Uploading a video to YouTube can sometimes result in a message that says your content has licensing issues. These errors can stop your video from being viewed, shared, or even monetized. Whether you’re a content creator or just someone trying to understand why a video won’t play, this guide helps you get to the bottom of licensing errors and shows how to fix or avoid them.
What is a Licensing Error on YouTube?
Licensing errors are warnings YouTube sends when it detects that your video contains protected content. These errors often come from the automated system known as Content ID. The system scans videos and flags material that belongs to other people—like music, TV clips, or footage from movies.
Common error messages:
- “This video contains content from XYZ. It is restricted in some countries.”
- “The content owner has not made this video available on mobile.”
These alerts mean someone else owns the content in your video, and either you don’t have permission to use it, or it’s being blocked by the owner’s settings.
Understanding YouTube Video License Types
YouTube offers two license types when uploading:
1. Standard YouTube License
The Standard YouTube License is the default option applied to all videos when they are uploaded. Under this license, your video remains protected by YouTube’s terms, and no one else is allowed to reuse, copy, or modify your content without your clear permission. This setting helps you keep full control over how your video is shared or used by others.
2. Creative Commons (CC BY)
On the other hand, the Creative Commons (CC BY) license gives others the ability to reuse or modify your video, even for their own projects. However, they must give you proper credit. This license is often chosen by creators who want their content to be freely available for educational purposes, remixes, or collaborative work.
Choosing the right license affects how others can use your content. If you use Creative Commons, anyone can download and reuse your video, but they must credit you. If you choose the standard license, you keep more control over how it’s used.
Why YouTube Gives Licensing Errors?
Licensing errors can happen for many reasons. Here are a few:
- You used music that belongs to someone else
- You uploaded parts of a movie or TV show
- A clip in your video is owned by another creator
- Your video is restricted in certain countries due to licensing terms
- You used a template or effect that includes protected content
How to Fix Licensing Errors on Your Videos?
If YouTube shows a licensing error on your video, here’s what to do:
- Go to YouTube Studio: Check the “Copyright” tab to see what part of your video is flagged.
- Replace or remove the flagged content: Use YouTube’s editing tools to mute or trim the section with the issue.
- Use YouTube Audio Library: Swap your background music with free tracks from YouTube’s official music collection.
- Dispute the claim: If you believe your content follows fair use or you own the rights, you can file a dispute.
- Re-upload with proper credit or license: If you forgot to credit the source or used something without the right license, fix it and upload again.
Avoiding Licensing Problems in the Future
Here’s how to keep your videos safe from future issues:
- Use only content you made or bought a license for
- Add clear credit if the license requires it
- Don’t rely on “free” downloads unless the site confirms public use
- Stick to trusted sources like: YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, Pixabay (videos and music), Pexels, Artlist (with subscription)
Why You See Licensing Errors?
Sometimes you’re just trying to watch a video and get this message:
“This video is not available in your country.”
That means the video’s owner didn’t allow it to play in your region. The reason could be:
- Distribution rights don’t cover your location
- The song in the video isn’t licensed for use outside certain countries
- A third-party owner blocked it on mobile or smart TVs
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do as a viewer unless the uploader makes changes.
Conclusion
Dealing with licensing errors is common for creators, but most cases are easy to fix. Always check your video before making it public. Stick to safe music and footage, give credit when needed, and don’t guess about what’s allowed.
Understanding how licensing works makes your channel stronger and protects you from legal trouble.