‘Steamboat Willie’ Video Demonetized On YouTube For Violating Copyright
Video screenshot via Walt Disney Animation Studios
Disney’s Steamboat Willie and its famous protagonist, Mickey Mouse, officially sailed into the public domain on January 1, 2024. This shift means that the original version of the character can be used freely without needing permission or incurring costs.
Allured by the opportunity, voice actor and YouTuber Brock Baker ventured into the newly public domain waters, only to find his comedic redubbing of the iconic 1928 Disney animation demonetized and partially blocked on YouTube.
Very cool. pic.twitter.com/t54ml3foJc
— Brock Baker (@BrockBaker) January 4, 2024
Steamboat Willie (Brock’s Dub), uploaded to his channel, features the entire animation with Baker’s own humorous voiceovers and sound effects.
Baker’s excitement was short-lived. Soon after the video went live, YouTube demonetized it, attributing the action to Disney. Baker shared screenshots on Twitter showing the video was also blocked in certain territories.
Public domain, you say? https://t.co/6bP62VmHge pic.twitter.com/KLtuuCPYnB
— Brock Baker (@BrockBaker) January 4, 2024
Nah, it says "claimed by Disney"
— Brock Baker (@BrockBaker) January 4, 2024
This incident underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property and personal expression, particularly for creators looking to reimagine beloved works as their own.
Some bits from my Steamboat Willie dub. pic.twitter.com/B0fIYVORYn
— Brock Baker (@BrockBaker) January 4, 2024
As it seems, the likely culprit behind the notice is YouTube’s automated Content ID system, which scans new uploads against a database of registered audio and visual content. Although Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain, there is a chance the platform’s database may not have been promptly updated to reflect this, resulting in the restriction of Baker’s creative work.
Others speculate that the Disney logo is in the animation, which might stir up issues with the House of Mouse’s trademarks.
The episode raises important concerns about whether creatives can truly take the leap with historical, copyright-safe works without ever having to worry about legal repercussions.
[via Mashable and Brock Baker, images via various sources]
