They arent deleted, they're just removed until you either resolve the copyright claim, change the audio or mute it.
However, some major music labels have removed their stuff.
Then where are they removed to? The videos I had up and got deleted I got the following email:
Dear ------,
Video Disabled
A copyright owner has claimed it owns some or all of the audio content in your video -----. The audio content identified in your video is The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. We regret to inform you that your video has been blocked from playback due to a music rights issue.
Sincerely,
The YouTube Content Identification Team
© 2008 YouTube, LLC
When I attempt to upload a video with copywritten content, I get:
Dear -----,
Video Disabled
A copyright owner has claimed it owns some or all of the audio content in your video ----. The audio content identified in your video is Ladies and Gentlemen by Saliva. We regret to inform you that your video has been blocked from playback due to a music rights issue.
Replace Your Audio with AudioSwap
Don't worry, we have plenty of music available for your use. Please visit our AudioSwap library to learn how you can easily replace the audio in your video with any track from our growing library of fully licensed songs.
Other Options
If you think there's been a mistake, or you have other questions, please visit the Copyright Notice page in your account.
Sincerely,
The YouTube Content Identification Team
© 2008 YouTube, LLC
at which point I can opt from a list of songs they provide or choose something from my own collection.