How to Use the Copyright Match Tool

In the digital age, content is more valuable and more vulnerable than ever. For creators who upload original videos to YouTube, unauthorized reuploads can undermine both monetization and the hard work poured into content creation. To combat this, YouTube offers a feature called the Copyright Match Tool. This powerful utility helps creators identify and manage copies of their content across the platform.

In this guide, we’ll explore what the Copyright Match Tool is, how it works, who can use it, and step-by-step instructions on how to access and effectively use the tool to protect your intellectual property.

What is the Copyright Match Tool?

The Copyright Match Tool is a system developed by YouTube to detect full or near-full reuploads of your original content on other channels. When you upload a video, YouTube scans its database for matches — either identical videos or very similar ones — and notifies you when it finds a match.

It’s important to understand that this is different from Content ID, YouTube’s more sophisticated rights management tool that automatically identifies music, audio, and visual assets on a much broader scale. While Content ID is used mostly by media companies, the Copyright Match Tool is specifically designed for individual creators who have filed copyright takedown notices before.

Who Can Use the Copyright Match Tool?

YouTube does not make the Copyright Match Tool available to every user by default. To access it, creators must meet the following criteria:

1. Be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) – You need to monetize your content.

2. Have no active copyright strikes – Your copyright practices must align with YouTube’s guidelines.

3. Have previously submitted a successful copyright takedown notice – YouTube uses this as a trust signal.

Once you meet these conditions, the tool becomes available in YouTube Studio under the “Copyright” section.

Understanding What the Tool Can and Cannot Do

Before diving in, it’s helpful to know the tool’s limitations and strengths.

What It Can Do:

• Detect exact or near-exact reuploads of your videos.

• Alert you to potential infringements.

• Allow you to take action (request removal, contact the uploader, or archive the match).

• Provide a match list for easy review.

What It Cannot Do:

• Detect partial matches (e.g., short clips, remixes, or compilations).

• Monitor non-YouTube platforms.

• Replace legal advice — it’s a tool, not a law enforcement system.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Copyright Match Tool

Step 1: Access the Tool

1. Sign in to your YouTube Studio.

2. From the left-hand menu, click on “Copyright”. If you’re eligible, you’ll see this option.

3. The Copyright section will display any copyright takedown requests you’ve made, and below that, a “Matches” tab.

Step 2: Review Matches

YouTube shows you videos that match your content. Each match includes:

• The matched video’s title and channel.

• The percentage of your video that was matched.

• The date the video was published.

• Options for action.

You can click on the match to preview both your video and the matched content side by side.

Step 3: Choose an Action

Step 3: Choose an Action

You have three main options when you find a match:

1. Request Removal

If someone has reposted your video without permission, you can submit a copyright removal request directly from the tool.

• Click on “Request Removal”.

• Choose between Standard (gives the uploader 7 days to remove the video) or Instant (immediate takedown).

• Fill in your contact information.

• Confirm under penalty of perjury that you own the rights to the content.

• Submit the form.

YouTube will process your request and notify both you and the uploader of the result.

2. Contact the Uploader

If you prefer a less confrontational approach, you can contact the channel directly.

• Click “Contact channel”.

• A template email will pop up — you can edit this to ask them to remove the video voluntarily.

This is a good option when the reupload seems unintentional, such as fan channels or educational repurposing.

3. Archive the Match

If you don’t want to take any action, click “Archive”. This moves the match to your archive folder without affecting the video. You might do this if:

• The reupload falls under fair use.

• The match is not significant enough to worry about.

• It’s a fan video that you’re okay with.

You can always return later and take action if needed.

Best Practices When Using the Copyright Match Tool

To make the most of the tool, follow these recommended strategies:

1. Be Consistent

Check your matches regularly, ideally once a week. Timely action helps minimize damage.

2. Understand Fair Use

Not all reuploads are copyright violations. In the U.S., fair use allows limited use for commentary, criticism, education, and parody. If someone uses your video for analysis or adds significant original content, it may be protected.

3. Avoid False Claims

Issuing takedown requests for content you don’t fully own or that falls under fair use can result in channel penalties or even account termination. Only act on clear infringements.

4. Keep Records

Save correspondence and takedown confirmations in case disputes arise later.

5. Respect Community Guidelines

Excessive or malicious use of the tool can result in you losing access to it. Only file genuine claims.

Example Scenarios

To make this more concrete, here are a few example situations and how to handle them:

Scenario 1: Full Reupload on Another Channel

A user copies your entire video and uploads it to their channel with a new title.

• Recommended action: File an instant removal request.

Scenario 2: Fan Channel Reposts Your Video with Credit

Someone reuploads your video and adds a link to your channel in the description.

• Recommended action: Consider contacting them first to request removal or to request they edit the video (e.g., add commentary).

Scenario 3: News Outlet Uses a Clip with Commentary

A verified news outlet uses 30 seconds of your video to highlight a story and adds voice-over commentary.

• Recommended action: Likely fair use — archive or consult a copyright attorney before acting.

What Happens After You File a Takedown?

Once you file a takedown request:

• YouTube notifies the uploader.

• If you selected the standard 7-day notice, the uploader has that time to remove the content or issue a counter-notification.

• If no action is taken, YouTube removes the video.

• If the uploader files a counter-notification, you have 10 business days to provide proof of legal action; otherwise, the video may be reinstated.

This is why it's crucial to file only when you’re sure and to be prepared to escalate legally if needed.

Copyright Match Tool vs. Content ID

Many people confuse the Copyright Match Tool with Content ID. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Copyright Match Tool	Content ID
Who can access it?	Verified creators in YPP	Media companies, music labels
Detects?	Full or near-full reuploads	Clips, audio, partial uses
Automated?	Semi-automated, you review matches	Fully automated
Enforcement?	Manual by creator	Auto-block, monetize, or track
Use case	Smaller creators protecting their videos	Large-scale rights management

Final Thoughts

The Copyright Match Tool is a vital resource for YouTube creators who want to protect their original content. It doesn’t replace legal advice or full copyright enforcement mechanisms, but it gives creators control and peace of mind. With the right use, it can reduce unauthorized reposts, protect revenue streams, and reinforce your ownership over your work.

As YouTube continues to evolve its platform, tools like this are essential in giving power back to the creators — the real drivers of online video culture.

If you’re eligible, take advantage of the Copyright Match Tool. Review matches regularly, act wisely, and continue creating content with the confidence that YouTube has your back — and that you have the tools to defend what’s yours.