# **How to Dispute False YouTube Copyright Claims (🫣 Real Case)**

Receiving a copyright claim on YouTube can be frustrating, especially when you know you haven’t done anything wrong (or have you? 👀). Whether it's using royalty-free music, original content, or something within fair use, claims can happen. In fact, We can assure you that 100% of content creators have ever received a claim. In this guide, **I’ll walk you through how to dispute false (or not) YouTube copyright claims, the options available, and what to write in your dispute.**

## 🔎 **First Steps: Recognizing a Claim Notification**

The first thing you might receive is an email notification that looks something like this: ![Screenshot of the email with the claim](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_email_06cbcba6d2.webp)

###  ℹ️ Important information here

**The name of the claimant:**  佛 - 米叔啊 .       
**Content owners: (This is the music distributor)** [Merlin] EWway Music  
**Content type:** Audio  
**Impact on video:** Not monetising

🎩 My recommendation is to always **verify that the email is from YouTube**. Sometimes scammers try to steal your account by sending you this kind of emails, as the sender is **"no-reply@youtube.com"** it is a real claim. As a second check, If the claim is recent, you’ll also see it in your YouTube Studio dashboard: [https://studio.youtube.com](https://studio.youtube.com). In our case it appears like this: ![Screenshot of the claim details](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_notification_b1f2c4a4b7.webp)

## **What is a YouTube Copyright Claim?**

A copyright claim happens when someone says that content in your video, like music, images, or footage, belongs to them. Not all claims are correct; sometimes, they are made by mistake or falsely by third parties. When you receive a claim, YouTube usually won’t take down your video but might place ads on it, redirect the revenue, or restrict its visibility in some countries. **If you’re sure the claim is wrong, you can dispute it.**

## **Differences Between _Copyright Claims_ and _Copyright Strikes_**

A strike is something you never want to see in your life, no seriously, you start sweating and the first thing you think is that YouTube is going to delete your channel. And you are not far from reality, with **3 strikes** during 90 days you get your account deleted. In fact, look what a strike looks like:
 ![Copyright Strike YouTube Studio](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_strike_9a8390c450.webp)

But let's be honest, a copyright claim **IS NOT** a strike. Again, a **COPYRIGHT CLAIM ≠ STRIKE**. again? Okay I'm going to stop here. But seriously, I can be sure that all content creators have some active copyright claim right now.

A copyright claim is a notice when someone believes that part of your video uses their copyrighted content (in our case, a song or sound), often detected by YouTube's Content ID system. Claims do not directly penalize your channel, but can affect your monetization or video visibility.

## 🤨 **Is the Claim Legitimate?**

### 🚩 **Red Flags or Signs of Fake Copyright Claims (90% of cases):**

- The claimant’s name does not match the song title or original artist.
- The copyright matches the whole song duration.
- Searching the claimed song on YouTube shows it was recently uploaded with few views, suggesting the claimant might be a song thief. ![Screenshot of the song](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_fake_artist_5d3ba3727c.webp)


### ✅ **Signs of a Legitimate Claim (10% of cases):**

- The claimant’s name matches the original artist and song title.

Well here are two options:
- 7% of cases. **You have not given credits correctly, the system detects that things are missing in the description.** For tracks from our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingCopyright](https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingCopyright), make sure you’ve credited the artist properly, included any required social media links, and provided the correct license link if it’s a Creative Commons license. If you haven't credited the artist correctly, update your video description with the correct information to avoid future issues.

- 3% of cases. **The original artist has decided to change the license of the song.** This is a rare case, but it has happened to us. Many times artists are tired of fighting copyright claims on their own songs and end up registering their songs in YouTube's copyright system. Technically, if you can prove that you used the song with the previous license, your dispute should be valid and the claim should be removed. If this doesn't happen, you would have to go legally against the artist... which costs money and time and many people decide to quit. Anyway, I repeat, these are very, very rare cases. Most artists comply with their Creative Commons licenses.


## 🏗️ **Step-by-Step Dispute Process**

Now that you’ve established the nature of the claim, follow these steps to dispute it. *It's easier to do this on a computer:*

1️⃣. **Go to YouTube Studio**, find the video with the claim, and go to the monetization section. You’ll see something like this: ![Screenshot of the monetization section](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_monetization_section_96514f550c.webp)

2️⃣. Click **“See Details”** to view a summary of the claim ![Screenshot of the claim summary](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_summary_7ace92a6cb.webp)

3️⃣. Click **“Select Action”** and choose **“Dispute”**. ![Select Action](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_dispute_0be7e5d1e4.webp)

4️⃣. **Choose the reason for your dispute.** For songs from our channel, select **“License”** because our songs are usually under Creative Commons or uploaded with artist permission. **Remember to credit the artist properly before proceeding**. ![Select Reason](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_reason_section_7f7db6f2a5.webp)

