Pokemon Fan Has Genius Way Of Avoiding YouTube's Copyright Bullshit

Since release, Pokemon YouTubers have had issues uploading any footage utilising the signature new "Z-Moves" introduced in Sun and Moon. One fan decided to take matters into his own hands, and the workaround for circumventing YouTube's crap is hilarious.

As you may already know, YouTube has something called "Content ID", which is a system meant for users to identify and manage their videos. Once a video is online, viewers can put a digital fingerprint on it. If another YouTube channel uploads a video, and the system believes that the new video has the same digital fingerprint, then the new video gains a Content ID claim. The owners of the original Content ID can then gain some ownership over the new video, and YouTube allows them to monetise the video for themselves, or sometimes outright block it.

In this case, anyone playing Sun and Moon will have the problem of having footage that is at least partially the same as other YouTubers, because Z-Moves always give off the same flashy animation — meaning, it's a Content ID headache. Instead of accepting that fate, YouTuber Tom Fawkes decided to make his own version of a Z-Move, and he's using that footage in his "Nuzlocke" run of Pokemon Moon. Watch it below (it happens right at the start, during the first battle):

It's a crude animation, yes, but that's exactly what makes it funny. "That animation is going to play every time I use the move Oceanic Operetta," Fawkes wrote. He continued:

When I uploaded Pokemon Moon Nuzlocke Parts 39 and 40, they were both copyright claimed and blocked from being viewed in every country. This was due to Primarina's Z-move (as well as Eevee's) being prominently featured in Pokemon advertising up to Sun and Moon's launch, so an automated system was put in place to prevent people from reposting the ad and claiming ad revenue and they never removed it. Now, my problem could have easily been solved if I adjusted the footage or removed it altogether, but I'd rather put effort and creative energy into spiting YouTube's copyright system and this new representation of Primarina's Z-Move was born.

Better yet, Fawkes is releasing this animation for anybody who wants to use it:

"Feel free to use this animation if you're having issue with similar copyright claims, so long as it's properly credited," Fawkes wrote. There's even a helpful "INSERT POKEMON HERE" placeholder.



    You say how amazing and awesome it is that they do this. I feel more like it's pretty dumb that they have to go to the effort of doing this.

    This is absolutely glorious.
    I want to see a whole series of these.

    Well I tried but the moment I saw the blue glasses I noped right the fuck out of that.

    From the limited experience I have with content ID, I'm fairly sure this issue is caused by Nintendo, not Youtube. Nintendo has the z-moves in their own videos on their own channel and has chosen their own content ID policy to block video. They have the choice to block video, block monetisation, share monetisation or ignore.

    Youtube's content ID system gives the copyright owner the choice, it's Nintendo that is somewhat notorious for enforcing maximum restrictions on their games.

    Last edited 30/01/17 10:02 am

      This, pretty much. I (used to?) love Nintendo, but they have a...questionable stance when it comes to anything online. See trying to add friends online, their YouTube policy, etc.

    Coming soon is the Switch, with a dedicated button on the controller which is a capture / share button that will allow you to take screenshots (and later video) and upload them to social media... where it will be deleted automatically by Nintendo of Japan.

    Nintendo is courting social media influencers for their PR campaigns... inviting them to see the switch and wrapoed up in the hype they dont ask the one question about their careers. Will Nintendo Switch come with an updated content policy.

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