Today, I’d like to explain why I submit takedown requests for unauthorized reuploads of my music by so-called “copyright free riders.”
At the core of my actions is a strong desire to deliver my music only to those who genuinely need it. This conviction stems from my past experiences with exploitative behavior by these reuploaders.
Recently, platforms like Spotify display monthly listener counts, play numbers, follower totals, and likes—leading to an overemphasis on visible metrics.
However, some of these listeners may have simply skipped past my music via algorithmic radio features without even noticing it.
And more importantly, some of those numbers may include plays from unauthorized “free music” playlists created by opportunistic reuploaders.
In fact, some of these playlist curators pretend to support artists while reuploading music on their monetized YouTube channels without permission.
Artists who fear losing listeners or play counts might hesitate to act against such behavior, even though those metrics don't reflect true engagement or genuine fans.
For me, filing takedown requests and writing these notes are a way of drawing a boundary—a protective barrier that prevents misuse by people who are not true listeners.
Through my experience with Creative Commons licensing, I came to realize how problematic and even harmful copyright free riders can be.
Looking back, though, it ultimately became a turning point that helped me clarify my stance as an artist, and in that sense, I feel it led me in a better direction.
I believe many independent artists may not yet be aware of this aspect.
The Risk of Content ID
Many artists register their tracks with YouTube’s Content ID system.While it might seem like a practical way to collect revenue from reuploads, it can also lead to tacit acceptance of unauthorized use—and in some cases, even encourage it.
Personally, I’ve chosen not to use Content ID due to past consistency with Creative Commons licensing.
But I strongly encourage artists to carefully consider whether enabling Content ID truly aligns with their goals before activating it.
Listeners who discover your music through unauthorized reuploads are unlikely to become true fans.
Worse, such uploads often attract low-morality users and spread in misleading or exploitative ways.
Potential Harassment After Takedown Requests
In some cases, after submitting takedown requests, I have been subjected to forms of harassment, including:My email address (included in takedown notices) being used to register fake accounts on dating sites
Intentional Spotify skips or bans designed to sabotage algorithmic exposure
Fraudulent counter notifications attempting to restore infringing content
Access attempts intended to deface or tamper with my website
Excuse-based emails requesting the retraction of a takedown request (e.g., “I won’t use your music again”)
While not all takedown requests result in retaliation, I have observed a few recurring patterns of harassment that followed such actions.
To protect myself, I keep a detailed log of all communications and related evidence on a daily basis.
Unauthorized use of my work will be met with appropriate actions as needed.
It is a disturbing reality that I, as the rightful copyright holder, have to prepare evidence and legal reasoning just in case someone who uploaded my work without permission files a fraudulent counter-notification — even though they have no legitimate rights to the content.
Free-rider communities
While there is no concrete evidence, I suspect the existence of private communities where free-riders share information with each other.How listeners can help
If you come across a suspicious repost and feel inclined to report it as copyright infringement, that’s understandable.However, YouTube rarely takes action on copyright reports submitted by third parties.
Instead, reporting the video as “Repetitive Content” may slightly increase the chances of YouTube responding.
Most repost-style uploads fall into this category, as they typically consist of a single static image repeated across multiple videos.
To everyone who has shared my music on YouTube
Thank you very much for sharing and featuring my music on YouTube up until now.However, I feel that the time has come for my music to stand on its own, without relying on external support.
I sincerely appreciate all the support you have given me.
In Closing
As I’ve written many times on note, I care far more about creating a system where my music gently reaches those who truly need it—rather than chasing virality or big numbers.My takedown requests are part of that approach.
I hope this article helps raise awareness—not only among listeners but also among platform teams and fellow artists—about the complex reality behind these unauthorized uses.