Imagine this: you’re filming a great vlog moment — walking through a street market, chatting in a coffee shop, or reacting to something in your room — when music plays in the background. You didn’t plan it. It just… happened.
Later, you upload your video to YouTube — and suddenly:
- You get a Content ID claim
- Your video is demonetised
- Or worse — your channel faces a copyright strike
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common — and misunderstood — issues content creators face. So let’s break it down, and show you how to protect your videos (and your channel) the smart way.
🧠 How Copyright Works on YouTube
Every time you upload a video, YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans for copyrighted music — and it’s surprisingly sensitive.
This includes:
- Commercial songs
- Background music
- Music playing from cars, cafes, speakers… even someone’s phone in the distance
Yes — even if you didn’t mean to include it.
If music is detected, one of three things might happen:
1. A Claim Is Placed on Your Video
The copyright owner may monetize your video, block it in certain countries, or mute your audio.
2. You Get a Copyright Strike
If the copyright owner files a manual complaint, you could get a strike. Three strikes = channel termination.
3. Your Video Is Taken Down
Rare, but possible — especially with music from major record labels.
🤔 What If the Music Was Accidental?
Unfortunately, YouTube’s system doesn’t care how the music ended up in your video.
It doesn’t matter if:
- It was playing in the background
- It was quiet or incidental
- You only used a few seconds
- You gave credit or wrote “no copyright intended”
If you don’t have a licence, it’s not legally allowed.
💡 So What Can You Do?
If the video’s already live:
- Mute or swap the audio
YouTube has basic tools for this (though they’re not always perfect). - Dispute the claim
Only if you truly have permission — otherwise, it could escalate. - Licence the music
Sometimes possible after the fact, but it can be expensive or slow.
✅ The Smarter Option: Start with Cleared Music
The best way to stay safe is simple:
Use music that’s already licensed for YouTube.
That means:
- No copyright strikes
- No demonetisation
- No takedowns or disputes
- More time spent creating, less time worrying
🎵 Try Resonant: Built for YouTubers
We get it. You want to make videos — not become a copyright lawyer.
That’s why we built Resonant, a new music licensing platform designed specifically for YouTube and online video.
✅ Unlimited access to cleared music
💬 One-to-one support for any licensing or copyright questions
🎧 Real music from real artists — ethically licensed
🎁 Beta access just £10/month with code YOUTUBE10
🧪 Try It Free — No Subscription Needed
We want creators to try it for themselves, with zero risk.
Here’s how it works:
- Register for free
- Browse and download tracks to test in your edits
- Only subscribe if/when you want to publish using our copyright cleared music
Once you start a subscription, your usage is fully covered and legal for YouTube, social, and beyond.
👉 Just click “Start Free Trial” on our homepage to get started.
✨ Already Caught in a Copyright Mess?
No problem. We’ve helped other creators fix:
- Unexpected claims
- Audio takedowns
- “Background music” strikes
- Confusing licensing questions
Need help choosing the right track?
We offer custom playlists and human support — just reach out.
🎙 Are You a Musician?
We also work directly with independent artists.
- Submit your music for free
- Join our Patreon for access to exclusive briefs and sync opportunities
🔒 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Channel, Support Real Artists
YouTube’s copyright rules can feel confusing — especially when you weren’t trying to break them.
But with the right tools and fully licensed music, you can:
- Stay safe
- Sound amazing
- Focus on growing your audience
- And support real working artists in the process
💥 Join the Beta Now — Just £10/month
✅ Register free → resonantmusiclicensing.com/register
🎧 Use code YOUTUBE10 for early beta pricing
💬 Or reach out — we’re here to help
No scraping. No AI clones. No stolen content.
Just real music, from real people, for real stories.