YouTube has different types of copyright claims depending on how content is used and licensed:
Content ID Claim
A Content ID claim is issued when YouTube identifies copyrighted material in a video. Rights holders choose how to handle matched content—such as tracking, monetizing, or restricting it.
Shorts Claim (Shorts Policy)
A Shorts claim is applied to YouTube Shorts using music from our catalog. It links the track to your video, which helps discoverability for you and the artist. It doesn't affect your video's visibility or your share of Shorts revenue.
Read more about YouTube’s Shorts Policy here.
If the Short has a product link, the claim disables product tagging and YouTube Studio shows a "Shopping disabled" notice. We release claims on these Shorts, see Understanding YouTube Shorts & Copyright Claims for detail.
Monetization Claim (Long-form Videos)
If a long-form video uses Epidemic Sound music without a valid license, or outside the license terms, a monetization claim may be applied. This allows Epidemic Sound to monetize the video, but it won’t result in takedowns, blocks, or mutes—as long as the claim is respected.
Note: A claim is not a copyright strike.
How to Avoid Claims on Long-form Videos
To ensure your videos are cleared:
- Link your YouTube channel or video to your Epidemic Sound account.
- Videos uploaded during an active subscription are cleared to monetize forever.
- Videos uploaded after a subscription ends may receive claims.
Licensing Tips
- Creator or Pro Subscription: Add your channel directly in your account.
- Single Track License: Upload the video, then report the video URL to add it to your license.
- Corporate License: Contact your Account or Licensing Manager for assistance.