YouTube channels flooded with copyright claims

YouTube is at it again, the new comment system is still a mess and now gaming channels are being flooded with unfounded copyright claims. This is all down to a new content ID system that is being implemented, starting this week, every uploaded video will go through a series of checks for copyrighted content and if any is found then YouTube will automatically disable monetisation on the video.

The thing is, a lot of these claims aren't being instigated by the copyright holders, in fact several publishers including Capcom, Deep Silver and Ubisoft have all confirmed that it has had nothing to do with the mass of copyright claims being filed. The biggest culprit here seems to be music in games, composers and soundtrack music is being claimed as it is in the background of let's plays and reviews. It's not just the small channels being affected by this either, big names like Machinima are also being hit by automatic copyright claims and if this continues it could have a major effect on gaming videos and the quality of them.

Video makers spend hours upon hours creating content and interacting with their audiences, it's a job to them just as much as writing this article is a job for me. They may not have produced the game or the music themselves but they did produce the video that's going out to thousands of viewers and showing off the game, which then helps boost sales. Copyright holders can't have their cake and eat it too; if YouTube channels can't make money then creators aren't going to bother trying to make high quality videos anymore. You wouldn't expect a TV channel to show your advert for free, so why would YouTube channels show off and convince viewers to buy games for free?

KitGuru Says: People don't pay full price for a game based on a trailer anymore, the world has moved on and buyers want to see the game in action and hear the trusted opinions of content creators first. Hopefully some big publishers will see the problem here and stand up for the affected channels. Gameplay commentators and reviewers aren't the bad guys here, they actually make more people want to play the games they are showcasing.

I'm pretty sure these videos are covered by fair use law as well.

Sources: Polygon, Kotaku

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