If you’re some sort of online creator or filmmaker and you’ve uploaded your work to social media, then the chances are at some point, you’ve encountered the issue of copyright flagging. Copyright flagging is the process of identifying and reporting content that potentially infringes on copyright protections, often leading to its removal or restriction.
As filmmakers, we should understand the intricacies of copyright policies, the procedures in place and how to navigate them legally, minimizing risk of legal consequences that may include hefty financial punishment. This article is written to help creators understand and navigate copyright issues, including how to file counter-notifications.
What are Copyright Flagging and Notifications?
Copyright flagging helps to enforce copyright laws and safeguard intellectual property rights by identifying and addressing several issues:
- Unauthorized use occurs when copyrighted material – such as text, images, music, or videos – is used without the owner’s permission.
- Reproduction involves copying and distributing copyrighted content, either in full or in significant parts, without proper authorization.
- Derivative works refer to creating and sharing new works based on copyrighted material, like adaptations or remixes, without the proper consent.
- Public distribution is the act of uploading copyrighted material to public platforms or websites, making it accessible to others without permission.
If you commit any of these, even unintentionally, then there’s a high chance the content ID system will flag the content.
How does a content ID system work?
Each platform works slightly differently, but in general automated content ID systems work by using advanced algorithms and digital fingerprinting technology to identify and manage copyrighted content.
Basically, when a user uploads content to a platform, the system scans it and compares it against a database of copyrighted material, which includes audio, video, and images. If a match is found, then that system can automatically flag, monetize, or block the content based on the rights holder’s preferences. This process involves analyzing unique identifiers or “fingerprints” of the content, such as specific patterns in audio or visual elements, to detect potential infringements. By automating this detection, content ID systems help manage copyright enforcement at scale and ensure that creators’ rights are upheld.
Why do content ID systems exist?
Content ID systems may seem annoying and frustrating but they exist for many good reasons, particularly legal and ethical ones. Content ID systems are in place to enforce copyright laws and ensure the respect of intellectual property rights. Legally, these systems help ensure that creators are compensated for their work and prevent unauthorized use or distribution of copyrighted material.
Meanwhile, ethically, they protect the interests of artists and content creators by providing a simple mechanism to manage and control how their work is used online. These measures help prevent piracy and unauthorized exploitation, ensuring that creators receive recognition and revenue for their original contributions.
What Happens to Your Videos When Flagged?
Again, every platform is slightly different but in general, when content on social media is flagged for copyright infringement, it often leads to the removal of the flagged material to prevent further violations. The platform may also mute or block the audio or video content, making it inaccessible to users. The account responsible for the infringement might face penalties such as warnings, strikes, or temporary suspensions, which can impact its functionality or standing.
Further consequences can include restrictions on future uploads of similar content, either through specific limitations or broader account restrictions. Additionally, changes to monetization options may occur, with any potential ad revenue redirected to the rights holder. These measures help enforce copyright laws, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair compensation for content creators.
How to File Counter-Notifications on Various Platforms
Fortunately, there are measures you can take as a creator to counter any copyright flagging that is incorrect and unwarranted. It’s worth noting that Musicbed is a full-service, rights managed, music licensing platform. We are not a royalty-free platform and we don’t own any of the music that we offer for licensing outright; our artists do! This allows us to offer a very highly curated and quality catalog, while our artists maintain ownership of their copyrights.
Due to the copyright policy for Instagram, if any content in the video is auto-detected as copyrighted music, the platform may prevent the video from being uploaded altogether. If you have the appropriate license to use the music in the video, simply file a counter-notification via this link to provide documentation proving that the correct rights to use the copyrighted work in your video have been purchased.
Twitch
Twitch’s copyright rules are strict. Their system scans videos for copyrighted music. If detected, your video’s audio might be muted. In some cases, uploads could be blocked entirely. If you’ve got the proper license, just submit a counter-notification here.
Vimeo
Vimeo’s system checks videos for copyrighted tracks. If it finds any, your upload might get blocked. No need to panic, though! With the right music license, just file a counter-notification.
TikTok
Due to the copyright policy for TikTok, if any content in the video is auto-detected as copyrighted music by their system, the audio in the video could be muted, or the platform may prevent the video from being uploaded altogether.
If you have the appropriate license to use the music in the video, simply file a Copyright Infringement Counter-Notification form to provide documentation proving that the correct rights to use the copyrighted work in your video have been purchased.
Please note that Musicbed cannot help with original music or music that is not available for licensing on our platform.
Why It’s Worth Licensing Music from Reputable Sources Like Musicbed
As you may have gathered and experienced yourself, social media copyright issues are frustrating. To avoid copyright flagging, it’s always best to use fully licensed music in your videos. At Musicbed, a simple monthly subscription gives you access to a catalog of over 60,000 high-quality songs from over 1,500 artists – all of it fully legal for use in your films and videos.
Using licensed music ensures creators can legally monetize their content and maintain control over its distribution. Licensed music also enhances video quality and professionalism, allowing creators to choose tracks that perfectly match their message and tone, while also providing peace of mind by eliminating the risk of copyright claims or penalties from platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Additionally, music licensing ensures artists and musicians are fairly compensated and acknowledged for their great work!
Musicbed grants a sync and master license, which allows music to be used in timed relation to moving pictures (defined as a slideshow, video or a film). All of the music that we license is pre-cleared in terms of Master and Publishing.
To make your life even easier when it comes to YouTube’s content ID system, we’ve developed SyncID. SyncID is an exclusive content ID clearance system for subscribers that streamlines the process of removing copyright claims and allows seamless video monetization. When a video is uploaded, YouTube’s content ID system scans it while SyncID simultaneously validates the content. If the channel and song are part of the subscription, any claims are automatically released within seconds, often before the creator is even notified. By linking a YouTube channel to a Musicbed subscription, SyncID ensures claims are cleared instantly, allowing creators to monetize videos without hassle.
Wrapping up
In summary, using licensed music in social media videos is essential for avoiding copyright issues, maintaining control over your content, and ensuring a professional, high-quality viewer experience. Licensed tracks not only prevent the disruptions caused by copyright claims but also provide creators with the peace of mind that their videos are legally compliant and monetizable. This responsible approach supports musicians and artists, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work. Using licensed music is a no brainer – you protect yourself from potential penalties while enhancing the quality of your content.
To license music responsibly and ensure your videos remain free from any copyright claims and flagging, you can subscribe to Musicbed. With access to a vast catalog of pre-cleared, high-quality tracks and tools like SyncID for seamless content ID management on YouTube, Musicbed simplifies the process of using music legally in your projects. Explore the catalog today to find the perfect soundtrack for your next video.
