Influencers and UGC creators: AI clones, fake channels and unauthorized repost bots
You spend years building a channel. Then suddenly:
- There’s a “best of you” compilation with AI voiceover you never recorded.
- A bot channel reposts every one of your shorts, sometimes before your own upload hits feed.
- A fake “official” account posts your content, your face, your voice – and funnels traffic, brand deals and affiliate clicks away from you.
This article is about using demand letters strategically in those situations, with a focus on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram:
- re-upload channels copying your clips;
- AI “compilation” channels using synthetic narration or cloned voices;
- “clips” channels monetizing your content on autopilot.
These are not hypotheticals. Deepfakes and AI impersonations of public figures and professionals are already running at scale on major platforms, both for scams and clout. (The Guardian) At the same time, YouTube, TikTok and Meta are actively rolling out tools and policies against unauthorized AI likeness and deepfakes – which you can leverage in your letters and platform complaints. (heise online)
The three main problems you’re really dealing with
Most influencer / UGC disputes fit into one (or more) of these buckets:
| Scenario | What it looks like | Who’s behind it | Where the money flows |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔁 Re-upload channel | Your videos reposted as-is or with minor edits (cropped, mirrored, different music, new thumbnail). | Bot farms, gray-hat MCNs, individuals chasing ad revenue or affiliate traffic. | Ad revenue, platform bonuses, affiliate links. |
| 🤖 AI “compilation” channel | Long videos or shorts that splice your content with others, add AI narration or subtitles, sometimes fabricated commentary. | Pseudonymous channels running automation stacks and AI tools. | Ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate funnels, sometimes selling courses/crypto. |
| 🎭 AI clone / fake “official” channel | Deepfake or AI avatar in your likeness, or channel name/branding close to yours. Might “speak as you,” promote scams, or impersonate “official” announcements. | Scammers, impersonators, or opportunists in your niche. | Scams, email capture, fake “investments,” brand deals, ad revenue. |
From a legal perspective you’re usually dealing with a combined problem:
- Copyright in your original recordings, scripts, thumbnails, music;
- Personality / publicity rights in your face, voice, and brand persona (in some jurisdictions and U.S. states); (Intellectual Property Awareness Network)
- Trademark / passing off if they use similar channel names, logos, handles;
- Platform rule violations (copyright, impersonation, misinformation, scams).
Demand letters are how you connect those dots for:
- the channel operator, and
- the brands, agencies or networks enabling the behavior.
What rights do influencers actually have here?
You don’t need to explain all of this to the other side, but you should frame your letters around the real levers:
| Right / theory | What it covers in this context |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Copyright | The video itself; your underlying script; original graphics; your own music; your edited compilation of clips. Unauthorized copying, “reaction” overlays that are mostly your content, and AI-rewritten captions that track your script can all be infringing. |
| 🎭 Right of publicity / personality rights | Your name, likeness, and sometimes your voice and signature style. Key for fake “official” channels and AI clones that look/sound like you. Scope is jurisdiction-specific but increasingly invoked in deepfake/impersonation cases. (Law.asia) |
| ™️ Trademark / passing off | Your channel name, logo, or taglines if used as identifiers of source. Useful against channels styled as your “official” outlet or “[Your Name] Clips” without consent. |
| 🛡️ Consumer protection / fraud | When impersonation is tied to scams (fake investments, shady supplements, “exclusive chats”), you can position the conduct as deceptive and harmful to your audience. (The Guardian) |
On top of that, all three major platforms:
- allow copyright complaints and repeat-infringer actions;
- have impersonation or AI/deepfake policies; (heise online)
- may act faster when you show that your likeness and audience trust are being abused.
Your demand letters should talk to those levers, not just “I don’t like this.”
Evidence kit before you fire a single email
You want a small but tight “evidence pack” that you can forward to:
- the infringing channel;
- brands or agencies;
- the platform itself, if needed.
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Original URLs | Your YouTube/TikTok/IG links for each video/short/reel that’s being copied. Shows prior publication and source. |
| Infringing URLs | Direct links to the re-upload, AI compilation, or fake channel home + specific videos. |
| Side-by-side screenshots | Thumbnails, frames, captions, overlays. Use these to visually show “this is my video.” |
| Short comparison script | A simple table: “My video at 0:15–0:25 vs their video at 1:02–1:12.” This goes straight into the letter. |
| Branding evidence | Screens of your logos, banners, end-cards vs their use; captures of any fake “official” language. |
| Monetization proof | Visible ads, sponsorship mentions, affiliate links, product links in descriptions. This defines “commercial use.” |
Think like litigating later: who, what, where, when, and how they’re making money.
