The Think Media Podcast: Episode 411 Summary

Title: YouTube Channels Are Getting Deleted—Here’s Why
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host: Sean Cannell, Think Media
Guest: Tyler Chow, Creator's Attorney

Introduction

In Episode 411 of The Think Media Podcast, host Sean Cannell delves into a pressing issue facing YouTube creators: the alarming increase in channel deletions and demonetizations. To shed light on this phenomenon, Sean welcomes Tyler Chow, a seasoned attorney specializing in creators' rights with a background spanning 15 years at Disney and major law firms. Together, they explore the nuances of copyright and community strikes, their surge in recent times, and actionable strategies for creators to safeguard their channels.

Understanding Strikes: Copyright vs. Community

Defining the Strikes
At [02:46], Tyler Chow clarifies the fundamental differences between copyright and community strikes:

• Copyright Strikes: Occur when an IP holder claims that a creator has used their intellectual property without permission. This can range from using a few seconds of a video clip to incorporating unauthorized music. Tyler emphasizes the importance of using licensed content to avoid these strikes.

  "Fair use is not a real thing. It is an absolute rule that if you own the IP, you can put a strike on anyone." – [01:59] Tyler Chow

• Community Strikes: These are more ambiguous and result from violations of YouTube’s community guidelines. They can stem from various infringements, such as spreading false information, scams, or controversial political content. YouTube often does not specify the exact violation, adding to creators' confusion and anxiety.

Consequences of Strikes
Sean reinforces the severity of accumulating strikes:

• Copyright Strikes: Three strikes can lead to permanent channel termination and potential legal ramifications.
• Community Strikes: Accumulating three within 90 days also results in channel termination but pertains to platform safety rather than legal issues.

"One wrong move and your entire channel could be demonetized, deleted, or you could even get sued." – [00:00] Sean Cannell

The Surge in Strikes: Causes and Implications

Policy Changes and Volume of Complaints
At [05:13], Tyler discusses the probable reasons behind the spike in strikes:

• YouTube has likely updated its policies to handle the immense volume of copyright complaints efficiently.
• The transition from personalized handling to an automated system allows IP holders to directly issue strikes without intermediary checks, leading to a rise in automatic strikes based on content usage.

Case Studies and Real-World Impacts
Tyler shares poignant stories illustrating the consequences:

• A client lost his channel after receiving three strikes for using clips from a biology channel. Despite attempts to rectify the situation by paying for the unauthorized use, major entities like Square Enix and Nintendo remain unforgiving, often leading to permanent strikes.
• Another client’s channel was terminated after using game music unlawfully, highlighting the rigid stance of certain IP holders.

"You can use 2 seconds of someone's video and they will just put a strike on you." – [01:59] Tyler Chow

Strategies to Safeguard Your Channel

1. Review YouTube’s Policies
Tyler advises creators to thoroughly understand YouTube's terms of service and community guidelines to preemptively avoid violations.

2. Utilize Licensed Content
Always use licensed music and footage. Platforms like Epidemic Sound offer royalty-free options that can protect against copyright strikes.

3. Leverage AI Tools for Compliance
Sean suggests using AI, such as Google’s Gemini, to analyze your content against YouTube’s guidelines:

"Consider using AI to review the terms of service... It could say, well, you might want to consider revising this section." – [12:27] Sean Cannell

4. Implement Strong Disclaimers
When providing advice (medical, legal, financial), include clear disclaimers to mitigate the risk of community strikes.

5. Promptly Address Strikes
Upon receiving a strike, act immediately by reaching out to the IP holder or utilizing YouTube's appeal process. However, as Tyler notes, the appeal system can be arbitrary and may sometimes fail:

"You don’t have to fight it by saying, but this is fair use, because that's not a real thing." – [20:19] Tyler Chow

6. Diversify Revenue Streams
Relying solely on AdSense is risky. Tyler encourages creators to explore multiple income avenues such as brand deals, merchandise, newsletters, and affiliate marketing to mitigate the impact of strikes on earnings.

Navigating the Appeal Process

Effective Appeals
Tyler emphasizes the importance of crafting well-structured appeals:

• Stay Professional: Present factual evidence without emotional language.
• Legal Language: Incorporate precise terms and references to relevant policies or laws.
• Documentation: Keep records of licenses, permissions, and fair use analyses to support your case.

"Don’t be emotional. Present the facts." – [28:20] Tyler Chow

Challenges with Appeals
Despite best efforts, the appeal process can be inconsistent. Tyler recounts a client’s experience where the system abruptly removed a strike without clear reasoning, highlighting the unpredictability of YouTube’s enforcement mechanisms.

Additional Protective Measures

Media Liability Insurance
For larger channels or those frequently using third-party content, obtaining media liability insurance can provide coverage against legal costs arising from copyright disputes or defamation claims.

Documentation and Record-Keeping
Maintaining thorough records of all content licenses, permissions, and editorial decisions can be invaluable when contesting strikes or defending against legal actions.

The Future of the Creator Economy

Growing Recognition and Integration
Tyler paints an optimistic picture of the creator economy's future:

• Industry Interest: Major companies like Lionsgate, Amazon, and Warner Bros are increasingly seeking insights from top creators to harness the vast content libraries available on platforms like YouTube.
• Economic Significance: Investments from corporations such as Unilever indicate a surge in influencer marketing, underscoring creators' pivotal role in digital marketing strategies.
• Platform Expansion: Events like NAB’s Creator Lab expansion reflect the growing acknowledgment of creators as key content producers akin to traditional studios.

"The future is very, very bright for creators. So if you're thinking about starting your YouTube channel, there's no better time than now." – [38:50] Tyler Chow

Long-Term Sustainability
Creators are encouraged to build diverse revenue streams and cultivate their intellectual property portfolios to ensure long-term viability and the ability to monetize their channels beyond ad revenue.

Conclusion

Episode 411 of The Think Media Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the escalating challenges YouTube creators face with channel deletions and strikes. Through Tyler Chow's expert insights, creators gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding copyright and community strikes. The discussion underscores the importance of proactive measures, such as using licensed content, understanding platform policies, and diversifying income sources, to navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively. As the creator economy continues to thrive, staying informed and adaptable remains crucial for sustained success.

Connect with Tyler Chow:

• YouTube Channel: Tyler Sh. The Creator's Attorney
• LinkedIn: Tyler Chow
• Upcoming Community: Launching on Kajabi (Name options include Creator's Attorney Collective, Creators Law Collective, Creators Law House)

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