Copyright Strategies for Recap Creators

Copyright claims are a constant challenge for recap creators. This guide covers strategies beyond the basics.

Understanding Detection Systems

Content ID and similar systems use:

1. Audio fingerprinting — Matching audio waveforms
2. Visual fingerprinting — Matching video frames
3. Metadata matching — Title, description keywords

Each has different sensitivities and bypass strategies.

Audio Strategies

Audio fingerprinting is often more sensitive than visual. Prioritize audio changes.

Remove Original Audio Entirely

The most effective strategy. Replace with:

• AI voiceover (Video Recap AI)
• Your own narration
• Royalty-free music

If Using Original Audio

• Keep clips under 5 seconds
• Add voice overlay throughout
• Pitch shift slightly (not too much or it sounds bad)
• Add background music to mask

Visual Strategies

Visual fingerprinting looks for frame sequences. Break them up.

Clip Length

Shorter is better. Under 10 seconds is a good target.

Spacing

Don't play clips back-to-back from the same scene. Interleave with:

• Narration cards
• Graphics/text
• Different scenes
• B-roll

Visual Transforms

Apply subtle changes:

Zoom/crop — 10-20% zoom changes the frame Mirror — Horizontal flip (use sparingly, it's obvious) Color grade — Shift hue, increase/decrease saturation Speed — 1.05x or 0.95x (subtle, not noticeable) Overlay — Borders, vignettes, watermarks

Layering matters. One transform alone is weak. Combine 2-3 for better protection.

Picture-in-Picture

Show clips in a smaller frame with:

• Your face cam
• Graphics around the clip
• Commentary text

This clearly signals "reaction/commentary" rather than "replay."

Content Strategies

Beyond technical edits, your content approach matters.

Add Original Commentary

The more you add, the more "transformative" your video becomes:

• Analysis and opinions
• Comparisons to other shows
• Predictions and theories
• Behind-the-scenes context

Use Your Own Assets

Mix source footage with:

• Custom graphics
• Your own animations
• Stock footage
• Fan art (with permission)

Structure as Commentary

Frame your video as commentary, not summary:

• "Here's why this scene matters..."
• "Notice how the director chose to..."
• "This parallels the manga's approach..."

Platform-Specific Tips

YouTube

• Content ID is aggressive
• Disputes can take weeks
• Consider revenue sharing if you can't avoid claims

TikTok

• Less aggressive detection
• But still happens
• Shorter clips naturally help

Instagram Reels

• Similar to TikTok
• Audio matching is common
• Use trending sounds as cover

When Claims Happen

1. Don't panic — Claims aren't strikes
2. Review the match — What triggered it?
3. Decide: dispute or accept
   • Dispute if you believe it's fair use
   • Accept if you just want monetization (revenue share)
4. Learn for next time — Adjust your approach

Video Recap AI's Protection

When enabled, Copyright Protection applies:

• Clip length limits
• Automatic spacing
• Visual transforms
• Audio replacement with voiceover

This gives you a protected starting point. You can add more layers in your editor.

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Summary Checklist

Before uploading, verify:

• Original audio removed or heavily modified
• No clips over 10 seconds
• Clips spaced with narration/graphics
• Visual transforms applied
• Original commentary throughout
• Mix of source + original assets

No guarantee, but this significantly reduces risk.