Where demand letters fit in your enforcement stack
You’re not choosing between platform tools and demand letters. You’re stacking them.
| Target | When to send a letter | Main goal | Typical tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎥 Channel owner | Re-uploads, compilations, AI clones, impersonation. | Get content down, stop new uploads, get written commitment not to repeat. | Firm, factual, “here’s the evidence and what you must do.” |
| 🤝 Brand / agency / MCN | When a brand is sponsoring the fake/AI channel or an MCN is backing them. | Cut off the money; make them pressure the channel to comply. | Professional, risk-framing: reputational and legal exposure. |
| 🧩 Platform legal / abuse channels | When forms aren’t enough or it’s a broader impersonation / deepfake problem. | Escalate and create a paper trail if this later blows up publicly. | Concise, policy-anchored, references to their own rules and your evidence. |
Below are three demand letter templates you can adapt into generators on your blog.
Template A – To the re-upload / “clips” channel operator
This is for channels that mostly repost or lightly edit your content.
[Your Letterhead or Channel Name]
[Date]By Email / Platform Message and (if available) Registered Address
[Channel Name / “Channel Owner”]
[Platform handle]
[Email if you have it]Re: Unauthorized copying and monetization of my videos on [YouTube/TikTok/Instagram] – cease and desist
To Whom It May Concern,
I am the owner of the [Channel Name] channel on [Platform], located at [your channel URL]. I create and own the copyright in the videos published there, including:
- “[Title of Video 1]” – [URL] (published [date])
- “[Title of Video 2]” – [URL] (published [date])
- “[Series or Playlist Name]”
It has come to my attention that your channel [Infringing Channel Name] at [URL] has been:
- reposting my videos in whole or in substantial part;
- using my content in “clips” or compilation videos that are primarily made up of my footage; and
- monetizing those videos via [ads / sponsorships / affiliate links / platform bonuses].
By way of example:
- Your video “[Infringing Video Title]” at [URL] reproduces my video “[Original Video Title]” at [URL] almost entirely. Sections from 0:[original] to 1:[original] of my video appear in your upload at 0:[their] to 1:[their] with no transformative commentary or original contribution.
- Your video “[Infringing Compilation]” at [URL] includes multiple unlicensed clips from my videos, including [brief description], again without permission.
You do not have my permission to copy, repost, or monetize my content in this way. Your uploads constitute, at minimum:
- copyright infringement of my original videos; and
- passing off / misrepresentation to viewers who may reasonably assume your channel is affiliated with or authorized by me.
Demand
I hereby demand that you:
- Immediately remove all videos on [Platform] that contain my content, including but not limited to:
- [List infringing URLs]
- Cease and desist from any further copying, reposting, compiling, or other use of my videos or thumbnails without my prior written consent.
- Within [7] days of this letter, provide written confirmation that:
- the above videos have been removed; and
- you will not upload new content using my videos or any future content from my channel without authorization.
If you do not comply within this time frame, I will consider all appropriate further action, which may include:
- copyright complaints and DMCA notices to [Platform], its hosting providers, and search engines;
- enforcement actions targeting any MCNs, agencies, or brands associated with your channel; and
- pursuit of legal remedies, including injunctive relief and monetary damages.
Nothing in this letter should be taken as a waiver or limitation of any of my rights, all of which are expressly reserved.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name / Channel Name]
[Email]
[Business entity if applicable]
Template B – To the AI clone / deepfake / synthetic narration “fake you” channel
This version leans more into likeness and impersonation concerns in addition to copyright.
[Your Letterhead or Channel Name]
[Date]By Email / Platform Message and (if available) Registered Address
[Channel Name / “Channel Owner”]
[Platform handle]
[Email if available]Re: Unauthorized use of my name, likeness and content via AI-generated videos – cease and desist
To Whom It May Concern,
I am the creator behind [Your Channel Name / Handle] on [Platform], located at [your channel URL]. I own the rights in:
- my original videos, scripts and branding; and
- my name, likeness and persona as used in connection with my channel and related business.
I have recently discovered that your channel, [Infringing Channel Name] at [URL], has been publishing content that:
- uses AI-generated or manipulated video and audio that closely imitates my face, voice and on-camera style;
- re-uses my actual footage and branding elements without permission; and
- presents itself as being affiliated with or endorsed by me, including by referring to your content as “[Your Name] AI,” “[Your Name] Official Clips,” or similar.
Specific examples include:
- Your video “[Infringing Title]” at [URL], which uses an AI avatar that substantially resembles my appearance and voice, speaking in the first person and presenting statements as if made by me.
- Your video “[Infringing Compilation]” at [URL], which incorporates multiple unlicensed clips from my original videos, combined with AI-generated narration presented as my commentary.
You have not obtained my consent to:
- use my name, likeness, or voice (whether real or AI-generated) in this way;
- copy or modify my videos; or
- market products, services, or investment opportunities as if they were associated with me.
