YouTube Video Reuploaded: Copyright Removal Request

You made the video. Another channel has uploaded it again, and the views you should have are going to them. It is natural to want it gone and to stop it coming back. YouTube has a process for exactly that, but it is a legal process, and the order of steps matters.

This guide follows YouTube Help pages on copyright removal requests and on preventing reuploads. It is for the copyright owner, or someone authorised to act for the owner. If the video is not yours, or you only appear in it, this is not the right route. Official steps come first, and YouTube decides. We cannot promise a result. One wrong step can cost you the account, so know what you are doing before you start filing.

Last checked: 28 October 2026.

#Quick Answer: How Do You File and Stop Copies?

YouTube's page Submit a copyright removal request says that for videos you can submit in YouTube Studio or by email, fax or mail. In YouTube Studio the page says to sign in on a computer or mobile browser, select Content detection from the left menu, and click New removal request. It says that when you submit via YouTube Studio, you can select an option to prevent future copies of the same content from being uploaded again.

#Who Can File, and What the Page Warns

The page says copyright owners should submit copyright removal requests, and that an authorised representative, such as an attorney, can submit on behalf of an owner. It states: "Do not submit false information." It adds that misuse of the process, such as submitting fraudulent documentation, may result in the termination of your account or other legal consequences.

Before you submit, the page says to consider whether fair use, public domain or a similar copyright exception applies. You may be asked to confirm you have made this consideration, and without a sufficient response the request may be invalid and will not take effect. YouTube's own Fair use on YouTube page says courts decide fair use cases on the facts of each case, and suggests getting legal advice from an expert.

#What to Collect Before You Start

• The exact link for each copy. The page says a request must include direct links to the allegedly infringing content, and a video link looks like www.youtube.com/watch?v= followed by the video code.
• A clear description of your original work, so the page's description section can be completed.
• Proof that you made it, such as your original upload date or raw files. This is our practical suggestion and not a requirement on the page.
• Your full legal name. The page says a signature must be the owner's or authorised representative's full legal name, first and last, and not a company name.
• A note of whether you hold worldwide exclusive rights, if you plan to use Prevent Copies.

#The Prevent Copies Tick Box

The page Prevent reuploads of removed videos says that when you submit a removal request using the YouTube Studio form, you can select the option to prevent future copies from appearing. It says the systems will try to do two things: automatically prevent future copies, and find potential matches. It lists two eligibility requirements: worldwide exclusive rights to the content, and a valid copyright removal request. It adds that abuse of this feature may result in losing the ability to use it for future removal requests.

To select it, the page says to open the copyright removal request form and, under section 3, Removal options, check the box next to "Prevent future copies of this content from appearing on YouTube." Then select Submit. It then states: "Once a removal request is submitted, you can't go back and select 'Prevent Copies.'" If you forgot, it says to use the webform to submit a new request for another video and tick the box before you submit.

#Scheduled Removal: The 7 Day Option

The page About copyright removal requests says a request can be scheduled, which gives the uploader 7 days to take action, such as deleting the video or seeking a retraction, to avoid removal and a copyright strike on their channel. The page currently says that if the uploader does nothing, the content is removed and a copyright strike is applied to their channel.

A scheduled request may suit a channel that copied your video without realising. A normal request may suit a channel that is plainly copying for gain. The pages do not tell you which to pick, so that is your decision, and a calm one.

#What YouTube Shares, and What It Reviews

The page says that legally YouTube is required to share certain information with the uploader. If disclosing personal information is a concern, it says an authorised representative, such as an attorney, can submit on your behalf. It also says a removed video shows the claimant's name on YouTube in place of the video. The uploader can request a copy of your request, which may include your full legal name, email address and your description of the work.

On review, the page says YouTube checks that the request has the information required by copyright law and appears valid. If something is missing, it says YouTube reaches out to the claimant, and until it has all the required information the content may stay up. The About page adds that requests are reviewed using automated systems and human reviewers. It also says an uploader may file a counter notification, and that content may be reinstated if you do not tell YouTube within 10 US business days that you filed a legal action. Read that section on the live page before you file.

#What You Cannot Remove With This Route

• An entire channel or playlist. The page says you cannot submit a copyright removal request for either.
• Videos that fall under a copyright exception such as fair use. The Prevent Copies page notes that exceptions could mean you see copies that are not removed.
• Content you do not own. The page says copyright owners, or authorised representatives on their behalf, should submit.
• Harassment. The About page says harassment and copyright infringement sometimes overlap, but a removal request is not always the best option, and points to reporting harassment instead.

If a copy of your video appears on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok as well, our guide on copyright takedowns on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook covers those routes. If you are in the video but did not make it, see YouTube privacy complaint for a video of you. If the claim is against you, our guide on false Content ID claims covers the other side.

#What the Pages Do Not Say

• They give no time in which YouTube will act on a request.
• They do not promise that every copy will be caught by Prevent Copies.
• They do not say how many copies a typical channel will see after a removal.
• They give no steps specific to Malaysia, and this guide describes none.

#When It Is Safer to Get Expert Help

Some people file alone, and the official steps come first. The risks are plain. Submitting a request for content you do not own, or with false information, can cost you the account. Missing the Prevent Copies tick box means starting a fresh request. Sharing your legal name with the uploader may matter if the dispute is personal. And anyone who offers to remove a video for payment, outside these routes, is offering something YouTube's pages do not describe.

If the reuploads are repeated, the uploader is someone you know, or your income depends on the video, handing the case to an experienced team such as AwareXone is the safer choice. We can help you gather your proof, check you are the right person to file and word the request calmly. See our content removal help page, and use the Apply for Case Review button at the end of this guide.

#When a Case Review Makes Sense

A review helps when you are not sure whether you hold exclusive worldwide rights, when you are worried about what the uploader will see, or when a request has been rejected. SocialSafe by AwareXone is a Malaysia-based service, independent of YouTube, that helps you use the official routes. We never ask for your password or any code, and we do not promise removal. See how we work on our trust page.

#Frequently Asked Questions