How to Find Unauthorized Uploads of Your YouTube Videos

You spend hours planning, filming, editing, uploading, and promoting a video.

Someone else downloads it, crops a few pixels, changes the title, and uploads it to another channel.

Wonderful.

Unfortunately, unauthorized video reuploads are difficult to spot because copies are not always identical to the original.

Someone might:

• crop the video;
• mirror it;
• add subtitles;
• replace the music;
• change the speed;
• add a border;
• split the video into Shorts;
• use only part of the original;
• upload it with a completely different title and thumbnail.

YouTube provides copyright tools that can identify many full or near-full copies automatically. You can also use reverse image search, video search tools, targeted Google and YouTube searches, and distinctive frames from your videos to uncover copies manually.

The important part is knowing what each method can and cannot detect.

This guide walks through the best ways to find unauthorized uploads of your YouTube videos, what evidence to save, and what options YouTube gives copyright owners after they discover a match.

Chapters

How Big Is Copyright Detection on YouTube?

Copyright management on YouTube operates at enormous scale.

According to YouTube’s current Copyright Transparency Report:

More than 4 million channels have access to the Copyright Match Tool.

The tool automatically searches for copies of content uploaded to other YouTube channels.

More than 7,600 copyright partners use Content ID.

Content ID is intended for copyright owners with more complex rights-management requirements, such as major media companies, labels, studios, and other organizations managing large catalogs.

More than 2 billion Content ID claims were generated during the report’s latest measurement period.

That demonstrates just how much automated copyright matching takes place on YouTube.

More than 90% of Content ID claims resulted in rightsholders choosing monetization rather than blocking the video.

Copyright enforcement does not always mean removal. Large rightsholders frequently choose to monetize matched content instead.

More than 60% of people or organizations using YouTube’s copyright-management tools used the public removal webform.

That is important for smaller creators because you do not need enterprise-level copyright software to report content you believe infringes your rights.

Methods You Can Use to Find Unauthorized Uploads of YouTube Videos

The following are some methods that you can use as a creator to find unauthorized reposts of your YouTube videos online.

Method #1: Use Copyright Match Tool

YouTube also offers a dedicated tool called Copyright Match that creators can use to find similar reuploads of their own videos. However, this tool isn’t available in all channels but only the ones that are verified.

It works by analyzing the video frames and uses a specific content ID (given to every video and profile) to see any similar uploads. It will provide you with the YouTube channels along with the exact videos that are being duplicated.

You can file a DMCA takedown right away and get that video deleted.

Limitations

• Only scans the matches across the YouTube database.
• You must have a proven track record of copyright takedown or be part of YPP (YouTube Partner Program).
• Optimized for full-length or long YouTube videos.

Method #2: Use Reverse Video Search Tool

If you currently don’t have access to the YouTube Copyright Match tool, then a free reverse video search tool is a perfect choice for you. One popular tool is ReVideo, which extracts keyframes from the video and finds any duplicate reposts on YouTube, social media, and search engines.

The benefit of Revideo is that it’s not limited to YouTube only. You can use it to verify YouTube videos across different platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, and TikTok.

Limitations

• Revideo only lets you check 1 video per day in the free version.
• Unable to search across specific platforms, including Quora and LinkedIn.

Method #3: Try Searching with Targeted Queries

This is a traditional method where you can search for a video by typing a target query. This method only works if the other uploader has used the same hashtags or video title, leading to finding exact results of the video.

If you have posted a video about “how to become the smartest person in the room” or “how to control a conversation without saying much,” then use the exact phrase or query to do a reverse video lookup. This way, you might discover an unauthorized re-upload of your video and take immediate action against it.

Limitations

• As aforementioned, this only works if the re-uploader used the same title or hashtag.
• The results may not be accurate due to the YouTube algorithm.
• Requires trying multiple search queries and variations to improve your chances of finding matching results.

Method #4: Use Thumbnail to Find Similar Re-uploads

This method isn’t as efficient as the other methods, but in certain cases, it can also find duplicate YouTube videos. In this method, you first save the thumbnail of the YouTube video and use Google Lens (Google Images) to find similar reposts.
It will perform a reverse image search on the provided thumbnail and discover similar matches across the internet, along with the video source link.

Limitations

• This method only works if the other person has also used the exact thumbnail.
• Search results may differ between desktop, mobile devices, and regions.

