What Is a DMCA Takedown?
The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a US law that gives copyright owners the right to demand the removal of infringing content from online platforms. Even if you are not based in the US, DMCA takedowns apply globally because most major streaming platforms and social networks comply with them.
Step 1: Confirm You Own the Copyright
Before filing, confirm that:
- You are the original creator or have a signed transfer of rights
- The content was uploaded without your permission
- You have not already licensed the content to the person who uploaded it
Step 2: Identify the Infringing Content
Document the following:
- The exact URL of the infringing content
- The platform it is on (YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud, TikTok, etc.)
- Your original release information (title, release date, ISRC code, DSP link)
Step 3: File a Takedown with the Platform
Each platform has its own DMCA process:
- YouTube — use the YouTube Copyright Complaint form
- Spotify — use the Spotify Rights Reporting form
- SoundCloud — use SoundCloud's copyright reporting page
- TikTok — use TikTok's in-app reporting or the TikTok Rights Reporting form
- Instagram / Facebook — use Meta's Rights Manager or the in-app report feature
Step 4: Contact InterSpace for Assistance
If the infringing content appears on a platform where InterSpace has an established relationship (a DSP we distribute to), our team can assist with the takedown request. Submit a support ticket with the subject "Copyright Infringement" and include:
- Link to the infringing content
- Proof of your original release (InterSpace release URL, ISRC)
- Your InterSpace account email
Counter-Notices
If someone files a DMCA claim against your content and you believe it is incorrect, you have the right to file a counter-notice. Counter-notices require you to declare under penalty of perjury that the claim is mistaken. Consult a music lawyer if you are unsure.
Important Note
Filing a false DMCA takedown is illegal and can result in liability. Only file a claim if you genuinely own the copyright to the content in question.