5️⃣. In the **“Details”** section, check **“I have permission to use the content from the copyright owner”**. ![Screenshot of this section](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_details_section_a6511c911c.webp)

6️⃣. In the **“Rationale”** section, provide information to justify your dispute. Check all necessary boxes and sign the form. Customize your text according to your case. For example, if the original artist is Sappheiros, include the song's license link and the artist’s social media where the license can be verified. ![Dispute Rationale](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_rationale_section_6debdf137d.webp)

**Example dispute text:**

> Hi YouTube, this is a fake copyright claim. The original song was produced by Sappheiros: https://soundcloud.com/sappheirosmusic/awake-1. The license of the song is Creative Commons: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. Remove immediately this fake artist from your systems.

After clicking **“Submit”**, you’ll receive a confirmation that the dispute has been sent. YouTube typically responds within **30 days** (often sooner), and you’ll get an email notification ![Dispute Submitted](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_dispute_submitted_065463b804.webp)

## 💸 **What About My Revenue?**

During the dispute, the revenue generated by the video is held in a **limbo** or in a **escrow** status. Once the dispute is resolved, the money is transfered to the winning party. ![YouTube Copyright Claim, scrow status](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/dispute_youtube_copyright_claim_scrow_d3a45eb218.webp)

## 😈 **Why Does YouTube Allow Content Thieves?**

This is a complex topic, similar to the chicken-and-egg dilemma 🥚🐓. From YouTube’s perspective, it’s challenging to verify the true creator of content uploaded by users. The music that it's registered in the *YouTube Content-ID* system must be uploaded through a music distributor, in the case of this post **[Merlin] EWway Music** (these are a limited number of companies with the ability to access this copyright system), and if YouTube notices multiple disputes against a specific claimant, they may report the distributor, leading to account termination (fortunately) of the claimant. **This is why disputing false claims is crucial—it helps expose scammers and protect creators.**

## ✅ **How to Avoid This in the Future**

If you’ve completed the process, now you just need to wait—YouTube says up to 30 days, but it’s often resolved in 7 days. **To avoid these problems in the future, especially if you plan to make a career as a content creator, consider subscribing to a paid music library, which offers more secure licensing.** Popular options like EpidemicSound offer thousands of tracks and sound effects, minimizing the risk of copyright claims. 🧠➡️ Free trial here: [${process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_EPIDEMICSOUND_AFFILIATE_LINK}](${process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_EPIDEMICSOUND_AFFILIATE_LINK}).

You might wonder if we’re promoting competitors, but our mission at BreakingCopyright has always been to support independent musicians and video creators without resources. However, if I were starting a long term career as a content creator today, **a paid library could be the best investment for a hassle-free content creation journey.**

Learn how to dispute a false YouTube copyright claim with our comprehensive guide. We cover step-by-step instructions, best practices, and legal tips to protect your content and restore your rights. Empower yourself against unwarranted claims and safeguard your YouTube channel today.

How to Dispute False YouTube Copyright Claims

# **How to Choose the Right Music for Your Halloween Video (👻 Spooky and Free!)**

Halloween is creeping up fast, and it's the perfect time to dive into creating spooky, eerie, or downright terrifying videos! Whether you're making a short horror film, a fun party video, or telling a chilling ghost story, the right **royalty-free music** can make all the difference. But how do you pick the perfect track to elevate your Halloween content? Let me walk you through it—no tricks, just treats (🎃 and some really good tips)!

![Halloween music for videos](${process.env.PUBLIC_STRAPI_URL}/uploads/halloween_1866862aa6.webp)

## 🎬 **Step 1: Understand the Mood of Your Video**

Before you start hunting for music, think about the mood you're going for in your video. Halloween videos can be scary, fun, quirky, or even nostalgic, and the music needs to match that vibe. Is it a **horror** film or something more light-hearted? Here's a quick breakdown:

- **Scary, dark, and atmospheric**: If you're creating a horror short or a creepy video meant to give viewers chills, you need something slow and tense. Think dark ambient music or tracks with dissonant chords. These build tension and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. 🎃🩸 Check out our [Scary Music Collection](https://breakingcopyright.com/scary) for inspiration.


- **Fun and spooky**: For lighter Halloween content—like party videos or costume montages—you'll want music that's playful but still on theme. Try quirky soundtracks with eerie undertones, like Halloween remixes or upbeat tunes that have just enough spookiness to keep things festive. 🎉👻 Browse through our [Spooky Music Collection](https://breakingcopyright.com/spooky) for the perfect fit!

The goal is to make sure the music doesn't just fill the background—it should actively enhance the mood you're trying to create. Make your viewers feel *something*, whether it's dread, excitement, or pure Halloween fun.

