Report a TikTok that copied your work
TikTok encourages contacting the user first, often the fastest fix for a repost. If that fails:
- Online form: Report copyright infringement. Better for brands and for several videos.
- In the app: Share, then Report, then Counterfeits and intellectual property, then Intellectual property violation.
In the EU, separate Article 17 forms ask for music or audiovisual works to be made unavailable there. Other platforms: copyright report forms.
If your TikTok is reported: strikes and bans
If TikTok finds a violation, it removes the video, notifies both sides and adds a strike under its repeat infringer policy.
| Rule | What TikTok says |
|---|---|
| One removal, one strike | Several removals within a short period may count as a single strike. |
| Counted by IP type | Copyright and trademark strikes are counted separately, each with its own limit. |
| Ban threshold | Two copyright and two trademark strikes is not a ban. Three copyright and one trademark is. |
| Expiry | Strikes expire from your record after 90 days. |
| Removal | A strike may be removed if the report is retracted or your appeal approved. |
| Severe cases | An immediate ban, whatever the strike count. |
| LIVE | Infringing on LIVE can lead to a temporary LIVE restriction. |
TikTok's account bans page lists "multiple violations of our Intellectual Property Policy" as grounds for a permanent ban, and says deleting violating content doesn't remove the violation. Other platforms: what a copyright strike is.
Retraction or appeal
Send toThe copyright owner who reported you
- Result
- The report is withdrawn, which may also remove the strike.
- Won’t
- Happen unless the owner agrees.
- Good to know
- Try this first.
Send toTikTok, from the removal notification
- Result
- TikTok may reinstate the video if it doesn’t infringe, or if it isn’t told the claimant has gone to court, at its discretion.
- Won’t
- Stay private outside the EU: TikTok may forward your whole appeal, contact details included, to the reporter, who can use it to sue you.
- Good to know
- Include contact details and evidence such as a licence, invoice or written permission. Incomplete appeals may be denied.
Outside the EU, the appeal works as a counter-notification. In the EU you appeal the same way, and TikTok's policy points to the exceptions for quotation, criticism, review, caricature, parody and pastiche. The use must be fair: no longer than needed, properly credited, and not unreasonably harming the rights holder.
Reasons TikTok generally rejects
Unless backed by valid evidence:
- Only a small portion was copied.
- Others post similar content.
- You don't claim to own the copyright.
- You didn't know you needed permission.
- Freedom of speech protects it.
Back an appeal with a licence, proof of permission, or a genuine fair use or EU-exception argument. If the report itself looks abusive, see false DMCA takedowns.
Music rights and the Commercial Music Library
Per TikTok's Commercial Music Library help, businesses can't use the general library for commercial purposes and should use the Commercial Music Library (CML).
| Library | Who it's for and the limits |
|---|---|
| General music library | Personal, non-commercial use. Under the CML terms, a business using these sounds without a licence is responsible for any resulting claims. |
| Commercial Music Library | Pre-cleared for commercial use on TikTok and free for businesses: around 1 million songs, per TikTok. Covers organic posts (including duets, reacts and stitches), video ads and branded content. |
The CML terms add limits brands miss:
- TikTok only. Reposting the video to Instagram, YouTube, TV or a website needs a separate licence from the rights holder.
- No standalone use of the sound outside the video you made.
- Premium tracks may carry an extra fee, shown when you buy ad inventory.
- Other users' sounds: TikTok advises checking with your legal team that you hold a proper licence.
FAQs
How many copyright strikes before TikTok bans you?
TikTok publishes no single number, but its example is that three copyright strikes means a ban, while two copyright and two trademark strikes doesn't, because each IP type is counted separately. Severe violations can mean an immediate ban.
Do TikTok copyright strikes expire?
Yes, after 90 days. A strike may be removed sooner if the report is retracted or your appeal is approved.
Where is the TikTok copyright report form?
Use TikTok's Report copyright infringement page, or in the app tap Share, Report, then Counterfeits and intellectual property. Only the owner or an authorised representative can file.
Does deleting a TikTok video remove the copyright strike?
No. TikTok says deleting violating content doesn't remove the violation. A retraction from the copyright owner or a successful appeal can.
Can a business account use any song on TikTok?
No. Businesses should use the Commercial Music Library, which is pre-cleared for commercial use on TikTok only. The general library is for personal, non-commercial use.
Check your website now
Use the free DMCA checker: no sign-up, results in seconds.