Your conduct is deceptive to viewers and harmful to my professional reputation and business.
Rights at issue
Your activities constitute, at minimum:
- copyright infringement of my original video content;
- unauthorized use of my name, likeness and persona, potentially violating my personality/publicity rights and applicable unfair competition or consumer protection laws; and
- violation of [Platform]’s policies on impersonation and misleading AI-generated content.
Demand
I hereby demand that you:
- Immediately remove all videos, shorts, reels, and other content that use my name, likeness, voice, branding, or footage, including but not limited to:
- [List infringing URLs]
- Cease and desist from:
- creating or uploading any AI-generated video or audio that imitates my face, voice, or persona; and
- using my name, handle, or branding elements in your channel name, description, thumbnails, or metadata.
- Within [5–7] days, provide written confirmation that:
- you have deleted all such content;
- you have removed any references to my name and brand from your channel; and
- you will not create or publish new content impersonating me or using my content without my express written consent.
If you fail to comply, I will escalate this matter by:
- filing formal copyright, impersonation, and AI/deepfake complaints with [Platform];
- notifying any brands, sponsors, or promoters appearing in your videos of your unauthorized use of my likeness; and
- pursuing legal remedies where appropriate, including injunctive relief and damages.
I reserve all rights and remedies.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name / Channel Name]
[Email]
[Business entity if applicable]
Template C – To brands, agencies or MCNs sponsoring or enabling the infringing channel
This is often where leverage really sits.
[Your Letterhead or Channel Name]
[Date]By Email
[Brand / Agency / Network Name]
[Contact Name / “Legal Department”]
[Email]Re: Your sponsorship of channel using my content and likeness without permission
Dear [Name / Sir or Madam],
I am the creator behind [Your Channel Name / Handle], a [brief description – e.g., “long-form educational YouTube channel with over X subscribers in the Y niche”], located at [your channel URL].
I am writing regarding the [Channel Name] channel on [Platform], at [URL], which I understand is currently:
- sponsored by [Brand Name]; or
- affiliated with [Agency/MCN].
As detailed below, [Channel Name] is using my copyrighted content and/or my name, likeness and persona without authorization in ways that are misleading to viewers and commercially harmful to my business.
Summary of unauthorized use
- Copied videos and clips. Numerous videos on [Channel Name] are unlicensed re-uploads or compilations of my original videos, including [one or two examples with URLs].
- AI-generated impersonation. Some videos use AI-generated or manipulated video/audio to imitate my appearance and voice, presenting statements as if made by me.
- Misleading branding. The channel name, thumbnails, and descriptions strongly suggest an affiliation with my channel, including phrases such as “[Your Name] Clips,” “[Your Name] AI,” or “Official [Your Name] Channel,” which are false.
These activities violate my copyrights, my personality/publicity rights, and [Platform]’s policies on impersonation and misleading AI-generated content. They also expose [Brand/Agency] to reputational and legal risk by associating your name with content that misuses my identity and misleads viewers.
Request
In light of the above, I request that [Brand/Agency]:
- Promptly investigate your relationship with [Channel Name] and review the specific examples attached to this letter.
- Suspend any sponsorship, revenue share, or promotional support for [Channel Name] unless and until the infringing and impersonating content is permanently removed and the channel is brought into full compliance with applicable law and platform policies.
- Confirm in writing within [7–10] days what actions you have taken in response.
I am separately taking action directly with the channel operator and through [Platform]’s copyright/impersonation procedures. However, given your role in funding or promoting the channel, your cooperation is important in resolving the issue quickly and minimizing harm to my audience and brand.
Please note that I am not alleging that [Brand/Agency] intentionally directed any unlawful conduct. My goal is to ensure that your business is aware of these issues and has an opportunity to address them.
Nothing in this letter is a waiver of any rights or remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name / Channel Name]
[Email]
[Business entity if applicable]
Platform-specific notes you can weave into your templates
You can strengthen the letters (and your blog article) by pointing out how the conduct violates the platform’s own rules:
| Platform | Useful angles |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Copyright complaints and repeat-infringer policy; upcoming tools to report deepfakes and unauthorized AI voice clones; stricter policies on misleading AI-generated content and impersonation of creators. (heise online) |
| TikTok | Intellectual Property and copyright policies; requirement to prove IP ownership when submitting complaints; explicit bans on content that violates others’ IP or impersonates individuals for fraud or harassment. (TikTok Support) |
| Instagram / Reels | Copyright takedown procedures; guidance on using music legally; policies aimed at protecting rights holders and limiting unauthorized use of audio and video content. (Instagram Help Center) |
In your letters, short references like “This conduct also violates [Platform]’s policies on copyright and impersonation, which I will be invoking separately” make clear you’re not bluffing.