Receiving a notification that your content violates YouTube's community guidelines or copyright policies can be frightening, especially if it’s not your first one. Strikes aren’t just warnings—they’re potential wrecking balls for your whole YouTube career.
Let’s unravel how YouTube strikes work, how to avoid them, and how you can protect your channel with expert help.
How Do YouTube Strikes Work?
YouTube has a system for regulating content violations. Strikes fall into two categories: copyright strikes and community guideline strikes. Each has unique rules, implications, and pathways for resolution.
Copyright Strikes
YouTube copyright strikes occur when content owners claim you’ve used their material without permission. Examples include background music, video clips, or even images protected by copyright laws.
Community Guideline Strikes
Community guideline strikes focus on violations of YouTube’s rules, such as inappropriate content, hate speech, or misleading metadata. These strikes may be less discussed than copyright issues, but their consequences are equally severe.
What Happens When You Get a YouTube Strike?
Strikes can impact your channel differently based on the number of violations and their timing. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
How many copyright strikes can you receive on YouTube?
You can have up to two active strikes (whether copyright, community guidelines, or a mix) within a 90-day period on YouTube. However, if your channel reaches a third strike in that timeframe, it will be terminated.
What happens after your first rule violation?
A first violation of YouTube’s Community Guidelines typically results in a warning and video removal. As part of the process, you may need to complete a brief training course related to the specific guideline violated. However, for a copyright infringement, there is no warning—YouTube issues a strike immediately. If it’s your first copyright strike and your channel has no prior strikes, you’ll be required to complete YouTube’s Copyright School. The strike will remain on your channel for 90 days.
What happens if you get 1 strike on YouTube?
The second violation results in the first strike. It disables features like uploading new videos, hosting live streams, and creating playlists for one week. The strike itself remains active for 90 days, but access to restricted features is restored automatically after the first week.
What happens if you get 2 strikes on YouTube?
A second strike disables the same features for an extended period of two weeks. The strike also lasts for 90 days, during which you should act carefully to avoid accumulating a third strike. After the two-week restriction, your channel’s functionality is restored automatically.
What happens if you get 3 strikes on YouTube?
A third strike is an endgame. YouTube terminates your channel, deleting all videos and your account. The platform’s decision is rarely reversible, but there is still a slim chance to fight for your channel. Stay tuned and we’ll walk you through the steps.
AIR Media-Tech specializes in preventing and resolving strikes on YouTube. We already helped hundreds of creators to save their channels. Contact us today to ensure your channel stays safe and sound!
How to Avoid Strikes on YouTube
Now let’s quickly go through the key tips on how to prevent strikes. The best defense in this situation is a proactive approach. Whether you’re dealing with copyright claims or community guideline rules, preventive measures are your strongest ally. Here’s how to steer clear:
Create Original Content
You already know this but still—the simplest way to avoid copyright issues is by producing your own content. Record your music, shoot your videos, and ensure every element of your work is unique.
Use Licensed or Royalty-Free Media
If you need external resources like music or footage, invest in properly licensed content. Platforms like Epidemic Sound or Storyblocks offer royalty-free options that won’t trigger copyright claims.
Understand Fair Use
Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material. However, it’s a complex legal concept that varies by jurisdiction. In some cases, content owners may strike your video even when it's fair use, just because they don't like it. It then becomes your responsibility to prove that the use is indeed fair.
Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
YouTube’s policies evolve, so regular reviews are vital. What was acceptable a year ago might violate today’s standards.
Monitor Your Content
Before publishing, double-check your videos for anything that might unintentionally violate guidelines. This includes comments, titles, and metadata.
Avoid Re-Uploading Flagged Content
Once YouTube flags or removes a video, don’t try to re-upload it. This can escalate your penalties, even leading to an outright ban.
Is There a Way to Recover from 3 Strikes on YouTube?
Here’s the hard truth: if you receive three strikes of any kind within 90 days, your channel will be deleted within 7 days unless appeals are submitted. All your videos will be removed, and you lose access to the account. The consequences are severe, but they’re not necessarily final if you act quickly and strategically as YouTube pauses channel termination while appeals are under review.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Strike
Let’s break down what you need to do to handle a strike effectively and minimize its impact on your channel:
1. Do NOT Delete a Video
Deleting a violating video complicates the appeal process and, in some cases, makes it impossible to restore the video and remove the strike.
2. File an Appeal
If you believe a strike was issued unfairly, gather evidence and submit an appeal. Be clear, concise, and respectful in your explanation, providing evidence of fair use or permission to use the video content (in case of copyright issues).
3. Reach Out to the Claimant
In copyright cases, contacting the individual or organization that filed the claim can sometimes resolve the issue. They may agree to withdraw the strike, especially if the issue was unintentional.
4. Seek Expert Assistance
We understand that navigating these steps might feel overwhelming. Consider partnering with an experienced team like AIR Media-Tech for expert help.
AIR Media-Tech: Your Strike Resolution Lifeline
YouTube’s strike system can be complex and stressful for creators. That’s where AIR Media-Tech’s Strike Resolution service comes in. Our team of experts specializes in navigating these challenges, offering creators practical solutions.
How AIR helps creators:
Resolving Unjust Strikes
If you’re hit with a strike that seems unfair, our experts dive into the details of your case. We work to resolve the issue and get your channel back to full operation.
Personalized Consultations
Unsure whether your content complies with YouTube’s guidelines? We provide in-depth consultations to identify potential risks and guide you toward safer practices.
Direct Communication with YouTube
We can help to handle the tough conversations with the YouTube team for you. Our goal is a swift and fair resolution.
Beyond Strike Resolution: Protecting Your Channel
AIR Media-Tech doesn’t stop at resolving strikes. We also help safeguard your future with:
- Regular audits to ensure your uploads comply with YouTube’s evolving policies.
- Clear strategies to address strikes and prevent further violations.
- Efficient strike handling to ensure your income remains uninterrupted.
Wrapping Up
YouTube strikes are a problem that every creator might face, but they don’t have to mean the end of your channel. By understanding how many strikes are allowed on YouTube and taking steps to avoid violations, you can protect your content and your career.
AIR Media-Tech has extensive expertise in handling YouTube strikes and a track record of successful cases. From resolving unjust claims to guiding you through compliance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today—take control, protect your channel, and keep creating.