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How to Check If a Song Is Copyrighted Before Uploading to YouTube

Updated October 2026 — Using a copyrighted song can get your video claimed, blocked, or stripped of revenue. Here are 5 practical ways to check a song's copyright status before you upload.

1. Upload as Unlisted and read the Checks tab

This is the only check that counts as final. Upload your video as Unlisted (never Public yet), wait for processing to finish, then open YouTube Studio › Content › hover the video › Checks. YouTube's Content ID system will tell you whether it detected copyrighted audio and what the owner wants to do — monetize your video, track it, or block it. Fix any problems while the video is still Unlisted, then go Public.

2. Scan your audio with a copyright checker

Content ID compares your audio against a huge database of registered music. You can do a similar pre-check yourself: tools that fingerprint your audio (like Shazam-style recognition) and match it against a music database will tell you exactly which songs appear and at what timestamps. Our free scanner does this in your browser — nothing is uploaded to our servers.

3. Read the license, not the title

"Free download" or "royalty free" in a video title does not mean a song is copyright-free. The only thing that matters is the license text: who owns it, what uses are allowed, and whether YouTube use is explicitly permitted. If there's no written license, assume it's copyrighted.

4. Check the YouTube Audio Library — but carefully

YouTube's own Audio Library lists tracks that are free to use in YouTube videos. That's genuinely safe — as long as the track is still in the library when you upload. Artists do remove tracks, so re-check anything you downloaded months ago.

5. Search the song + "copyright claim"

Before using a specific track, search its title together with "copyright claim YouTube". If creators are reporting automatic claims on that song, you'll find complaints in forums and Reddit within minutes. It's an informal check, but it catches tracks that are notorious for claims.

What if a song is already claimed?

Don't delete the video in a panic. Open YouTube Studio, read exactly what the claim says (who owns it, what action they're taking), and check the "Restrictions" column — many claims only affect monetization in certain countries. You can trim out the song, replace it, or dispute the claim if you have a license.

Bottom line: assume every commercial song is copyrighted until you have written proof otherwise, and always confirm with an Unlisted upload + Checks tab. It takes five extra minutes and saves you from surprise claims on videos that take off.