Why This Matters (My Experience)
When I first applied for Google AdSense on my Blogger site, I was rejected three times. The main reason? My content wasn’t 100% original. At the time, I thought rewriting articles from other blogs was “good enough.” But I quickly learned that even small traces of copied or copyrighted content can trigger AdSense rejection—or worse, an account ban.
If you want to earn with Blogger, you need to protect your site from copyright issues. Google values originality and user trust. This post will show you how to check for copyrighted content, what tools to use, and how to stay safe from AdSense bans. I’ll also share real-world examples of creators who lost or almost lost their AdSense accounts due to copyright mistakes.
Why Copyrighted Content is a Big Risk for AdSense
Google AdSense has strict rules. Using copyrighted text, images, videos, or even logos without permission can:
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Lead to policy violations
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Cause AdSense rejection during review
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Result in a suspension or permanent ban
According to Google AdSense Policies, publishers must only post content they own or have rights to use. This includes blog posts, images, videos, and even background music in embedded media.
How to Check for Copyrighted Content on Blogger
1. Use Plagiarism Checkers
Before publishing, scan your articles with plagiarism tools. Popular options include:
These tools compare your content against billions of web pages to flag possible matches.
👉 Tip from experience: I use Copyscape before applying for AdSense. Even sentences that look “rewritten” can still show up as duplicate.
2. Verify Image and Media Rights
Many new bloggers grab images from Google search. This is risky. Use these safe sources instead:
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Unsplash (free, royalty-free images)
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Pixabay (photos, illustrations, videos)
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Pexels (stock media with free license)
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Canva Pro (paid but gives you commercial rights)
Also check that videos or background music you embed are not copyrighted. YouTube’s Content ID system can block or strike your site if you misuse content.
3. Check Domain & Brand Trademarks
Even your blog name or logo can cause problems if it uses a trademark. Example: naming your blog “iPhone Tricks” and using Apple’s logo could lead to legal takedown requests.
To check:
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Search the USPTO Trademark Database (for US-based trademarks).
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Use WIPO’s Global Brand Database for international checks.
4. Regularly Audit Old Blog Posts
If you’ve been blogging for years, older posts may still contain copied images or text. A quarterly audit using plagiarism tools and an image rights check can save your AdSense account.
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Copy-Paste Blogger Ban
A tech blogger copied tutorials from another site with only minor edits. Google flagged his site, and his AdSense account was terminated permanently. He later admitted he never ran plagiarism checks.
Lesson: Even if you “tweak” someone else’s text, AdSense can detect it.
Case Study 2: Image Copyright Strike
A lifestyle blogger used celebrity photos from Google Images without credit or license. The original photographers filed DMCA complaints. Her AdSense account was suspended for 6 months.
Lesson: Always use royalty-free or licensed images.
Case Study 3: Safe Blogger Success
A food blogger built her site using only original recipes and photos she took herself. She also watermarked her images. She got AdSense approval within 2 weeks and has never faced a copyright issue.
Lesson: Original content builds long-term trust with Google.
Comparison: Safe vs Risky Content Sources
| Content Type | Safe Sources | Risky Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Your own writing, guest posts with permission | Copy-paste from blogs, article spinners |
| Images | Unsplash, Pixabay, Canva Pro | Google Images, Pinterest screenshots |
| Videos | Your own, Creative Commons on YouTube | Re-uploaded clips, copyrighted music videos |
| Logos/Brands | Self-designed or royalty-free icons | Using Apple, Nike, Disney logos without permission |
Best Practices to Stay Safe
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Always write in your own words
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Use plagiarism checkers before posting
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Only use royalty-free or licensed media
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Keep a record of image licenses/downloads
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Regularly review AdSense policy updates
Conclusion: Protect Your AdSense Future
Getting banned from AdSense is a nightmare for any blogger. The good news is, it’s easy to avoid if you check your content for copyright issues. Original, valuable, and safe content not only keeps your account secure but also builds trust with your audience.
I’ve learned from experience: shortcuts with copied content might work in the short term, but they always backfire.
✅ If you’re serious about AdSense approval, start auditing your blog today.
👉 Have you ever faced copyright issues on Blogger? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.