Twitter DMCA : Full Guide for X (2026)
If you’ve ever seen your photo, video, art, writing, or paid content reposted on X (formerly Twitter), you’re not alone. A Twitter DMCA (also called an X DMCA) is the official process for requesting removal/withholding of content that infringes your copyright, usually via an online form and a formal legal notice. X explicitly handles copyright complaints under its policy.
If you’re trying to clean up stolen content fast (especially when it’s being reposted over and over), it helps to understand what X needs, what happens after you submit, and how to avoid mistakes that slow everything down. If you want the broader process across platforms in plain English, start with DMCA basics.
For DMCA takedowns in general (not just X), you can also take a look at Bruqi’s plain-English removals guides.
What is DMCA on Twitter (X)?
DMCA stands for the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a US law that sets a notice-and-takedown process for online platforms. On X, a DMCA request is basically you saying:
- “I own (or represent) the copyrighted work.”
- “This specific post/media/link on X is infringing.”
- “Here’s enough info for X to find it and act.”
X states it responds to DMCA complaints and may remove or restrict access to infringing material, including media uploads and posts linking to infringing content.
How does copyright work on X?
Yes, copyright issues happen constantly on X because it’s built for reposting and viral distribution. The key thing to know: not all “unauthorized use” is automatically infringement, because exceptions like fair use may apply in some cases. X explicitly warns people to consider fair use before filing.
Also, copyright and “I’m in the photo” aren’t the same thing. For example, X notes that generally the photographer (not the subject) is the rights holder of a photo.
If your issue is actually impersonation, parody, or brand name use, that might be trademark or platform policy, not DMCA. If you’re dealing with fake profiles, see Bruqi’s notes on removing impersonators. Although, for content creators, Bruqi does automatically remove impersonators on Creator Pro and Top 1% plans.
How to file a DMCA on Twitter (X) (step-by-step)
When people say “send a dmca notice twitter” or “submit a twitter dmca notice,” they usually mean submitting X’s copyright complaint form.
1) Collect the exact URLs
X wants direct links to posts (or clear identification if it’s a header/avatar). A profile link alone is not enough.
Practical tip: open the infringing post → copy the post URL → paste into a doc so you don’t lose it.
2) Identify your original work clearly
You’ll need to identify the copyrighted work being infringed (a link to your original, or a clear description).
3) Prepare the info X requires in a valid DMCA notice
X lists the required elements of a compliant notice, including your contact details, a good-faith statement, and a statement under penalty of perjury.
Important privacy heads-up: if X acts on your report, they may forward a full copy of your notice (including contact info) to the user who posted the content. If you don’t want your personal info shared, X suggests using an agent. If you’re trying to stay anonymous, review that first.
4) Submit the form (Twitter copyright report / X DMCA report)
Use X’s IP portal to file a copyright complaint.
What happens after you submit a Twitter DMCA notice?
X processes complaints in the order received, emails a ticket confirmation, reviews for completeness, and may restrict/remove access if valid. If speed matters, it helps to know typical timelines.
If the content is removed/withheld, X notifies the user and provides them with your complaint plus instructions to file a counter-notice.
Twitter / X DMCA Counter-notices (if you’re on the receiving end)
If you believe your content was removed by mistake or misidentification, X allows counter-notifications through its Help Center.
X also notes that after a valid counter-notice, if they don’t receive notice of court action within 10 business days, they may restore access to the material.
Remove Impersonators & Catfishes on Twitter
A lot of people mean “report this post/account” (spam, harassment, impersonation / catfish, etc.). That’s different from a DMCA copyright complaint.
Rule of thumb:
- Copyright issue (they reposted your photo/video/art/text) → DMCA/copyright form.
- Impersonation/scam account → use impersonation reporting form (and sometimes trademark routes), not DMCA. Take a look at the form below
How to avoid DMCA on Twitter (X)
If you’re a poster/creator/editor account and you don’t want takedowns or strikes:
1) Don’t upload media you don’t own (or don’t have permission/license to use).
2) Assume “crediting” isn’t a license. Attribution doesn’t cancel infringement.
3) Understand fair use isn’t automatic. Commentary/reaction can still get challenged; X explicitly tells reporters to consider fair use, which is a hint that it’s nuanced.
4) Don’t re-post removed material. X warns that reposting removed material can lead to permanent suspension.
Why this matters for paywalled creators
For creators (including subscription creators), X is a common place where leaks spread fast: clips get reposted, mirrored, then reposted again by new accounts. DMCA works, but the “whack-a-mole” part is real.
That’s why many creators use a removal service to handle the volume. Bruqi helps scan for reposts/leaks, submit takedowns, and also handle related problems like impersonator accounts, which is especially useful when you don’t want to spend your life filling forms. If you want the “DIY vs done-for-you” breakdown, see this guide.
If you’re ready to compare plans and coverage, check pricing.
(And yes, no legit company can remove everything forever, but good protection will massively reduce how often people find leaks or get scammed by impersonators pretending to be you.)
Twitter DMCA FAQ
What is DMCA on Twitter?
A legal notice process X uses to handle copyright complaints and removals/withholding under the DMCA.
How to file a DMCA on Twitter?
Collect direct post URLs, identify your original work, include the required statements/contact info, then submit via X’s IP/copyright complaint flow.
Is there any copyright issue on X? / How does copyright work on X?
Yes, copyright infringement reports are handled under DMCA rules; not every unauthorized use is infringement (fair use may apply).
Transparency note on privacy
Older Twitter/X DMCA report data was historically visible through third-party transparency efforts like Lumen, but Lumen notes that as of April 15, 2023, Twitter/X stopped sending notices while it reviewed third-party data sharing.
