YouTuber Steals Genshin Impact Music, Copyright Strikes Original Creator Yu-Peng Also Affected
A YouTuber used YouTube’s copyright system to claim Genshin Impact composer Yu-Peng Chen’s free to use track 'Slight Distress', leading to takedowns and strikes on multiple creators and even the orginal creator. Here’s what happened
Edited By Sarah Dar
In an almost comical turn of events, a Hoyoverse soundtrack was copyrighted by a YouTuber and the report was actually granted. This led to Yu-Peng Chen’s music video titled, ‘Slight Distress’ to be taken down. The kicker? The YouTuber used the track from Yu-Peng’s own channel. Yep, that’s right. YouTube just copyright claimed the composer himself. What’s next? Some XYZ singer copyrighting Mozart?
All jokes aside, the YouTuber in question - Roshi, didn’t just pull Hoyoverse into this madness. No, he reportedly copyright struck every other person using the music too, under the label UMG. Let’s get into it.
YouTube’s Copyright System
PSA to any #genshinimpact content creator that plays/streams #Skirk's quest: Unsure if unlucky, but I got copyright claimed by UMG/UMDCM-France for what is supposedly "C'est Moi" by Roshi. It's false, the song's actually "Slight Distress" by Yu-Peng Chen (in-game OST). wtf? pic.twitter.com/ktfmd99w0N
— Dikarus / toufusoup (@toufysoup) June 19, 2025
YouTube’s infamous copyright system is well known, while some would say it’s for the wrong reasons, others bear the brunt of unwarranted DMCA strikes — which have been known to be abused by streamers, as well, to control any negative backlash. But, copy striking a multi billion company is definitely a new and bold choice.
Especially when that company puts this music out for free use. YouTube follows a ‘strike first and verify later’ policy due to the backlog of videos waiting for them, as they’re legally required to do something about it under DMCA regulations — bringing us to another question.
While it’s a headache, it’s unlikely that Hoyoverse will sue YouTube over the DMCA strike. They’re more likely to focus their intentions on Roshi. After all, he sampled the music and used it as a backtrack for his rap and then falsely used it to strike not only the original creator but others as well
The Other Genshin Impact Creators Affected By DMCA
Before Yu-Peng’s music was struck, Roshi targeted other creators using the backtrack and copyright struck them, leading to videos being re-planned or circulated around. The reason it’s so scary for creators is because copyright strikes follow baseball rules: 3 strikes and you’re out.I just got my entire skirk story quest video claimed with numerous music claims. what the heck @GenshinImpact since when do you use music that gets claimed..... waste of 3 plus hours of recording and editing... smh pic.twitter.com/KUQd6lf8pA
— rubhen925 (@raijumc) June 18, 2025
Yea, if you get 3 strikes within 90 days, your YouTube channel will be banned. Of course you can appeal but it takes time and time is money… especially for a YouTuber.
Has The YouTube Video ‘Slight Distress’ Come Back?
While the video was taken down previously due to the strike, it has come back on the channel. Despite the good news, it has raised concerns for viewers wondering if Hoyoverse will retract their free to use pieces to avoid a similar situation in the future. What do you think, should YouTube reflect their Copyright system — especially when it can be abused so easily?
Written By: Sarah Dar (Freelancer, IndiaTodayGaming)