Which Method Works the Best

When it comes to choosing the most convenient and reliable method to find unauthorized uploads of your YouTube videos, it would be using Revideo. Because it’s a dedicated reverse video search tool built specifically to discover similar copies of your videos posted online. Additional benefits of using Revideo are:

• You don’t need to be part of YPP or verify your YouTube channel.
• You don’t have to manually search for duplicate videos using keywords when you have the original clip.
• You don’t have to use the video thumbnail to find similar clips of your videos.
• You don’t have to use different online tools to search your video across different platforms.

What to Do If You Find Someone Reuploaded Your Video

If Revideo shows any duplicate reposts of your video content, then you need to take immediate action against it. It’s a three-step procedure to get the video removed or take credit.

• Save the Proofs: The first and critical step you need to take is to save the complete information in a file as proof. When you file a copyright claim, this proof will help you. In the file, provide the link to your video along with the date when it was published. And then specify the YouTube channel that is using your video, as well as the video link that belongs to you.
• Ask them for video credits or removal: Then you need to contact the person through email and request them to give you the credit or remove the video from their channel or social media profile.
• File a DMCA Takedown: If they don’t respond to your request or totally ignore it, then you must move toward the next step and file a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown. In a DMCA, you must include all the details and documents in the request, and within 7 days, YouTube will take down the video and send you an email.

With these steps, you can easily remove similar video copies from YouTube or any other social platforms.

Best Ways to Find Reuploads of Your YouTube Videos

No single method catches every type of copy.

The best approach is to combine automatic detection with manual searches.

Method 1: Start With YouTube’s Copyright Match Tool

For YouTube-to-YouTube copying, this should usually be your first check.

The Copyright Match Tool automatically identifies videos that are matches or potential matches of your videos.

YouTube says the tool is primarily designed to identify full or nearly full reuploads.

That distinction matters.

If someone uploads 20 seconds from a ten-minute video, the Copyright Match Tool may not surface it.

Source: YouTube Copyright Match Tool documentation

To review matches:

Go to YouTube Studio.

Select Content detection or Copyright, depending on the interface available to your channel.

Open Matches.

You can then review videos YouTube believes match your content.

For each result, YouTube may allow you to:

• archive the match;
• contact the channel;
• request removal.

A match does not automatically mean copyright infringement.

YouTube explicitly tells copyright owners to review the video and consider whether permission, fair use, fair dealing, or another copyright exception could apply.

Who Can Access the Copyright Match Tool?

The existing version of this article should be updated here.

The Copyright Match Tool is not simply limited to “verified channels.”

YouTube says channels in the YouTube Partner Program can access the feature through YouTube Studio.

Other copyright owners may also gain access after submitting a valid copyright removal request or applying for YouTube’s copyright management tools.

YouTube also offers several different copyright tools depending on the rightsholder’s needs:

Copyright Match Tool vs Content ID

These two tools are often confused.

The Copyright Match Tool helps creators discover copies and decide what action to take.

Content ID is a larger rights-management system.

YouTube compares uploaded videos against reference files supplied by qualifying Content ID rightsholders.

When a match occurs, the copyright owner can configure policies that may:

• block the content;
• monetize it;
• track its performance.

Content ID is intended for copyright owners with more complex rights-management requirements.

YouTube says the Copyright Match Tool uses the same underlying matching technology but is easier to manage and requires fewer resources.

Method 2: Search Distinctive Video Frames With Google Lens

Do not search only your thumbnail.

Someone copying your video may create a completely different thumbnail.

Instead, capture several screenshots from distinctive moments inside the video.

Good frames might contain:

• an unusual location;
• a product setup;
• your face;
• a graphic;
• a demonstration;
• a recognizable composition;
• text created specifically for the video.

Upload those screenshots individually to Google Lens.

Google says Lens can return similar images as well as websites containing the same or similar image.

Do not use only one screenshot.

Try several frames from different parts of the video.

A reuploader may have removed the intro, cropped one scene, or started their version halfway through your original.

Searching multiple frames gives you more chances of finding a match.

Method 3: Search Frames With TinEye

TinEye is another useful reverse image search engine.

Unlike a normal keyword search, TinEye uses image recognition to create a digital fingerprint of the image and compare it with images in its index.

TinEye says it can detect images that have been:

• cropped;
• edited;
• resized.

