License codes

Responding to YouTube Copyright Claims

  • Overview

    YouTube uses a system called Content ID that helps copyright owners protect their music. When you upload a new video to your channel, YouTube automatically checks for matching music in its Content ID database. If it finds a match, you may get a copyright claim.

    If you have received a copyright claim from YouTube for a video that includes Adobe Stock music tracks, you will need to submit a license code for each Adobe Stock music track used in the video.


    Here’s how to find your Adobe Stock license code:

    A license code was provided when the music track was initially licensed. You can also find the license code for any music track you’ve licensed on your License History page. Here’s how:

    1. Go to stock.adobe.com and log in. Select your account by clicking your name in the upper right corner.

    2. Select License History from the list.

    Image of user profile dropdown to find License History page on Adobe Stock

    3. In the License History list, find the desired music track and click the Info icon in the License column. The number that appears is the license validation code.

    Image of hovering on an audio asset to see the License Code tool tip on the License History page on Adobe Stock

    4. Click the Copy button to save the license code to your clipboard.

    Image of Audio license code modal on Adobe Stock

    Here’s how to submit the Adobe Stock license code to YouTube:

    1. Go to YouTube, click your account icon in the upper right corner, and select YouTube Studio.

    Image of Youtube.com and a user profile dropdown

    2. On the left side of the page, select Videos. The page lists videos you’ve uploaded to your channel. In the Restrictions column, you’ll see if a video is flagged with a copyright claim. You’ll need to provide a license code for each Adobe Stock music track contained in any video that has a copyright claim.

    Image of user's videos on Youtube.com

    3. Hover your cursor over Copyright claim and a dialog box appears. Click SEE DETAILS.

    Image of copyright claim modal on Youtube.com

    4. In the popup window, click SELECT ACTION.

    Image of copyright summary and status page on Youtube.com

    5. In the menu that appears, click Dispute.

    Image of open action dropdown on copyright summary and status page on Youtube.com

    6. In the next screen, click the checkbox next to this text: My dispute isn’t based on any of the reasons above. I would still like to dispute this Content ID claim. Then click CONTINUE.

    Image of dispute claim modal on Youtube.com

    7. On the next screen, click License and then click CONTINUE.

    Image of verification modal for dispute claim on Youtube.com

    8. In the next screen, click the checkbox next to this text: I have permission to use the content from the copyright owner. Then click CONTINUE.

    Image of copyright claim code entry modal for dispute claim on Youtube.com

    9. In the final YouTube screen, paste the license code into the text box. IMPORTANT: Enter only the code for the song used in the video. Do not add any other codes or any other text – this will delay clearing your video. After entering the appropriate license code, click the three checkboxes below it and type your name into the Signature box. Finally, click SUBMIT and you’re done!

    The copyright claim should be cleared shortly.
    Image of copyright claim conditions for dispute claim on Youtube.com