Every day, brands and creators discover their content is going viral on TikTok… on someone else’s account. The platform is full of videos featuring stolen content, and with over 23 million videos uploaded to the platform every day, no one’s content is safe.
If someone has stolen your content on TikTok, don’t let them continue to risk your reputation and bottom line. Here’s how to fight back with a successful DMCA takedown.
In this guide, we’ll cover the easiest way to report copyright infringement on TikTok and how to scale your response to violations across the platform.
You’ll learn:
- What qualifies as infringement on TikTok
- How to file a successful TikTok DMCA takedown
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How Red Points can help
What qualifies as infringement vs fair use on TikTok?
According to TikTok’s Intellectual Property Policy, the platform may remove any content that includes stolen or unauthorized use of protected materials. This can include:
- Full or partial videos
- Music tracks
- Photos (used in videos or profile images)
- Scripts or written content
- Sound clips
However, not all uses of copyrighted content are violations. Some may fall under Fair Use, which allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as commentary, criticism, or parody.
Common examples of content that may qualify as fair use on TikTok include:
- Music remixes or mashups
- Reaction videos
- Reviews or critical commentary
- Duets that add new meaning or context to the original
When in doubt, consider the intent and transformation of the content before submitting a takedown.
How to prepare for a successful TikTok DMCA takedown
Once you’ve identified TikTok copyright infringement, boost your chances of quickly removing the stolen content by preparing everything you need ahead of time.
Gather and organize:
- URLs and screenshots of your original content
- Copyright certificate (if applicable)
- URLs and screenshots of the infringing content
- Signed proof if you’re an authorized agent
Gather your evidence and documentation
TikTok won’t act on vague claims. To ensure your DMCA is approved and the content is removed from the platform, you’ll need to present clear, detailed proof.
Tips to strengthen your submission:
- Take full-page screenshots of both the original and infringing content that include timestamps and usernames.
- Organize and save evidence so it’s easy to reference while reporting and for future submissions.
- Document patterns if you notice the same account reposting your content multiple times.
This kind of preparation makes it easier to submit strong takedowns quickly—and respond if TikTok requests more information.
How to file your TikTok DMCA takedown step-by-step
To start your takedown, navigate to TikTok’s official copyright report form.
Then use the following steps to complete, submit, and track your form and ensure the content is removed.
Step 1 – Complete TikTok’s DMCA takedown form
When you first navigate to TikTok’s reporting form, you’ll be asked to verify an email address.
Next, choose the type of infringement you’re reporting and indicate whether you are the rights owner or an authorized agent. This unlocks the full form and the following sections to complete.
Contact information
Enter your full name, mailing address, and a phone number and email address you check regularly.
TikTok may use this to follow up, and the information may be shared with the reported account.
Copyright ownership
Describe the original content being infringed upon, and upload any documentation proving you own the copyright (e.g. registration certificate, timestamps, or links to the original work).
If you’re acting on the rights holder’s behalf, include proof such as a signed statement or power of attorney.
Content to report
Paste the direct URL to the infringing TikTok video(s). Double-check that you’ve copied the correct link.
Additional material
Include any extra evidence or context that supports your claim, such as screenshots, comparisons, or release dates.
Statement & signature
Carefully review your information for accuracy, and then sign electronically to confirm your claim is accurate and made in good faith.
Step 2 – Submit and track your takedown request
Click Submit, and your form will be sent to TikTok for review. You should receive a confirmation email on successful submission.
Keep an eye on your inbox for status updates or any follow-up requests from TikTok.
Step 3 – Monitor for repeat offenses or reposts
Submitting your takedown request isn’t the final step, especially on TikTok, where viral content spreads fast. If the stolen video gains traction, it can be quickly downloaded, stitched, duetted, or reposted by other users.
Because TikTok’s format encourages remixing and reuse, it’s difficult to catch every infringement manually. Repeat offenders and fan accounts may reupload content across multiple profiles. Using an automated monitoring tool can help you stay ahead by detecting reposts and new violations at scale.
What happens after you file a DMCA takedown on TikTok
After you submit your report, TikTok’s intellectual property team will review your claim. Most cases are processed within three days, though delays can occur, especially if your submission lacks key details.
If TikTok requests additional information, respond promptly to keep the process moving and to avoid unnecessary delays.
If your request is approved
If TikTok approves your DMCA takedown, the infringing content will be removed from the platform. The reported account will also be notified and given the contact details you provided.
Keep in mind: the infringer may choose to dispute the takedown.
Handling disputes
Disputes or counterclaims can happen, leading to a reupload of the infringing content if approved. Don’t let a dispute stop you from protecting your content.
If a removed video is reinstated, submit a new DMCA takedown with updated URLs and any additional information or proof you can provide.
If your request is rejected
TikTok may reject your request if there’s insufficient evidence of infringement or if the content appears to fall under fair use. In that case, the video, music, or sound clip will remain on the platform.
If your takedown is denied, carefully review TikTok’s response and your original submission. Gather any missing details or stronger evidence, then resubmit with the updated information.
Common mistakes that weaken TikTok DMCA takedown requests
Struggling to get your takedown approved? Avoid these common mistakes that can lead to delays and rejections:
- Lack of proof of ownership – Always include clear documentation showing that you own the content in question.
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms – Missing details or incorrect information can cause your request to be denied or delayed.
- Misinterpreting fair use – Filing a claim against content that qualifies as fair use (like remixes, commentary, or duets) weakens your credibility and future claims.
Double-check your submission to avoid these pitfalls and improve your chances of success.
Alternative options if the DMCA takedown fails
If TikTok continues to reject your takedown request or fails to remove the infringing content, you still have options to protect your work:
- Use TikTok’s “Report a Problem” tool – This general support form can guide you to the correct reporting path for your specific issue.
- Pursue legal action – Consider sending a cease and desist directly to the infringer or hiring an IP attorney to escalate the matter through legal channels.
- Work with a third-party tool – Automated DMCA takedown services like Red Points can monitor TikTok at scale, detect reposts, and assist with faster takedowns.
How Red Points helps brands automate large-scale TikTok DMCA takedowns
All it takes is one stolen TikTok to go viral, and suddenly you’re dealing with a flood of reposts and copycats. And with TikTok’s global reach, enforcing your rights across borders adds another layer of complexity.
Red Points makes it easy to stay ahead. Our automated brand protection software monitors TikTok and other major platforms at scale, detecting stolen content the moment it appears.
No more manual takedowns or navigating global laws alone. Red Points automates the entire process, helping you remove infringements quickly and stop viral content from spreading.
With Red Points, you can:
Automate takedowns at scale
Respond to any number of infringements, minus the hassle. Red Points’ AI automatically detects and removes stolen content, saving you the delays and challenges of manual reporting.
Monitor for infringements 24/7
Catch reposts and repeat offenders the moment they appear. Red Points’ always-on monitoring works around the clock to keep your content protected.
Cross-platform infringement monitoring
TikTok is just one piece of the puzzle. Red Points monitors across platforms, websites, and marketplaces worldwide, adapting to regional laws and languages to protect your IP globally.
What’s next
Removing stolen content from TikTok can become a never-ending challenge when faced with reposts, repeat offenders, and the staggering volume of daily uploads. If manual reporting becomes too much for your brand, it’s time to look into more scalable solutions.
Red Points provides the automated, streamlined tools you need to respond to any number of infringements with ease.
Schedule your demo and learn how simple brand protection with Red Points can be.
