How To Legally Repost YouTube Videos With Permission (Guide)
Reposting YouTube videos can be a great way to share content you love. However, reuploading videos without permission can violate copyright law. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to legally repost YouTube videos with explicit consent from the copyright holder.
YouTube videos are protected by copyright law. As the author of a creative work, YouTube creators have exclusive rights to distribute, reproduce, and create derivative works from their videos.
Reposting a YouTube video without permission is a copyright infringement. This means you could face legal consequences like video takedowns, channel strikes, fines, and even lawsuits.
However, many YouTubers are happy to allow reposts in exchange for credit and links back to the original. The key is getting express, written consent from the copyright holder before reusing their work.
This guide will cover:
- Benefits of legally reposting YouTube videos
- Step-by-step process to get repost permission
- Best practices for crediting the original creator
- Alternative options if you can’t get consent
- Common questions around reposting YouTube videos
Follow these rules, and you can legally reuse YouTube videos to help promote creators you love!
Benefits of Legally Reposting YouTube Videos
When done with permission, reposting YouTube videos has many advantages:
Drives More Traffic to Original Videos
Getting consent to reuse a video allows you to share creators’ work with your own audiences. This exposes more viewers to their content and channels. More views, likes, and subscribers benefits YouTubers and helps them keep creating videos.
Supports Fair Use Principles
Copyright law allows for “fair use” of copyrighted materials under certain conditions, such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and research. However, fair use rules can be complex. Getting explicit permission is clearer and ensures videos are reused legally and ethically.
Develops Relationships with Creators
The repost permission process is a chance to connect directly with YouTube creators. Building these relationships can lead to shoutouts, collaborations, and other opportunities that support your own channel.
Provides More Value to Your Viewers
Reposting great videos from other YouTube creators makes your content more informative, useful, or entertaining to your own viewers. It shows you respect other creators in your niche as well.
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process for legally reposting YouTube videos!
Step 1: Identify Videos to Repost
Start by picking YouTube videos you would like to reuse from channels you enjoy. Great videos to repost have:
- Engaging, high-quality content
- Alignment with your channel niche and target audience
- Value for driving traffic, conversation, or your channel goals
For example, as a book reviewer, you might want to repost a popular author interview from another book channel.
Spend time finding videos that work for your specific audience and purpose. This will give repost requests more appeal to the original creators.
Step 2: Reach Out to the Channel Owner
Next, you need to contact the channel owner for repost permission. Here are some options:
Check Video Descriptions
Many YouTubers outline repost policies in their video descriptions or channel about pages. Look for statements like:
- “You can repost this video with credit”
- “Email for permission to reuse my videos”
- “Do not reupload my videos”
This saves you time by avoiding channels that don’t allow reposts in the first place.
Use YouTube Messaging
Every YouTube channel has a “About” tab next to their home button. Click “Send Message” to contact the owner directly on YouTube.
Email the Channel
Look in video descriptions and channel pages for a business inquiry email address. If none is listed, try contacting them through social media profiles.
Comment on Videos
Ask for permission to repost a video by commenting on the original. However, creators may miss requests in long comment sections, so other contact methods are preferable.Take time to write a thoughtful message explaining:
- Who you are
- Your YouTube channel name and niche
- Which video(s) you want to reuse
- How you plan to repost them (embed, react, compile, etc.)
- How it benefits the original creator (driving views, traffic, exposure)
- Request for express permission to repost
The more details you give, the better chance creators will understand and approve the request!
Step 3: Get Express Written Permission
If a creator responds positively, explicitly ask if they will allow reposting of their specific video(s) in writing.For example: “Can you confirm in writing that I have permission to embed your video “Best Sci-Fi Books 2022” in my upcoming playlist?”The key is to get:
- Direct confirmation they consent to you reusing their exact video(s)
- Written record of consent via email, YouTube message, etc.
This documentation protects everyone in case of disputes later on.
If they agree, fantastic! Move ahead with reposting their videos legally.
Without express written permission, however, do NOT reuse any part of their copyrighted work. We’ll explore alternative options in that case later on.
Step 4: Repost Videos & Credit Original Creators
You have permission, so go ahead and repost videos in your planned format! Just be sure you:
Link to Original Videos
In video descriptions, pinned comments, channel banners, etc., provide links directing viewers back to the original uploads.
