How to Avoid Strikes and Copyright Issues During Live Streams: Essential Tips
Streaming is an incredible way to share skills, interact with a community, and even generate income. However, many content creators face a common challenge: avoiding strikes and copyright issues.
A single oversight can result in penalties, content removal, or even account bans.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to protect yourself by following best practices and using the right tools to ensure your live streams always comply with platform rules. We’ll cover everything from understanding terms of service to creating original, safe content. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Terms of Service of Streaming Platforms
Before hitting the “Go Live” button, it’s crucial to understand that every streaming platform has its own rules regarding copyright. What may be allowed on YouTube could be prohibited on Twitch, and vice versa. Knowing these differences helps you avoid strikes and copyright problems, as some common mistakes can put your channel at risk:
- Streaming movies, series, or sports events: Even if you purchased the content, publicly streaming it without permission is a copyright violation.
- Playing popular music in the background: That hit song may seem harmless, but without a license, it can take down your stream in minutes.
- Using other creators’ content without significant transformation: Compiling someone else’s videos without creative edits or commentary can be considered content theft.
The solution? Always check your platform’s official guidelines before streaming. A quick search in Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok support can save you a lot of headaches.
Platforms are usually flexible regarding gameplay with original commentary, as long as you add value to the content. For example, streaming a game while interacting with your audience is generally allowed, but exceptions exist. Some games have specific restrictions, especially those with licensed soundtracks or cinematic cutscenes.
Identifying Copyrighted Content: What You Can and Cannot Use
To avoid strikes and copyright issues, you need to learn how to identify what’s legally protected.
Most commercial music—even the tracks you love on Spotify—is protected by copyright. This includes instrumental versions, remixes, and even unauthorized covers. Playing a popular song in the background of your live stream puts you at high risk of strikes or stream interruptions.
Additionally, some games have licensed soundtracks that can also cause problems. Have you heard of streamers whose parts of their YouTube streams were muted? This happens because automated detection systems recognized copyrighted music!
Streaming parts of movies, series, or other creators’ videos can also be risky. Some streamers think “reacting” to a short clip is safe, but if the original content is protected, you may still be penalized.
Fortunately, tools exist to identify protected material:
- YouTube Content ID: Checks for copyrighted music or video in your uploads.
- Twitch Audio Recognition: Scans your streams for protected audio.
- Databases like ASCAP and BMI: Allow you to verify if a specific song is licensed.
The safest strategy to avoid strikes and copyright problems is to use royalty-free content or create your own material. Platforms like Kartun provide games and safe resources for streaming, ensuring no unpleasant surprises.
Tools and Resources to Monitor and Manage Content Usage
There are also tools that help prevent strikes and copyright issues, keeping your streams safe, such as:
- OBS Studio (with audio detection plugins)
- Streamlabs (provides real-time alerts for blocked music)
- Epidemic Sound or Artlist (royalty-free music libraries)
Proactive monitoring is also important! Set up alerts in your streaming software to automatically detect copyrighted content, and review VODs after the live stream to ensure nothing was flagged incorrectly.
Using these tools is an effective way to avoid strikes and copyright problems, keeping your channel secure and compliant.
Best Practices for Creating Original, Strike-Free Content
As you’ve likely realized, the best strategy to avoid strikes and copyright issues is to focus on creating original content:
- Use royalty-free music—platforms like Kartun provide safe soundtracks for streamers.
- Create your own soundtrack—if you have musical skills, produce your own tracks.
- Interact with your audience—gameplay-focused streams with natural conversation reduce reliance on external content.
- Know the terms of your games—some restrict monetization on streaming platforms.
Conclusion: Protect Your Channel and Stream Safely
Avoiding strikes and copyright issues is essential for any streamer who wants to grow and maintain an active account.
Understanding platform rules, identifying protected content, using monitoring tools, and focusing on original material are crucial steps for safe streaming.
If you want more autonomy in managing your streaming content, check out our complete guide on the best donation platforms for streamers and learn how to monetize your streams without risks.
