YouTube's "safe harbour" takedown system is a bit stricter than what the law requires - it doesn't require an actual DMCA takedown (which, when falsifies, results in a fine of $800), but simply using YouTube's internal system (which has no such falsity fine).
If you're referring to Content ID, you're correct that it's not a DMCA takedown, but if disputed and appealed the claimant must file a DMCA to keep the claim active.
