When are you allowed to use a clip from someone else's video?

Who owns a video?

Usually the person or company that made it, or whoever they transferred the rights to. Posting a video online doesn't make it free to reuse, and neither does the platform it is on.

Ready to try it? Open the trimmer and paste a link.

What makes using a clip legitimate?

• You own it. You made it, or you hold the rights.
• You have permission. The owner agreed to your use. Get it in writing and note what it covers.
• A licence allows it. Some videos are published under licences, such as Creative Commons, that say how they may be reused. Find videos you are allowed to reuse.
• The work is in the public domain. Its rights have ended or were given up.

What about fair use?

Some countries have exceptions, such as fair use in the United States or fair dealing elsewhere. They depend on the country and the facts, and only a court decides if one applies. Don't rely on one without advice.

Do a website's terms matter too?

Yes, separately. For example, YouTube's terms don't allow downloading other people's videos. A licence or permission from the owner is about copyright, and a site's terms are about using the site. You need to respect both.

What should I do before using a clip?

1. Find out who owns the video.
2. Ask for permission, or check the licence.
3. Write down what you were allowed to do and any credit you must give.
4. Keep that record with the clip.

If an owner asks you to stop, stop. Owners can report misuse through our copyright page.

Questions