Videos are easier to upload than ever, but it is not easy to avoid copyright issues. Copyright rules on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are strict. One false move can get you a copyright strike; one more can get you a takedown; and three can result in demonetization or even a lawsuit.
If you are a creator or a business, it is important to run the copyright check on whether your video has copyright material before you click upload.
This guide discusses why copyright checks are important, the considerations that are often copyrighted, how to check for copyright issues with videos, and how to be compliant.
Introduction
Copyright law protects original works, which include films, songs, images, scripts, animations, and logos, as defined in the Copyright Act 2019. The use of these works without permission can result in having your video blocked, losing redirected revenue, and, in some cases, suspending your account.
YouTube’s Content ID program, for instance, can identify copyrighted music in your video almost instantly, even if it is just background music playing softly in your vlog; similar programs exist for TikTok and Instagram. So, it would be wise and safe for you to do your own checks prior to uploading.
Why Checking for Copyright is Important?
- Avoid Content Strikes – Platforms issue warnings or strikes that may lead to channel suspension.
- Prevent Demonetization – If copyrighted music or footage is detected, ad revenue is diverted to the rights owner.
- Ensure Smooth Refunds & Approvals – Brands and agencies often check copyright before approving paid content.
- Build Trust – Businesses that respect copyright earn credibility with audiences and partners.
- Save Legal Costs – Copyright lawsuits can involve heavy penalties and damages.
Commonly Copyrighted Things in Videos
As you review a video, make sure to look for items in the following list, which can be problematic:
- Music – The biggest culprit of copyright!!! If the song is popular, it is almost always copyrighted.
- Movie try or TV show clips – a couple of seconds can flag, and many clips from these shows are doing just that!
- Logos and Trademarks – legal troubles for using a brand logo without getting permission first.
- Images, Photos, and Stock photos – carefully, only use royalty-free or your own images.
- Scripts or Voice Overs – narrations, dialogues that are also Intellectual Property, as would speeches from a famous person, for example.
- Animations or Graphics – character designs and motion graphics likely belong to the creator or studio, so be mindful of this.
How to Check Copyrighted Video Before Uploading?
1. Use YouTube’s Copyright Checks
If you are uploading to YouTube, there are a number of copyright checks you can do.
- Content ID Check: Scans your video as you upload it and alerts you if your video contains copyrighted material (especially music).
- Copyright Match Tool: Notifies you if your video matches someone’s uploaded content.
- You can also do a manual review in YouTube Studio by pre-uploading the private video to see if it is flagged.
2. Monitor Music Copyright
Copyright claims come primarily from music. The best ways to check for music copyright are:
- You can use YouTube’s Audio Library for free music.
- Search for music on royalty-free sites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Premiumbeat, and Audiojungle.
- Check with apps Shazam or ACRCloud to see if your chosen background music is copyright-protected.
- Important Note: Most commercial songs are copyright-protected unless licensed for use.
3. Check any Stock Footage and Images
- Pexels, Pixabay, Storyblocks, Unsplash, etc., contain royalty-free footage and images, but you really want to check their usage terms.
- Paid stock resources (Shutterstock, iStock, Adobe Stock, etc.) require licensing. Always keep a record of your purchase.
- You can run a reverse search to see if your visual belongs to someone (Google Images).
4. Run a Video Similarity Check
Some online tools can detect reused content:
- PlagiarismCheck.org and Copyleaks: Good for checking script/narration text.
- MediaTrace: Can analyze video files for reused content.
- Check Subtitles/Closed Captions: If you’ve borrowed dialogues or speech, they may be flagged by automated systems.
5. Conduct a Legal Fair Use Assessment
Sometimes you may be allowed to use copyrighted content under fair use (commentary, criticism, parody, news reporting). But it’s a legal defence, not a guarantee. Ask yourself:
- Am I adding original commentary or analysis?
- Is it for education, not commercial gain?
- Did I only use a small, necessary portion?
Even then, platforms may still block your video until you prove fair use.
What to Do If You Find Copyrighted Material?
- Replace it with original or royalty-free content.
- Edit out the section that is copyrighted.
- Seek permission or licensing from the copyright owner.
- Credit the source where required (though credit alone does not remove copyright liability).
- Use Creative Commons licensed content (check the conditions – some allow only non-commercial use).
Best Practices for Avoiding Copyright Infringement
- Use original content whenever possible.
- Create a library of royalty-free material (music, pictures, videos);
- Keep all invoices and licenses; you will need them if there is a dispute.
- Avoid uploading anything that is trending, a short clip from a viral video, or a television show without permission.
- Ensure that you do a copyright pre-check before uploading to a public-facing platform.
Legal Considerations
- International Treaties Are Typically Adhered to – The majority of countries function on the Berne Convention, meaning copyright is applied internationally.
- Copyright Duration – Many foreign countries grant copyright for the creator’s life plus 60 to 70 years.
- Even Small Clips Are Protected – Using 5 seconds of a song or film is still infringement, unless it is fair use.
- Educational Use Is Not Always Free Use – Simply stating “for education purposes only” does not protect you under copyright law.
- Business Considerations – It may hold weight for brands, but not obtaining clearance for copyrighted content and using it without permission could expose your company to lawsuits, fines, and damage brand integrity.
Conclusion
Before uploading any video, you want to check for copyright. This is not optional. Checking could save your channel, your business, and your reputation. Using the right tools and practices, you can create and share confidently without the risk of strikes or penalties.
If at all in doubt, create your own original content or use jargon-free licensed material. This is the safest way to stay compliant in the digital content world.
Related Services
References
https://studio.youtube.com/
https://www.youtube.com/intl/ALL_in/howyoutubeworks/policies/copyrigt/
https://support.google.com/youtube/