Credit Channels & Creators in Titles
For example: “Awesome Book Review (Credit: @originalchannel)”
Tag Channels in Descriptions
@ mention creator’s channel names in descriptions and metadata so they are credited within the platform.
Add Watermarks of Original Channels
Watermarking with the channel name and logo helps show viewers where videos originated.
Create Playlists Featuring Channels
Group videos together into playlists titled after their originating channels. Keep branding intact.Giving creators proper attribution ensures good faith in the repost agreement. Plus, it gives viewers ways to discover new channels they’ll love!
Alternative Options If No Repost Consent
Even with a polite request, some creators may not allow reposts. What then?
Review Fair Use Allowances
Fair use is a legal exception allowing use of copyrighted work without permission under certain conditions, such as:
- Commentary and criticism
- News reporting
- Education and research
- Parody
Review fair use standards carefully. If your video qualifies, you may reuse content without direct approval. However, fair use can be complex, so legal consultation is wise.
Link to Original Videos
Rather than reposting full videos without consent, you can share original links. Write blog posts, playlists, social posts linking out to great videos in your niche instead.
Create Unique Related Content
Make your own complementary videos discussing the creator’s work. Share your reactions, analysis, responses, without actually reusing their footage.
Request Alternate Permission
Ask if the creator allows their videos on platforms like Facebook or clipping for commentary videos rather than full reuploads to YouTube. They may provide permission for specific alternate uses.
The goal is supporting creators first and finding ways to legally add value from their work.
Common Questions Around Reposting YouTube Videos
Let’s review some frequent questions about legally reusing YouTube videos:
Can I repost YouTube videos to Instagram or TikTok?
You still need direct consent from video owners before reposting to other platforms. The permission process is the same.
What if I don’t get a response to a repost request?
No response does not equal consent. Do not reuse any content unless you have express written permission.
How do I credit a YouTube video in my own video?
Provide links, channel tags, watermarks, and verbal attribution in your video description. Thank creators verbally on-camera as well.
What if creators change their mind after granting permission?
Creators can revoke consent at any time. If they request you remove reposts, comply immediately.
Can I reuse YouTube videos commercially?
Making money from reposted content requires additional permission defining the commercial terms. Get approval first.
Does commentary qualify as fair use?
Commentary and criticism do often qualify as fair use. But educational parody, not just reaction videos, has the best protection. Seek legal advice.
What are the penalties for reposting without permission?
YouTube can issue copyright strikes, demonetize channels, or even terminate accounts with multiple violations. You may also face legal claims for damages.
Conclusion
The bottom line is you should never repost YouTube videos without express, written permission from the copyright holder.
However, most YouTubers are thrilled to allow reposts with proper credit to help their content reach new audiences.
By following this guide to legally get consent, repost with attribution, and build relationships – you can share great videos without any risk of copyright claims.
Just remember to put creators first! Added exposure through your platform gives them more views, subscribers, and opportunities to keep perfecting their craft. Support the creators you love by respecting their rights.
So go ahead – reach out and request to repost YouTube videos today. It’s a win-win way to showcase quality content while driving more viewers to diverse voices in your niche.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions around legally reposting YouTube videos:
Can I embed YouTube videos on my website?
Yes, YouTube’s terms of service allow embedding videos on websites with appropriate attribution. Links back to the original are still required.
What if the video includes licensed music or footage?
Get permission from all copyright holders, including music producers and footage creators, before reposting any part of a video.
Is it legal to download a YouTube video to repost?
Generally no. Downloading videos violates terms in most cases. Ask specifically if a creator allows downloads for reposting when requesting permission.
Can I remix or alter parts of a YouTube video if I have permission?
Get clarity if any edits or remixes are permitted in the consent agreement. Changing original work still requires explicit approval.
What if the original video is deleted – can I keep my repost up?
If creators delete their original uploads, they likely no longer want the content available publicly. Remove reposts out of respect.
Can I repost private or unlisted YouTube videos?
No, you cannot make any private videos public without extremely explicit permission to override the creator’s original distribution settings.
What are the rules for reposting YouTube videos on social media?
The same copyright permissions are required for reposting snippets or full videos on social media. Get written consent first.
I hope this thorough guide gives you a full understanding of how to legally repost YouTube videos with permission. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
