For general information about Video ID, please see our article on YouTube's Content Identification tool.
The match is wrong! What is the dispute process?
If you feel that your video has been misidentified by the Content Identification system, you can dispute the identification. This involves filling in a short form listing the reason for your dispute. We then notify the content owner whose reference material was matched. The content owner will then review the match. If the content owner disagrees with your dispute for any reason, they will have the option to submit a copyright take-down notice which will result in the disabling of your video and/or penalties against your account. To avoid penalisation, only submit legitimate dispute claims.
Are there different dispute options for different types of Content ID matches?
Yes! There are different options for audio-only matches versus video matches.
Why don't I see a particular dispute option in the "Content ID Matches" page?
Different dispute options may be available depending on the type of identification that was made on your video. For simplicity, only the dispute options available for your video will be shown.
Can I use this to dispute a copyright notice?
No, the dispute process is separate from the copyright counter-notice procedure outlined here.
Can I dispute a Content ID match using a traditional counter-notice?
Please use the online dispute form linked from the "Content ID Matches" page. It is much quicker and easier. It will also help us improve the quality of the Content ID system in the future.
Why don't I see the dispute option on the "My Videos" page?
The dispute option is only available for videos matched by YouTube's Content Identification system. Videos removed via a traditional take-down notification or for any other reason (such as a Terms of Use violation) will not have the dispute option.
I received a copyright notice - why isn't the video shown in the "Content ID Matches" page?
The Content ID Matches screen will only show videos that have been removed by the Content Identification system. Videos removed via a traditional take-down notification or for any other reason (such as a Terms of Use violation) will not be shown on this screen and will not have the dispute option.
I don't understand this! I have other questions! Help me more! How can I contact you?
Please understand that we are not in a position to offer legal advice. We will not be able to answer questions about your rights or about copyright law. It is your responsibility to understand the law and your rights, and if you have questions, we suggest that you consult your own legal counsel. We will not answer concerns or hypothetical questions about our policies, though we will read them and take them into consideration for the future, as appropriate. Please also note that we will not answer questions which have already been answered on this page or elsewhere in the Help Centre. If you have specific questions about the claims against videos on your account or the processes described on this page, we may be able to help you. You can write to us at copyright@youtube.com.
DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT YOUR LAWYERS, AND THE INFORMATION THAT WE PRESENT HERE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. WE PRESENT THIS INFORMATION FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