That makes it useful when someone has taken a frame from your video or reused your thumbnail after modifying it.

TinEye’s current index contains more than 86 billion images, making it another useful search layer when checking where video frames or thumbnails have appeared online.

For important videos, I would run distinctive frames through both Google Lens and TinEye rather than relying on only one index.

Method 4: Search YouTube Using Distinctive Phrases

Manual search still works surprisingly well.

Start with the exact title of your video.

Then search smaller phrases from the title.

Also search memorable sentences spoken in the video.

For example, suppose your video contains a distinctive sentence such as:

“Three content marketing mistakes that quietly destroy your conversion rate.”

Search that sentence in quotation marks.

A reuploader may have copied:

• your title;
• subtitle;
• transcript;
• description;
• chapter names;
• hashtags.

Try several variations.

You can also combine a phrase with words such as:

“Shorts”

“reaction”

“compilation”

“tips”

“tutorial”

or the topic of your video.

This method becomes especially useful when someone has visually edited the video but reused your text.

Method 5: Search Google for Your YouTube Content

Google can uncover copies outside YouTube.

Search your exact video title in quotation marks.

Then search distinctive phrases from the transcript or description.

For example:

“exact sentence from your video”

You can also combine the phrase with platform names:

“exact sentence” TikTok

“exact sentence” Facebook

“exact sentence” Instagram

“exact sentence” YouTube

Another useful search is:

site.com “exact phrase”

This tells Google to return results from YouTube containing that phrase.

The technique will not uncover every copy, but it is quick and free.

Method 6: Search Your Most Successful Videos First

If you have hundreds of videos, searching every upload manually becomes unrealistic.

Prioritize videos that are most attractive to reuploaders.

Look at:

• videos with unusually high views;
• viral Shorts;
• evergreen tutorials;
• clips performing well on social media;
• videos with distinctive visuals;
• videos ranking strongly in Google;
• videos receiving sudden increases in traffic.

A video that receives 137 views about a very obscure software configuration is probably less attractive to a content thief than the clip that just passed 500,000 views.

Start where the incentive to copy is highest.

Create a Simple Copyright Monitoring Routine

Creators who publish frequently can turn copyright detection into a repeatable workflow.

You do not need to spend all Friday afternoon hunting video thieves.

Focus on your most commercially valuable and widely viewed content.

What Evidence Should You Save When You Find a Reupload?

Before contacting anyone or submitting a removal request, document what you found.

Save:

• the URL of your original video;
• the URL of the suspected copy;
• your original upload date;
• the other video’s upload date;
• screenshots of the copied content;
• timestamps showing matching scenes;
• the channel name;
• the copied video’s title;
• relevant descriptions or credits;
• evidence showing that you created or own the original material.

Do not assume the other video will still be available tomorrow.

Pages can disappear.

Titles can change.

Videos can become private.

Good documentation makes it easier to explain exactly what you believe was copied.

A Reupload Is Not Automatically Copyright Infringement

This is an important addition to the existing article.

Finding your footage in another video does not automatically mean you should submit a copyright removal request.

Possible legitimate uses can include:

• permission you previously granted;
• licensed use;
• public-domain material;
• fair use;
• fair dealing;
• quotation;
• criticism;
• review;
• parody;
• other copyright exceptions that vary by country.

YouTube specifically warns copyright owners to consider copyright exceptions before submitting a removal request.

For fair use in the United States, courts generally consider four factors:

purpose and character of the use;

nature of the copyrighted work;

amount and substantiality used;

effect on the potential market.

Giving you credit does not automatically make a use lawful.

Likewise, failing to give credit does not by itself determine whether something infringes copyright.

If the situation is legally complicated or commercially important, consider getting professional legal advice rather than treating an automated match as the final answer.

What to Do When You Find an Unauthorized YouTube Reupload

Your best next step depends on the situation.

Option 1: Contact the Uploader

Sometimes the fastest solution is simply contacting the channel.

You might ask them to:

remove the video;

license the footage;

add agreed attribution;

replace the copied section.

The Copyright Match Tool itself includes a Contact Channel option that can send a pre-written email to the uploader.

This approach can be useful when the situation appears accidental or when you would prefer a licensing arrangement instead of removal.

Option 2: Submit a Copyright Removal Request

If you believe copyrighted material you own has been uploaded without authorization and no applicable exception applies, YouTube allows you to submit a copyright removal request.

