Meta rolls out pre-publish copyright checks in Facebook reels composer

Meta has integrated a new copyright check feature into the Reels composer on Facebook, aimed at helping creators identify potential copyright issues before publishing their content.

The update introduces a “Copyright Check” option within the Reels composer interface. If enabled, Meta will scan the content of a Reel for copyrighted material. Should any copyrighted content be detected, the Reel will be held for one hour, allowing creators to address the issue before the content is made publicly available.

According to Meta, “If you turn on copyright check, your eligible reels will be scanned for copyrighted content. If copyright content is found, your reels will be held for 1 hour to allow you to correct any issues before your reel is shown to others.”

If creators choose not to activate the copyright check, their Reels will still be scanned post-publication. In such cases, content may be subject to rights enforcement, including removal or monetisation claims by rights holders.

The copyright check feature itself is not new, having previously been available through Meta’s Business Suite. However, this is the first time it has been incorporated directly into the Reels creation workflow on Facebook.

The potential consequences for violating copyright on the platform include demonetisation, loss of ad revenue (which may be redirected to rights holders), reduced visibility, and removal of audio.