How to Check if a Song Is Copyrighted Before Uploading to YouTube

Uploading music without verifying its copyright status can lead to strikes, demonetization, or even video removal. Here’s how to check safely:

• Use YouTube’s built-in Music Policies database (if available in your region).
• Search the song in the YouTube Content ID system or upload privately to test for matches.
• Use the YouTube Copyright Checker by HIRXWRLD to analyze metadata for known claims.
• When in doubt, choose royalty-free or Creative Commons-licensed tracks.

Always credit creators properly and read license terms carefully. Copyright protection applies automatically to most music — even if it’s old or not commercially released.