How to Upload Copyrighted Videos to YouTube

Last Updated: January 15, 2022 References

If YouTube detects copyrighted content in a video you post, the video may be demonetized, muted, and/or deleted. Breaking YouTube's copyright rules 3 times may even result in your channel being suspended or terminated. This wikiHow teaches you how to upload a video containing copyrighted content in a way that complies with YouTube's Fair Use guidelines. You can read more about YouTube's Fair Use policies at https://www.youtube.com/about/copyright/fair-use.

Steps

1
Transform the copyrighted material in your video. To avoid a copyright strike and to put your uploaded video under the umbrella of fair use, you'll want to modify it enough that it creates a very different meaning than its original purpose.^{[1]
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Research source} Here are some examples:
- Combine or arrange copyrighted images and video to create a different version of a story, such as a new movie ending or sequence of events, with custom music and voiceovers.
- Record your own cover versions of songs that sound a bit different than the original. Mashups and remixes are also great ways to use clips of copyrighted material in creative ways, but make sure the finished project isn't too similar to the original.^{[2]
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- Shoot a parody of an existing video using different symbols, characters, and ideas.
2
Make the content educational. When a judge evaluates a copyright infringement claim, they'll look at is whether the material is intended for commercial or educational purposes.^{[3]
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Research source} Keep the focus on providing an alternative take on that material and you'll have more luck avoiding the flaggers.

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3
Use Creative Commons licensed material. If you're working with material that's already cleared for use, you'll be safe from copyright strikes. Here are some locations online where you can find copyright-free content to incorporate into your YouTube videos:^{[4]
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4
Ask the content owner for permission. It's not enough to include a disclaimer or attribution to the original owner. If you're flagged by YouTube, you'll need proof from the copyright owner that you have the proper rights to use their content. You'll need written proof to fight off YouTube and/or the law. If a license is available for the copyrighted material, purchase a license from the creator.

Community Q&A

Question

If I edit the video from movie and change music background, does it show the copyright?

Torpi

Top Answerer

Yes, that still breaks the copyright of the movie ("transformative" works must do much more than just copy something and change the background music) and also of the music you used.