How to Check Copyright Video Before Uploading on TikTok: Complete 2026 Guide

Avoiding copyright strikes on TikTok matters more than ever. A single violation can remove your video, restrict your account, or get you banned permanently. This guide covers exactly how to check copyright before uploading videos to TikTok, so you can protect your content and keep your account safe.

Why Copyright Matters on TikTok

TikTok’s copyright enforcement is stricter than most social platforms. The app uses AI-powered detection systems that scan every upload against a massive database of copyrighted material in real time.

In 2026, TikTok’s algorithm can identify copyrighted music in under a second. Even a 3-second clip of a popular song will trigger a claim. The system also detects visual content from movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms.

Here’s what happens when you upload copyrighted content:

• Video removal — your content gets taken down within minutes
• Audio muting — copyrighted music gets replaced with silence
• Account strikes — multiple violations lead to restrictions
• Monetization loss — Creator Fund eligibility gets affected
• Shadow banning — reduced reach even without a formal strike

According to TikTok’s Copyright Policy, the platform processes over 1 billion copyright takedown requests annually.

Check Music Copyright First

Music copyright is the most common issue on TikTok. Here are the best ways to verify if music is safe to use.

Use TikTok’s Built-in Tools

TikTok has a built-in Video Sound Copyright Check feature. When you’re about to post a video, enable it to scan your audio for copyrighted material before publishing. The app checks your music and flags any issues instantly.

You can also browse TikTok’s Commercial Music Library through Creator Tools. Every track in this library is pre-cleared for commercial use, so you won’t get flagged.

Steps to use it:

1. Open TikTok and go to Creator Tools
2. Select Commercial Music Library
3. Search for tracks by genre or mood
4. Only use tracks marked “Commercial Use Allowed”

Use Third-Party Music Checkers

If you added music outside of TikTok’s library, check it with these tools:

• Shazam — play or upload your audio to identify the song and its copyright holder
• CapCut — has a built-in auto copyright checker that scans audio before you export
• Audiodrome — free tool that checks your TikTok post for music copyright risks in real time

Check Video Content Copyright

Video clips from movies, TV shows, and streaming services are heavily monitored. TikTok’s Content ID system creates digital fingerprints of copyrighted visual content and compares your upload against this database.

Manual Video Check

Before uploading, run through this process:

1. Identify the source — determine if the video comes from movies, TV shows, or other copyrighted content
2. Check duration — even clips under 10 seconds can trigger copyright claims
3. Look for watermarks — network logos, studio marks, or production company identifiers
4. Test on YouTube — upload as a private video to YouTube first; Content ID will flag any matches

Any content from major studios, networks, or streaming platforms is copyrighted regardless of clip length.

Use ScreenApp for Original Content

The safest approach is to create original video content. ScreenApp’s AI Screen Recorder lets you record your screen, webcam, or both with automatic transcription. Since you made it, you own the copyright — no claims, no strikes.

Check Image Copyright

Images, memes, and graphics in your TikTok videos also need copyright verification.

Reverse Image Search

1. Upload your image to images.google.com and click the camera icon
2. Check TinEye for additional results
3. If the image appears on stock photo sites or news outlets, it’s likely copyrighted

Safe Image Sources

Use images from these verified sources:

• Free stock sites — Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay (check attribution requirements)
• Creative Commons — Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
• Your own content — original photos and graphics you created
• Public domain — images with expired copyrights

Avoid using Getty Images, Shutterstock, or any premium stock photos without proper licensing.

Copyright Check Tools Compared

Quick recommendation: Use TikTok’s built-in copyright check for every upload. For extra safety, test on YouTube Content ID first. For original content that’s always copyright-safe, use ScreenApp to record your own screen and webcam footage.

Pre-Upload Copyright Checklist

Run through this before every TikTok upload:

1. Music — is it from TikTok’s Commercial Library or a royalty-free source?
2. Video clips — are they original or properly licensed?
3. Images — are they from free stock sites or your own content?
4. Attribution — have you credited where required?
5. Sound check — have you run TikTok’s built-in copyright scan?
6. YouTube test — for high-stakes content, did you test upload privately?

Common Copyright Mistakes

These are the most frequent ways TikTok creators get copyright strikes:

Using popular songs — even 10-second clips of chart-topping songs trigger claims. TikTok’s 2026 detection system identifies copyrighted music in under a second. Stick to the Commercial Music Library.

Movie and TV clips — any visual content from studios or streaming platforms is copyrighted, regardless of how short the clip is. Commentary and reaction content can still get flagged since TikTok’s automated system doesn’t recognize fair use.

Stock photos without a license — using premium stock photos without proper licensing will result in takedown notices. Use Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay instead.

Assuming credit is enough — giving credit to the copyright holder doesn’t make the use legal. You still need licensing or permission.

Relying on “fair use” — fair use is a legal defense, not a guarantee. TikTok’s automated detection doesn’t consider fair use — it simply flags copyrighted content. For educational or commentary content, consult a legal professional.

Create Copyright-Safe Content

The best long-term strategy is to make original content:

• Record your screen — use ScreenApp to capture tutorials, demos, and reviews with automatic transcription
• Make your own music — free tools like GarageBand and Audacity let you create original beats
• Design your own graphics — Canva and Figma both have free elements you can use commercially
• Film original video — use your phone or webcam to create content you fully own

FAQ

Can I use copyrighted music if I keep it under 10 seconds?

No. There is no safe duration for copyrighted music on TikTok. The Content ID system can detect clips as short as 3 seconds. Detection happens during upload, not after posting.

Does giving credit protect me from copyright claims?

No. Attribution does not override copyright. You still need proper licensing or explicit permission from the copyright holder. Some Creative Commons content requires attribution, but that’s a separate license — not a workaround for copyrighted material.

What happens when I get a copyright strike?

First strike: your video gets removed and you receive a warning. Multiple strikes: account restrictions, loss of monetization features, and potential permanent ban. You can appeal if you believe the claim is incorrect.

Is it safe to reuse content from other TikTok creators?

Only with their explicit permission. Even if another creator used copyrighted content without apparent issues, that doesn’t make it legal for you to reuse. Always get permission or create original content.

How do I check if my video will get flagged before uploading?

Use TikTok’s built-in Video Sound Copyright Check feature before publishing. For extra confidence, upload a private video to YouTube to test against Content ID. Use Shazam to identify any audio tracks. When in doubt, use only original or properly licensed content.

Does fair use apply on TikTok?

Fair use is a legal doctrine, not a TikTok feature. The platform’s automated systems don’t recognize fair use — they detect copyrighted content and flag it automatically. Commentary, parody, and educational content may qualify for fair use in court, but TikTok’s system will still flag the content first. Consult a legal professional if you plan to rely on fair use.

How do I use TikTok’s Commercial Music Library?

Open TikTok, go to Creator Tools, and select Commercial Music Library. You can search by genre, mood, or keyword. Every track in this library is pre-cleared for commercial use and won’t trigger copyright claims. It’s the safest option for adding music to your TikTok videos.

What is the best free tool for checking TikTok copyright?

TikTok’s own built-in copyright check is the best free option since it scans against the exact same database used for enforcement. Audiodrome also offers a free TikTok copyright checker. For images, Google reverse image search and TinEye are both free. For the most thorough check, combine TikTok’s tool with a YouTube private upload test.