If you got a DMCA notice, something you posted was removed because someone claimed it infringes their copyright. First read the notice to see what was removed and who complained. If you did use their work without permission, leave it down, and remove any other copies. If the removal was a mistake, because the work is yours, you have a license, it's fair use or they named the wrong thing, you can send a counter-notice to get it restored. Don't ignore repeated notices, because accounts can be closed.
What a DMCA notice or copyright strike means
A DMCA notice is how a copyright owner asks a website or platform to take something down. The service removes it quickly because the law protects it from being sued over users' posts if it does. That's why your post can disappear before anyone checks whether the claim is right.
The email you got should say what was removed and who complained. Keep it: you'll need the details, and sometimes a reference number, whatever you decide.
Was the takedown right? Decide which situation you're in
You used their work without permission. A photo from a search result, a song in the background, a paragraph from another site. Leave it down, and remove any other copies you've posted. If you still want to use the work, ask the owner for a license. A counter-notice here would mean swearing something that isn't true.
The removal was a mistake. The work is your own, you have a license or written permission, your use is fair use, or the complaint named the wrong thing. You can send a counter-notice and ask for it to be restored.
You're not sure. Fair use in particular depends on the details: commentary, criticism, news and parody often qualify, while reposting someone's whole photo with a caption usually doesn't. If a lot is at stake, ask a lawyer before you reply.
How to send a DMCA counter-notice
A counter-notice goes to the service that removed your material. It must include your signature, what was removed and where it was, a statement under penalty of perjury that it was removed by mistake, and your name, address and phone number with your consent to a federal court's jurisdiction. The DMCA counter-notice generator writes it for you and links to YouTube's, Instagram's and Google's forms.
The service sends your counter-notice to the person who complained. If they don't tell the service within 10 to 14 business days that they've filed a lawsuit, it can put your material back.
Two things to weigh first: your contact details go to the complainant, and you're agreeing they can sue you. For a clear mistake that's fine. For a real dispute, get advice.
If the DMCA claim is false or abusive
Some takedowns are sent to silence criticism, knock out a competitor, or by automated systems that match the wrong thing. Send a counter-notice to get your material back, and use the platform's option to report the claim as abusive. Keep the original files, drafts or licenses that show the work is yours. Under US law, someone who knowingly makes a false claim in a takedown notice can be liable for the damages it caused.
If your work is the one being copied, the other side of this process is covered in how to send a DMCA takedown notice.
This page explains how things usually work, in plain words. It’s general information, not legal advice, and rules differ by country. For a decision that matters, talk to a lawyer. Terms