When it Comes to YouTube, Do the Right Thing

 We all want to be YouTube sensations, but we want to do it on our own terms. We want our channel to be the most watched in its category, but we also want to upload videos whenever we feel like it. Most of us are unwilling to play by the rules, but there’s no denying that YouTube does have certain copyright policies that need to be followed if you’re going to avoid getting your account taken down or getting sued by one of your content providers. Here are some guidelines that will help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do when using YouTube as your video hosting platform.




A message from a new channel

Ishan here! I’ve started a channel on Youtube dedicated to technology  Mindless medal. It would mean a lot if you subscribed and gave me some feedback. If you like what you see, spread the word and let others know about my channel. Let’s make online video an even better experience for everyone! Thanks again and take care :)


Things you can do

 Plan your videos. This may seem obvious, but before you start filming or working on a video, take some time to think about what you're going to say. Don't try and write out an entire script or presentation ahead of time - although we do recommend scripting out at least one version of each video - but planning out your video beforehand can make a big difference in how engaging and creative it ends up being. . Link back to sources whenever possible. For example, if you are using images from other creators that have a link on their webpage (say on their website or social media profile), always make sure that there is a link back in your description field of where you got them from so they will get credit for their work! .


Have you been hit with copyright strikes?

Not sure if you have received a copyright strike from YouTube? find out! And if you’ve received a strike, be sure not to make these same mistakes that got other people in trouble. Read on for more information about how copyright strikes work and what you can do if you are hit with one. What are some ways I can avoid getting my video taken down?: Although they're not foolproof, there are several things you can do to protect your content and avoid getting a copyright strike: Include clear fair use language when posting content that is owned by someone else (e.g., Copyrighted material used under Fair Use. All rights reserved.). This is especially important when posting songs or clips of TV shows or movies. Also include any additional details such as attribution of your source; an example would be This song was produced by Artist X (but don't add false information!). Make sure all of your audio matches up correctly with your video – sometimes edits can cause audio/video to get out of sync which could get flagged as well!


Should you take down your video?

The good news is that you don’t have to let a potential copyright violation get in your way. If you’re using third-party music in your video, check with their customer service teams first. Some companies have generous policies and won’t penalize you for a minor mistake. Others might require that you replace or re-edit your video entirely (which could be an opportunity to use royalty-free music instead). If there’s no response from customer service after two weeks, feel free to remove any content that might violate a copyright—or simply re-title your video so that it doesn't include someone else's work.


What happens when other people upload your video?

You should keep in mind that you are not given full control over your video on YouTube. If someone else uploads your video using a different name, you have no control over what is being said or done with your property. If there is a copyright claim or if they used your video for commercial purposes without crediting you, you may need to go through a legal process before getting control of your work again.


Let’s talk about Fair Use!

Fair Use is a provision of copyright law that allows for copyrighted material to be reused under specific circumstances. There are four factors determining Fair Use: The purpose and character of your use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; The nature of copyrighted work; The amount and substantiality of portion used in relation to whole; and The effect of use upon potential market.


How do I defend my video?

When you upload a video and later receive a notice from YouTube that a user has flagged your video for copyright infringement, you may feel confused. Here’s what happened. Someone watched your video and decided he or she doesn’t like its content—whether that’s because they disagree with your point of view or simply find it offensive. It’s their right as a viewer (and their prerogative as an Internet citizen) to respond to it by flagging your video for removal.


DMCA strikes and responses - what they mean

You may not have heard of DMCA strikes—but if you’re a YouTuber who makes money from your videos, then you need to know about them. If one is issued against your account for copyright infringement, take care! If multiple strikes are issued within a three-month period (the second time should be another strike for copyright), your account will be terminated. 


My video was taken down! What should I do?

First of all, don’t panic. No matter how big or small your channel is now, being hit with a copyright notice can be an upsetting experience. But that doesn’t mean you should just roll over and give up your right to use material you believe is legal (or fair use). 


Conclusion – Youtube is serious about this stuff. Be careful out there!

If you’re worried about your work being stolen on YouTube, don’t be. Copyrighting and protecting your material is no small feat. The last thing you want is for someone else to profit off of your hard work. If you see a video that uses any of your content without giving credit back where it's due, ask them politely if they could either remove or give credit to your channel in exchange for a link back. It helps not only yourself but other channels as well - after all we are in the same community and should be looking out for each other! Happy vlogging my friends! :)

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