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 applies to YouTube Shorts that use music from the Epidemic Sound catalog. It’s not the same as a monetization claim on long-form videos. This claim links the music to the video, improving discoverability for both the Short and the artist. It does not affect visibility or ad revenue share.
Read more about YouTube’s Shorts Policy here.
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.