DMCA: How to Retract a Copyright Removal Request

If you submitted a copyright removal request by mistake or wish to cancel it for any reason, you can retract it at any time. Retracting a request will:

  • Remove the copyright strike from the uploader’s channel (if no other related strikes exist)
  • Restore the removed content on YouTube (if it has not been deleted by the uploader)

There are two ways to retract a removal request:
via YouTube Studio or by email

After submitting a retraction, you will receive a confirmation email. The uploader will also be notified about the update, including strike status and content reinstatement.

Retract in YouTube Studio

If your removal request has already been processed:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio (desktop or mobile browser)
  2. Go to Copyright in the left menu
  3. Open the Removal Requests tab
  4. Find the relevant video
  5. Click Expand to view details
  6. Select:
    • Retract Removal (if content was already removed), or
    • Retract Request (if still pending)
  7. Confirm by clicking Retract

For YouTube Partners

If you use Enterprise Copyright Match Tool or YouTube Studio Content Manager, you can also retract requests directly through those tools using the same account that submitted the original claim.

Retract by Email

You can also submit a retraction via email if the following conditions are met:

Requirements:

  • Email must come from the original claimant or authorized representative (e.g., legal counsel)
  • It must be sent from the same email or company domain used for the original request
  • It must include:

1. Video Links

Provide full URLs, such as:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxxxxx

2. Clear Statement of Retraction

Example:
“I hereby retract my claim of copyright infringement.”

Note: Only full removal request retractions are accepted.

3. Electronic Signature

Include your full legal name (not a company name)

Send the email to:
co*******@*****be.com

Requesting a Retraction from the Claimant

If you believe your content was removed incorrectly, you may contact the claimant directly:

  1. Open YouTube Studio
  2. Go to Active Copyright Strikes
  3. Select the relevant video
  4. Click Contact Claimant to view their contact details

Some creators also provide contact information on their channel page.


YouTube does not act as a mediator in copyright disputes or ownership disagreements.