For videos, copyright owners can submit the request through YouTube Studio.

YouTube describes this as a legal process, so the form should not be treated like a normal spam-report button.

YouTube warns against submitting fraudulent information or misusing the removal system.

Immediate Removal vs Scheduled Removal

This is another area where I would correct the existing article.

A copyright complaint does not simply mean:

“Submit DMCA → wait seven days → video disappears.”

YouTube provides a scheduled removal request option that gives the uploader seven days to resolve the issue before the removal takes effect and potentially avoid a copyright strike.

That seven-day period is an option.

It is not a universal waiting period for every copyright removal request.

Use Prevent Copies for Repeat Reuploads

YouTube also provides a useful option when submitting certain copyright removal requests:

Prevent future copies of this content from appearing on YouTube.

If the removal request is valid and you meet the rights requirements, YouTube says its systems will try to:

automatically prevent future copies;

find potential matches.

Importantly, this system can try to block copies regardless of their privacy setting.

Potential matches that require manual review are surfaced when publicly available.

There is an important limitation.

YouTube says short clips may not be automatically prevented because its systems may not identify them as copies.

That is another reason manual monitoring can still matter.

Copyright Match Tool vs Prevent Copies

The two features are related but solve slightly different problems.

What if Someone Copies Only Part of Your Video?

This is where automatic tools become less reliable.

YouTube explicitly says that the Copyright Match Tool is designed primarily for full or nearly full matches.

A short excerpt may not appear automatically.

For partial copies, try combining:

YouTube keyword searches;

Google searches;

Google Lens searches using frames from the copied section;

TinEye searches;

specialized video search tools;

manual monitoring of channels that repeatedly reuse your content.

This is also where context matters most.

A ten-second clip used in criticism or commentary raises different copyright questions from someone downloading your entire Short and reposting it unchanged.

What if Someone Crops, Mirrors or Adds Text to Your Video?

Editing a copied video does not automatically make it original.

At the same time, whether a particular use infringes copyright depends on the circumstances and applicable law.

From a detection perspective, try searching frames that contain important visual elements away from the edges.

Cropping often removes borders and corners first.

If your video contains a distinctive person, object, background, product, or graphic near the center, use that frame with Google Lens or TinEye.

TinEye specifically says its image-recognition technology can find image matches that have been cropped, edited, or resized.

Can AI Help Find Stolen Video Content?

AI and computer vision are making video matching more sophisticated.

Traditional search relies heavily on text such as titles, descriptions, and hashtags.

Visual matching can instead look for similarities in frames, scenes, objects, and patterns.

That is useful because a copied video can have a completely different title.

However, AI matching should be treated as a discovery tool, not a copyright judge.

YouTube makes the same distinction with its own Copyright Match Tool.

A system can identify a possible match.

The copyright owner still needs to evaluate whether the use is actually unauthorized and whether a legal exception may apply.

That distinction becomes increasingly important as video search technology improves.

Wrapping Up

Simply put, unauthorized reuploads of your videos give you a disadvantage and allow others to benefit from your hard work. But the good news is that there are several ways to identify copied videos, whether you use YouTube’s Copyright Match Tool, Revideo, targeted search queries, or reverse image search with thumbnails. Each method has its own strengths and limitations, so choose the one that best fits your situation. Once you find a duplicate, act quickly by collecting evidence, contacting the uploader, or submitting a DMCA takedown request to protect your original content.

Commonly Asked Questions

How to find edited or cropped reposts of my original videos?

It is very difficult to find edited or cropped videos as it alters the frames of the original clip. But with a dedicated reverse video search tool like Revideo, it analyzes and matches scenes and people in each frame. This makes it easier to detect videos that are edited just to manipulate the algorithm and showcase it as a new and unique clip.

Why do people reupload other creators’ videos?

One of the most common reasons why people use other creators’ videos is to get views without putting any effort. They think the original video has gone viral and if they use the same clip, they can also get views and followers.

Can someone legally reupload my YouTube video?

Yes, but only if you have given them the rights to use your YouTube videos. If they have purchased the video rights from you, they can use it on their channel without needing to give credit.

How often should I check for unauthorized uploads of my videos?

If you regularly publish content, it’s a good idea to check every few weeks or after a video starts gaining significant views to catch reuploads early.

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