Copyright Strike

A Copyright Strike is a formal penalty issued to a YouTube channel when a rights holder submits a legal takedown request and YouTube removes the infringing video. Three active copyright strikes result in permanent channel termination. Unlike a Copyright Claim (which is automated via Content ID), a Copyright Strike requires a human rights holder to manually file a complaint. Creators can counter-notify if they believe the strike is wrongful, but this exposes them to potential litigation. Strikes expire after 90 days if the creator completes YouTube's Copyright School.