Copyright claims are part of the automated systems used by platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok to manage music rights. These systems are designed to help rights holders track and monetize use of their music online. Claims can appear even when the correct license is in place, most often when a platform’s automated system does not recognize it.
This article explains the difference between copyright and Content ID claims, and provides guidance on how to respond to them across different platforms, including YouTube, Meta, and TikTok.
What is a claim?
A claim is a notification issued by a platform or rights holder when copyrighted material is detected in a video or post. Claims may lead to actions such as:
- muting the audio
- blocking the content
- redirecting ad revenue
Note: A claim does not mean a license is invalid. Most platforms rely on automated detection systems that may issue claims even when content is licensed correctly.
What is Content ID?
What Is Content ID?
Content ID is YouTube’s automated system that scans uploaded videos to identify copyrighted audio or video. You will receive a Content ID Claim (CID) on your video if your upload contains material that matches content in YouTube’s database.
When a match is detected, the copyright owner (or rights holder) decides how to respond. They can choose to:
- Monetize the video (earn revenue from ads)
- Block the video in certain countries or regions
- Track viewer data and performance without taking further action
What is a PRO?
A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) , is an organization that collects royalties on behalf of music creators when their work is publicly used or performed. This includes plays on TV, radio, streaming platforms, live venues, or anywhere music is broadcast to the public.
PROs do not own the rights to the music. Instead, they track performances and distribute royalties to the original composers, songwriters, and publishers.
There are different PROs operating in various countries and regions, each managing performance rights within their respective territories.
At Artlist, our artists are free to register their music with external PROs. This registration has no impact on your license; all usage under your Artlist plan remains fully royalty-free and cleared for use online.
Note: Music licensed through Artlist is pre-cleared for use on digital platforms. If a track is registered with a PRO, this does not affect its usage rights for online content.
Youtube: What to do if I receive a claim from Artlist?
If you receive a claim where the claimant is Artlist Ltd, this is almost always because your channel or video has not been added to your account’s Clearlist. To resolve this claim, you will need to add your channel or video to your Clearlist. For more information and details, read here.
If you receive a claim from Artlist Ltd (Music Publishing), dispute the claim on Youtube.
Youtube: What to do if I receive a claim from someone other than Artlist?
If your claim is from another rights holder, contact us and include the following information.
- A link to the track on Artlist.io (if that is not available, the artist name and song title as they're listed in our catalog)
- A viewable, non-private URL to the video
- Screenshot of the claim details page that states who the claimant is and the timestamp of the claim
Meta: What to do if I receive a claim?
Claims on Facebook or Instagram are managed through Meta’s Rights Manager. These may cause videos to be muted, blocked, or removed.
If your post is muted, first please make sure that your video complies with Instagram Community Guidelines or Facebook Community Guidelines. Your video might actually be muted due to a violation of these guidelines.
If your video is in compliance with their community guidelines, you’ll want to file a dispute on Meta and state your Artlist license details. These disputes typically take up to 7 days to resolve.
If your dispute is rejected, contact us.
TikTok: What to do if I receive a claim?
If a claim appears on TikTok, first confirm that the video follows TikTok’s internal policy on using copyrighted music. If the content is compliant and the music is licensed through Artlist, contact us.
For details on what to include when reporting a TikTok claim, read here.
Other platforms: What to do if I receive a claim
Each platform manages copyright differently. If a claim appears:
- Confirm that the music was downloaded and the video was published during an active subscription.
- Check if the platform offers a dispute option.
- Provide the license certificate or subscription invoice as proof of coverage
💡 Pro tip: Download a copy of your asset license and invoice for each downloaded track in case verification is needed.
Commonly asked questions
How can I add my channel to the Clearlist?
To learn how to add your channel to the Clearlist, read here.
What should I include when submitting a claim report to Artlist?
If you’re submitting a claim report to Artlist, contact us and include a link to the track on Artlist.io, a viewable, non-private link to the video, and a screenshot of the claim details page that states who the claimant is and the timestamp of the claim.
Can I use Artlist music on my business or client account?
With a Pro or Business plan, you’re covered to use music in videos for a business or client.
Why did I receive a claim even though I have an active subscription?
You can receive a claim if your channel or video is not in your Clearlist, if the platform’s system incorrectly flags the music, or if the license does not cover your specific usage (for example, publishing after the subscription has expired or using the music outside the permitted scope). If your license is valid, in most cases the claim can be resolved by following the appropriate steps for the specific platform.
What does it mean if my video is muted or blocked on TikTok?
Your video may be muted or blocked on TikTok if their system detects copyrighted music that is not recognized as licensed or allowed under their internal policy.
How long does it take to resolve a copyright claim?
The time it takes to resolve a copyright claim depends on the platform and the claimant’s review process. Once the required information is submitted, the claim is typically reviewed and cleared if the license is confirmed.
Do I need to dispute claims from Artlist, or will they be removed automatically?
For claims from Artlist Ltd or Artlist Ltd (Music Publishing), first dispute the claim directly on YouTube and then make sure your channel or video is added to your Clearlist. This will clear the claim automatically.
What happens if I upload the same video to Youtube again. Will I get another claim?
If you upload the same video to YouTube again, you may receive a claim if the upload is made after your license has expired or if the channel has not been added to your Clearlist.
Can I get a claim after my subscription ends?
You can get a claim after your subscription ends if the video is uploaded or used after the license period has expired, or if the channel has not been added to your Clearlist.
Where can I download my license certificates and invoices?
To learn how to download your asset licenses, read here.
If Artlist is Royalty Free, why do I still get claims?
Artlist is royalty-free, which means all content licensed through your active plan is cleared for use without paying ongoing royalties. However, you might still receive claims on your videos due to automated copyright detection systems (like YouTube’s Content ID). These systems can flag music even when it’s properly licensed, simply because it matches content registered in their databases.
How will I know if I get a claim?
If you receive a claim, you’ll be notified by the platform (like YouTube or Facebook), often in the form of a copyright notice, muted video, or claim notice in your account dashboard. These notices usually state the PRO or the rights holder who has levied the claim.
Where am I most likely to receive a claim? You are most likely to receive a claim on platforms that use automated copyright detection systems, such as YouTube, Meta, or TikTok.
Can Artlist help with claims?
Artlist can help handle claims in many situations, like when you’re unable to dispute using your license, or if a dispute has been rejected. Read more.
Is there ever a situation in which Artlist is not able to help clear a claim?
Artlist is not able to clear a claim if the music in your video wasn’t downloaded under an active subscription or if the usage falls outside the scope of your license. In those cases, the claim may be valid and cannot be removed through Artlist support. Additionally, some platforms don’t grant external providers access to their internal tools, so disputing the claim directly and using your license as proof of coverage is often the best solution.
How much does a claim cost?
There is no fee for receiving or resolving a copyright claim. However, claims may affect how a video is viewed, monetized, or distributed depending on the specific platform’s policies.
Still need help? Head back to the Help Center.