RECLAIMStart free
Private removal help

YouTube copyright removal: prepare a valid request

YouTube accepts copyright removal requests from owners and their authorized representatives. The best route depends on whether the copied material is a video, Short, thumbnail, profile asset or another channel element.

Start free CheckI already have the link
Free public CheckOptional reference photoKnown-link Remove
A notebook and pen resting over a laptop keyboard for careful documentation
Keep original work information and individual report references organized. Illustrative photography, not an actual Reclaim case.Photo: Manuel Chinchilla on Unsplash
Product facts

Clear scope before you pay.

$0Free public Check
$199Remove · one time
$69/moProtect · monthly
Review firstpossible matches stay reviewable before action
Start with what you know

Search, add a reference photo, or paste the URL.

The same Free Check entry point is available from every guide.

Search creatorUpload photoPaste URL

What to do

  1. Confirm you own the copyright or have documented authorization from the rightsholder.
  2. Locate the specific YouTube URL in the format requested for the video, Short, comment or other asset.
  3. Identify your original protected work, its owner and the relevant facts about the alleged unauthorized use.
  4. Consider whether a copyright exception or license applies before submitting a legal declaration.
  5. Use the removal-request function within YouTube Studio for eligible videos, or the official alternative procedure described by YouTube.
  6. Keep YouTube's case reference and status; a request is not proof the content was removed.
  7. If the copied work reappears elsewhere, prepare a separate URL-specific follow-up rather than treating the original request as universal coverage.
A DMCA notice is a legal declaration, not a shortcut for any picture of you. Avoid false ownership statements and consider privacy reporting instead when copyright rights are unclear.

Common questions

Does submitting a report guarantee removal?

No. Each platform assesses its own policies, and a submitted report is not proof of removal.

Should I send the intimate file to Reclaim to start?

No. Begin with the public link when possible and avoid sharing unnecessary copies of sensitive media.

Related help

Related Reclaim guidanceStep-by-step helpBrowse removal helpStep-by-step helpStart free CheckStep-by-step helpWhat to do if a YouTube channel impersonates youStep-by-step helpReview AI likeness matches in YouTube StudioStep-by-step helpUse YouTube's Prevent Copies option when eligibleStep-by-step helpReview creator copyright helpStep-by-step helpPrepare a local copyright noticeStep-by-step help

Official resources

Use a coordinated case

Reclaim keeps website removal, Google/search removal, deadlines, verification and monitoring separate so one successful step is not mistaken for complete removal.

Start with a public link Browse removal guides