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Clip Videos and Copyright: Why Unauthorized Clips Are Risky and How to Make Them Safely
Are clip videos OK under copyright? A plain guide to the problems with unauthorized clipping, how authorized clips differ, and how to make clip videos with peace of mind.
When people want to make clip videos, the first thing many of them wonder is, “Is this OK under copyright?”
In short, clipping without permission may infringe copyright. With footage you have permission to use from the rights holder, however, you can create with confidence. This article covers how clip videos relate to copyright, the risks of unauthorized clipping, and how to make clips safely. For decisions about a specific case, please consult a specialist.
Do clip videos infringe copyright?
Copying, editing and posting someone else’s video on social media without permission may infringe rights under copyright law, such as the rights of reproduction, adaptation and public transmission. A video can also involve the rights of the music and the performers, not only those of the person who made the footage.
Making it shorter does not make it OK, and adding subtitles does not make it your own work. Quotation is only allowed when certain conditions are met, such as your own text or commentary being the main part and the quoted part being secondary. A clip video that simply strings highlights together is unlikely to count as quotation.
What are the risks of unauthorized clipping?
- The rights holder may demand removal or compensation for damages
- Social platforms may remove the video, and repeated removals can get the account suspended
- On YouTube, it may be treated as “reused content” and excluded from monetization
- On Instagram and TikTok too, accounts that mainly repost others’ content are less likely to be recommended
An account that was growing can become unusable overnight. To avoid losing the followers and track record you have built, it is important to check the rights to your footage first.
Authorized clips are safe
More and more streamers and companies now actively want people to make clip videos of their content, because short videos help many people discover it.
Authorized clipping takes forms such as these:
- The streamer has published official clipping guidelines, and you work within those terms
- You are commissioned directly by a streamer or company
- You use official footage provided by the rights holder through a clip job site
In every case, the permitted scope is defined, such as which scenes, music and logos may be used and whether monetization is allowed. Read the terms carefully and stay within them.
Checklist for making clip videos safely
- Can you confirm permission to use the footage in a document or on a web page?
- Have you read the permitted scope (scenes, music, monetization)?
- For company work, did you add #PR and each platform’s ad label?
- Does the way you cut someone’s remarks avoid giving a false impression?
- Have you avoided generating or replacing performers’ faces or voices with AI?
If you are unsure which influencer to ask, nicoichii will propose a selection that fits your goals and budget.
Talk to us about casting →KIRIBUZZ: make clips from official footage
KIRIBUZZ, run by nicoichii Inc., is a clip video job site that provides official footage owned by companies to approved creators. The commissioning company confirms the rights before providing the footage, so creators can focus on clipping without worrying about rights. The permitted scope and guidelines for each job are shown in advance.
Registration and participation are free. For details, see how KIRIBUZZ works and its rules.
Talk to nicoichii about influencer and talent casting
From TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube influencers to talent and artists, we propose the right people and campaign ideas for your budget and goals. Feel free to reach out even if you are still at the “I don’t know who to ask” stage.