How I Lost My YouTube Channel, A Lesson About Copyright Strikes

#memo Hey everyone, it’s [Your Name]. Today, I’m going to share a story that’s both personal and a hard lesson for anyone creating content on YouTube. My original YouTube channel was terminated because of copyright infringement. I got 4 strikes, and just like that, all the work I had poured into my channel was gone. This video isn’t just about what happened to me; it’s a wake-up call for all creators to understand YouTube’s copyright policies better. Let’s get into it.”

[WHAT HAPPENED: 0:30 - 1:30]
Use a visual overlay or text to show “4 COPYRIGHT STRIKES” while you explain.

Script:
“So here’s what happened. If you’re not familiar with YouTube’s copyright strike system, here’s how it works: If you receive 3 copyright strikes, your channel is at risk of being terminated. YouTube gives you a chance to resolve the issue by disputing the claim or removing the content, but once you cross that threshold, your channel can be deleted permanently.

For me, it was a hard lesson. I received 4 copyright strikes because I used content—like music and video clips—that I didn’t have permission to use. I thought disclaimers or minor edits would protect me, but they didn’t. Once the strikes started coming in, my channel was terminated within days.”

[CAUSES OF THE STRIKES: 1:30 - 2:30]
Show screenshots or examples of typical copyright notices from YouTube.

Script:
“Looking back, I realize what went wrong. I used copyrighted music in my videos, thinking it was okay because I added a disclaimer or shortened the clip. I also included short video clips from TV shows and movies. I assumed that editing them slightly made it ‘fair use,’ but that wasn’t the case.

Fair use is tricky, and it doesn’t automatically apply just because your content is for education or entertainment. Unless you meet specific legal criteria, you’re still at risk.”

[HOW IT AFFECTED ME: 2:30 - 3:30]
Show a montage of old video thumbnails or your previous channel if you have them.

Script:
“Losing my channel was a massive blow. I spent months—years—creating content, building an audience, and dreaming about what I could achieve. But it all disappeared overnight.

It’s frustrating and heartbreaking, but it taught me something important: respecting other creators’ work and understanding copyright law isn’t optional. If you’re building something long-term, you need to play by the rules.”

[TIPS TO AVOID COPYRIGHT STRIKES: 3:30 - 5:00]
Cut to a list of tips with visuals for each.

Script:
“To help you avoid what happened to me, here are some key tips:

1. Use copyright-free resources. Platforms like YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay, and Pexels offer free music, images, and videos that are safe to use.
2. Get proper licenses. If you want to use copyrighted material, contact the copyright holder for permission or purchase a license.
3. Understand fair use. Fair use isn’t a loophole; it’s a specific legal principle that applies in limited cases. Research it carefully before assuming your content qualifies.
4. Avoid risky content. Even short clips or edited versions of copyrighted material can lead to strikes. When in doubt, leave it out.”

[MOVING FORWARD: 5:00 - 6:00]
Show a new logo or branding if you’ve created one.

Script:
“So, what’s next? I’m starting fresh with a brand-new channel, and this time, I’m focused on creating original content that’s 100% safe from copyright issues. It’s a fresh start, and I’m excited to build something even better with everything I’ve learned.

I want to be transparent about this because I know a lot of creators struggle with copyright issues. Let’s learn from each other and grow together.”

[CALL TO ACTION: 6:00 - 6:30]
End with a positive tone and engaging question.

Script:
“If you’ve ever faced copyright issues on YouTube, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below, and let’s start a conversation about how to avoid these pitfalls. And if you found this video helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to follow my journey. See you in the next one!”
#funny #education #copyrightfreemusic #copyright #viravideo