authorized to act on the owner's behalf should submit the request.

Do not make false claims. Misuse of the takedown webform, such as submitting false information, may result in the suspension of your account or other legal consequences.

Click this button to go to the webform:

Submit a copyright takedown request

You can also get to the webform directly from YouTube Studio:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, clickCopyright .
  3. ClickNEW REMOVAL REQUEST.

We also accept copyright takedown requests by email, fax, and mail.

What happens after you submit a takedown request

After you submit a takedown request, YouTube reviews it to make sure it's valid and includes all the required information to comply with the law. You'll get an email when we've taken action on your request.

If your request is missing information or if more detail is needed, be sure to respond to the email with the necessary information so we can process your request. Keep in mind that the video may remain on YouTube until we've received this information.

For example, you may be asked to:

  • Provide a more specific title for your copyrighted work
  • Submit evidence that you're authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner you're representing
  • Confirm that you've considered whether the video could be protected by fair use, fair dealing, or similar exceptions to copyright.

Keep track of your takedown requests

To view the copyright takedown requests you've previously submitted to YouTube:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, clickCopyright .
  3. ClickRemoval Requests.

If you manage many copyrighted-protected works and often need to submit takedown requests, you may be eligible for more advanced copyright management tools. Learn more about YouTube's copyright management tools.

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