## ⚖️ Step 1: Understand the Situation Clearly
From what you said:
* Someone else uploaded your **original video** in **2013**.
* The **video features you**, and the **music is yours**.
* You just uploaded the **same video** under your own account.
* YouTube flagged it as **privacy or copyright infringement** because the system believes the earlier uploader owns it.
✅ This means: You need to **prove authorship and ownership** — both of the **video content** (your appearance, footage) and **music** (if original).
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## 🧾 Step 2: Gather Proof of Ownership
Collect **every possible piece of evidence** that shows the content belongs to you.
You’ll need this for YouTube and possibly for legal follow-up.
### 📁 Evidence list:
1. **Original raw video file** (with original creation date metadata, if possible).
2. **Screenshots or files** showing your **music composition**, **studio session**, or **project file**.
3. **Any public record or post** (Facebook, Instagram, blog, etc.) from **before 2013** showing the same video or song posted by you.
4. **Any written agreement** or **communication** proving you are the rightful creator or performer.
5. If it’s your face or voice — that’s **strong identity evidence**.
Keep these organized. You’ll refer to them in your takedown claim or legal notice.
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## 📢 Step 3: File a **Copyright Infringement Notification** (DMCA Takedown)
YouTube has a **DMCA form** for cases exactly like this — when **someone uploaded your content without permission**.
### 🔗 Go here:
👉 [https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2807622?hl=en](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2807622?hl=en)
That link opens the **Copyright Infringement Webform**.
### 🧠 When filling it:
* Select **“Someone uploaded my original content without my permission.”**
* Fill in your **real name** (it will be visible to the other party).
* Include the **exact URL** of the stolen video.
* Provide the **URL of your original version** (the one you uploaded now, or your website).
* In the “Describe your work” box, write clearly:
> “I am the original creator and performer in this video. The face, voice, and music are all my own. This video was recorded by me and features my likeness and original music composition. It was uploaded without my consent to another channel in 2013.”
✅ Attach evidence if possible (metadata, screenshots, or link to proof).
Once you submit, YouTube will:
* Review your claim.
* Remove or restrict the infringing video if valid.
* Notify the uploader (they can counterclaim, but you’ll have the chance to respond).
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## 📩 Step 4: If YouTube Rejects or Delays
If YouTube does not respond in **5–10 business days**, or you get a **privacy complaint** instead of a **copyright review**, contact them directly via:
### 📧 Email:
* **[copyright@youtube.com](mailto:copyright@youtube.com)**
* **[support@youtube.com](mailto:support@youtube.com)** (general)
* **[legal@support.youtube.com](mailto:legal@support.youtube.com)**
Use a **clear subject line**, e.g.:
> “Urgent: Copyright claim – Original creator reclaiming video ownership”
Attach your proof and include your **full name**, **YouTube channel link**, and the **infringing video link**.
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## ⚖️ Step 5: Consider a Legal Declaration (Optional but Powerful)
If this video is important or has generated income, you can go a step further.
### 💼 What to do:
1. Write a **Copyright Ownership Declaration Letter**.
* Include your name, date of creation, brief description of the video/music, and your signature.
2. Get it **notarized** at a local court or law office (in Nigeria, this can be done with a Commissioner for Oaths).
3. Send a **scanned copy** to YouTube along with your copyright claim.
You can also register your video and song formally with:
* **Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)** → [https://www.copyright.gov.ng/](https://www.copyright.gov.ng/)
* If you want international coverage, use **U.S. Copyright Office** → [https://copyright.gov](https://copyright.gov)
This strengthens your case and makes future disputes easier.
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## 💰 Step 6: Reclaim Royalties (Optional but Important)
If the other person **monetized** your video (earned money), you can:
1. **Claim ownership** through YouTube’s **Content ID** (if you have one through your distributor).
2. Or contact **YouTube Partner Support** (if you’re monetized).
3. Provide your copyright claim and request a review of **past monetization** on your content.
If significant earnings are involved, consider consulting a **copyright lawyer** (in Nigeria or abroad). A short consultation can help recover royalties.
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## 📄 Step 7: Example of a Formal Email to YouTube
Here’s a sample email you can send:
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**Subject:** Copyright Ownership Claim – Original Creator Reclaiming Video
**To:** [copyright@youtube.com](mailto:copyright@youtube.com)
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Dear YouTube Copyright Team,
I am writing to report an infringement of my original content that was uploaded without my consent in 2013. The video features my face, voice, and original music. I am the rightful creator and owner of both the video and the soundtrack.
**Details:**
* My Name: *[Your Full Name]*
* My Channel: *[Your Channel URL]*
* Infringing Video URL: *[Link to the 2013 video]*
* My Original Upload: *[Link to your new upload or website]*
* Description: The video contains my original performance and music, created and recorded by me. It was uploaded to YouTube by another user without my permission.
Attached are files and evidence proving my authorship and ownership (original raw file metadata, images, and prior posts).
Please review and take down the infringing content or transfer ownership to me.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
*[Your Full Name]*
*[Your Email Address]*
*[Your Phone Number]*