## 🎥 **Step 2: Match the Music to Your Audience**

Next, consider *who* will be watching your video. Knowing your audience is key to selecting the right music. Different groups respond to different musical tones, so here’s what to think about:

- **For horror fans**: If you're appealing to serious horror fans, you're going to want music that’s genuinely creepy. Choose tracks with dark, brooding atmospheres—maybe some slow, menacing strings or eerie ambient sounds. The kind of music that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. 😱 You’ll find spine-tingling tracks in our [Horror Music Collection](https://breakingcopyright.com/horror).

Knowing your audience helps you make better choices, so keep them in mind when you're browsing tracks.

## 🔊 **Step 3: Use Sound Effects to Amp Up the Spookiness**

Music is great, but **sound effects** are your secret weapon for Halloween videos. There’s nothing quite like a well-placed scream, a creaky door, or distant footsteps to send chills down your viewers' spines.

While we don’t offer sound effects, you can explore platforms like [Epidemic Sound](https://share.epidemicsound.com/fovcsk), which offers an extensive library of sound effects and loops—plus, they have a **7-day free trial** so you can try them out!

- **For horror content**: Creaking doors, whispers, or eerie winds can add an extra layer of suspense. Use them sparingly but at key moments to heighten the tension. 🔪👻
  
- **For fun Halloween videos**: Use sound effects like ghostly laughs, howling wolves, or even thunder strikes to add a fun, spooky flair. Just make sure they don't overpower your music or dialogue.

Pro tip: Combining royalty-free sound effects with the right track can make your video feel much more immersive and professional.

## ⏱️ **Step 4: Match Music to the Pacing of Your Video**

Another important aspect is **pacing**. The speed and intensity of your video should sync with the music you choose. If your video has quick cuts, action scenes, or lots of energy (think Halloween party videos or costume montages), opt for faster-paced music with a strong beat. Tracks with punchy percussion or electronic elements work well here.

If your video is slower, like a spooky story or a long buildup in a horror scene, you need music that builds tension over time. Slow, atmospheric music with crescendos at key moments will help draw viewers in and keep them engaged. 🎬💀

## 🎛️ **Step 5: Play with Loops and Layers**

One trick to create an effective soundscape for your Halloween video is using **loops** or layering multiple tracks. Instead of finding one long track, you can use several shorter pieces and loop them to extend the atmosphere without it becoming repetitive.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get high-quality loops or layered music, [Epidemic Sound](https://share.epidemicsound.com/fovcsk) offers royalty-free options with a 7-day free trial, perfect for creators who want flexibility with their sound.

For example, if you're creating a haunted house video, layering a background of eerie wind with a slow, creepy piano loop can keep things tense while you focus on the visuals. The key here is subtlety: you want your music and effects to enhance the scene, not distract from it. 💀🔁

## 📈 **Step 6: Keep SEO and Licensing in Mind**

Here's a big one—**don’t forget about licensing!** Always make sure you’re using **royalty-free music** or music that is correctly licensed for your video. You don’t want to put in hours of work only to get a copyright claim that pulls your video down.

Using royalty-free music, especially for Halloween videos, doesn’t just keep you safe from legal trouble. It can also help your video’s SEO performance. How? Well, by linking back to reputable music sources (like our own [Scary Music Collection](https://breakingcopyright.com/scary) 😏), and including keywords like “royalty-free Halloween music” in your video description, you're making your video more discoverable. 🔑

And remember, if you're using music that’s free to use but requires attribution, always give proper credit in your video’s description to avoid any issues.

## ⚡ **Step 7: Don’t Overdo It**

Last but not least, don’t let the music **overpower** your video. 🎶 Your visuals, dialogue, and sound effects should all work together harmoniously. If you’ve got heavy dialogue or important sound effects, keep your music at a lower volume or choose tracks that are more atmospheric and subtle.

Good rule of thumb? **Music should complement** your visuals, not overshadow them. You want it to *enhance* the story you're telling.

---

### 🎃 **Final Thoughts: The Perfect Halloween Soundtrack**

Choosing the right music for your Halloween video can seem like a daunting task, but it’s all about finding the right balance. Start by identifying the mood of your video, think about who your audience is, and don't be afraid to play around with sound effects and pacing.

If you’re looking for royalty-free music that’s perfect for Halloween, check out our curated **[Halloween Music Collection](https://breakingcopyright.com/halloween)**. Whether you're making a haunted house tour, a ghost story, or a fun party montage, we’ve got you covered!

Happy Halloween and happy creating! 👻🎶

Learn how to choose the perfect royalty-free music for your Halloween video, set the right mood, and enhance your content with spooky sound effects! 

From the blog

How to Dispute False YouTube Copyright Claims

How to choose the right music for a Halloween video