YouTube DMCA Takedown: How to Remove Stolen Videos

File a YouTube copyright takedown yourself in 5 steps, or let Rulta find and report every copy for you.

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  • 1-7dTypical removal
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Quick answer

YouTube DMCA Takedown in Short

  • What it is. A copyright removal request that asks YouTube to take down a video using your content without permission.

  • Where to file. In YouTube Studio, open Content detection and click "New removal request". Email, fax and mail also work.

  • What you need. The video links, your contact details, two legal statements and your full legal name as a signature.

  • Stop re-uploads. Tick "Prevent copies" to ask YouTube to block future uploads of the same video.

  • Cost and speed. Filing yourself is free. On Premier and Legend, Rulta files for you and most removals finish in 1 to 7 days.

Scroll to take it down

Simulated results for demonstration purposes. Actual results and removal timelines vary.

Rulta does it for you

How Rulta Handles YouTube Takedowns for You

Follow one stolen video from reupload to removed.

  1. Your video gets reuploaded

    Someone downloads your video and posts it as a Short on their own channel. Every view it gets is a view you lose.

  2. We find it

    We scan YouTube for your videos every day, Shorts included. You can also run a scan from your dashboard anytime.

    Shorts included

  3. An agent checks it

    A real person confirms the video is yours before anything is sent. Your original post goes with the notice as proof.

  4. The notice goes to YouTube

    The notice goes out as soon as the match is confirmed. We file under Rulta's company details wherever the platform allows.

  5. The video comes down

    Most videos are removed within 1 to 7 days. The channel that posted it gets a copyright strike.

    1-7d

  6. It stays gone

    We scan every day, so new copies get caught. Your own channel is whitelisted and stays untouched.

    Every day
  • A person checks every takedown. Nothing goes to YouTube automatically. Your own channel is whitelisted.
  • Copies beyond YouTube. We scan 200M+ websites and, as a Google partner since 2017, remove leaks from Google search in 4 to 24 hours.
  • Premier and Legend. YouTube removal is part of both plans. No channel size or Partner Program needed.
Do it yourself

How to File a YouTube DMCA Takedown, Step by Step

You must own the video or be its authorized representative. Here is YouTube's form, one step at a time.

Open YouTube's copyright formSimplified copy of YouTube's form with example details. Some optional fields are hidden.

Good to know: YouTube can share your name and email with the uploader. Your phone and address stay private.

After you file

What Happens After You File

What YouTube does with your request, in its own rules.

YouTube Reviews Your Request

  • YouTube checks each request. If it is valid, the video comes down.
  • If details are missing, YouTube contacts you. The video may stay up until then.
  • A scheduled request takes effect in 7 days. The uploader can delete the video first and avoid a strike.

Strikes on the Uploader's Channel

  • Each removal gives the channel a copyright strike.
  • A strike expires after 90 days if the uploader completes Copyright School.
  • With 3 strikes within 90 days, the channel is subject to termination.
  • The owner of a terminated channel can't create new YouTube channels.
Example channelTry it
@leaktube4k0 of 3 strikes

No strikes yet. The channel can upload as usual.

If the Uploader Disagrees

  • The uploader may contact you and ask you to retract your request.
  • They can also send a counter notification if they think the removal was a mistake.
  • If it is valid, YouTube forwards it to you.
  • You then have 10 US business days to show you have started court action. Otherwise YouTube restores the video.
Video removedThe uploader gets a strike

What does the uploader do?

If they do nothing

It stays downThe strike stays until it expires

If they send a counter notification

YouTube forwards itYou get their counter notification
10 US business daysYour window to show court action

Do you start court action?

It stays downThe court decides from here
YouTube restores itOnce the 10 days pass

Stopping Re-uploads

  • Tick "Prevent copies" when you file, to block future uploads of the same video.
  • Edited or cropped copies may still need a new request.
  • Rulta scans YouTube every day and reports new copies for you.

Only Report What Is Yours

  • YouTube asks you to consider fair use and other exceptions before you file.
  • False requests can get your own YouTube account terminated.
FAQ

YouTube DMCA Questions

What creators ask before their first takedown. Can't find what you're looking for? .

Sign in to YouTube Studio, open Content detection and click "New removal request". Our step-by-step guide above shows every field.

YouTube does not publish a fixed time, and missing details slow it down. When Rulta files, most YouTube removals finish in 1 to 7 days.

The removal takes effect in 7 days instead of right away. The uploader can delete the video first and avoid a copyright strike.

Yes, YouTube can share your name, email and description of the work. Rulta files under its company details wherever the platform allows.

Yes, a strike expires after 90 days if the uploader completes Copyright School. Three strikes within 90 days can get the channel terminated.

YouTube forwards it to you. You have 10 US business days to show you have started court action, or the video is restored.

No. Any copyright owner can file a removal request, and Rulta needs no channel size or Partner Program status.

Yes, and it is free. Use the guide on this page or our free YouTube guide at dmca.ai.

Related Protection Services

OnlyFans DMCA takedown serviceGoogle search removalTikTok DMCA takedownDMCA takedown service

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