YouTube's Copyright Match Tool has evolved significantly since its introduction. One of the biggest changes offers enhanced features that help creators protect their content in the age of AI-generated media.
This is just one of the many features that make the YouTube Copyright Match Tool an essential for creators of all sizes.
How to Access the YouTube Copyright Matching Tool
When you are logged into YouTube, go to YouTube Studio From there, you’ll want to click on the “Copyright” section down the left-hand side.
When you first visit this screen, you will need to read the guidelines and agree that you understand how to use the copyright match tool. This tool should be available to all creators in the YouTube Partner Program. This is also available to anyone who applies to the Copyright Management Tools and is granted access, or if you’ve ever removed a video using the Copyright takedown request form.
Once you have access to the tool, the main screen will show you if there are any content matches. The tool primarily detects full or nearly-full reuploads.
YouTube uses the earliest version of the original content to know who to match it with. Duplicates uploaded after are displayed, showing the video’s details, such as the number of views, the upload date, and the channel with the matching content. More importantly, it shows the percentage match of a video against your original as well as the three actionable steps you can take to protect your content.
How to Take Action on Copyright Matches
Archive: The first action is to simply archive the match. This means that you have taken no action, but have acknowledged the content ID match. There is an archive tab at the top, which you can click to take you to all of the previously archived matches. You can click on the three dots to the right here to take a new action, if you want to.
Request Removal: The second action you can take is the strongest one and that is to request that the content be removed. First, click on the warning sign and then, confirm the request to remove the video. Once you've confirmed this action, a lengthy form will pop up that you need to complete in full. This action should not be taken lightly, as you are claiming ownership of the content, which, in extreme cases, you may need to defend legally.
Because of this, there are three legal agreements you need to check before you submit your request. Also, consider the impact on the channel you are claiming against. If you request a removal now, this will instantly serve a copyright strike against a creator. If you schedule a seven day notice, this at least gives the creator a chance to remove the video and protect their channel.
Of course, this decision is entirely up to you. Once you've submitted the video removal, you can track its progress from the removal request tab. Do note that you may need to take further action to get a video removed.
Contact the Uploader: If you think all of this is a little too drastic, you can take the nice approach and simply contact the creator using your content. This will automatically generate an email template that will be sent to the creator warning them of what they are doing and what could happen. All you need to do is add an email, so that you can have a conversation, if required.
Important: Misuse of the takedown process can lead to penalties, including loss of feature access or account termination. Ensure you have the rights to the content before submitting a request.
New in 2025: AI-Generated Content Detection
While not part of YouTube’s Copyright Match Tool, YouTube’s Content ID system is another helpful tool to protect creators’ unique content.
With the ever-increasing popularity of AI-generated media, YouTube has introduced new tools to help protect creators from unauthorized use of their identity and work in AI-generated content.
- Synthetic Singing Detection: Identifies unauthorized AI-generated replicas of artists' voices.
- AI-Generated Face Detection: Helps creators detect and manage AI-generated replicas of their likenesses.
Final Thoughts
While we hope you never have to use it, the Copyright Match Tool remains an invaluable resource for creators. By leveraging its capabilities, you can ensure your content is protected and managed effectively in 2025 and beyond.
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