Learn about likeness claims

A likeness claim may appear on your video if it contains altered or AI-generated content that matches a specific person’s face or voice. These claims allow individuals (or their authorized representatives) to manage their likeness in altered or AI-generated content on YouTube. Likeness claims can block a video from being viewed completely.

Keep in mind:

  • Likeness claims are different from copyright claims. If your channel receives a copyright claim, go to the copyright claims article to learn more.
  • Likeness claims affect videos, but don’t impact your channel or account.

Check if your video has a likeness claim

If your video receives a likeness claim, YouTube will email you. You can also use the Content tab in YouTube Studio to check if your video has a likeness claim.

Keep in mind:

  • If your video contains the likenesses of multiple individuals, you can get multiple claims on the same video.

Manage likeness claims

Depending on the situation, you have a few options to respond to a likeness claim:

Leave it as is

If you believe the likeness claim is valid, you can choose to do nothing and leave the claim active on your video. You can also change your mind and take action later.

Dispute the claim

If you believe a claim is invalid, you can dispute the claim. The dispute must meet one of the valid reasons listed here, such as having explicit permission from the individual.
Note: If you dispute a claim without a valid reason, the likeness claimant may request the removal of your video. If we receive a valid privacy complaint for your video, your video may be removed from the platform. Repeated or malicious abuse of the dispute process can result in penalties against your video or channel.

Additional info on likeness claims

  • Altered content disclosures don't stop claims: Labeling your video as synthetic or disclosing that your video is AI-generated does not allow you to use someone’s likeness without permission.
  • Privacy settings do not stop claims: Setting your video to private or unlisted does not prevent your video from receiving a likeness claim. Claims apply to uploaded content on any privacy setting.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Am I in trouble if my video has a likeness claim?

Probably not. Likeness claimants are the ones who decide whether other people can reuse the likeness of the individuals they represent. They may choose to allow likenesses to be used in claimed videos.

For a given individual, if likeness claimants do not want altered or AI-generated versions of their likeness to be used, they can:

  • Block a video: Likeness claimants may block a video, which means it won't be viewable on YouTube anywhere.

What can I do if a likeness claim is wrong?

If you believe a claim is invalid, you can dispute the claim.

Keep in mind that if you dispute a claim without a valid reason, the likeness claimant may file a privacy complaint. If the privacy complaint is valid, the video may be removed from YouTube.

Does my channel get a strike if my video has a likeness claim?

No. Likeness claimants may choose to request a removal of your video through the privacy complaint process, but the removal will not result in a strike. Likeness claims are different from copyright removal requests.

More info

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