How to Follow Copyright Laws While Using YouTube

The popular video Web site YouTube allows virtually anyone to submit videos to a large Internet audience. YouTube has a strict policy against members using copyrighted material, unless that material is submitted by the individual holding the copyright. Here's a quick guide to YouTube's copyright policies.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer

Instructions

Follow Copyright Laws on YouTube

1. Log on to the YouTube home page (see the Resources section below).

2. Select the 'Help Center' tab to reach the home page of YouTube's Help section.

3. Click on the link to 'Policy And Copyright Guidelines.' In the section labeled 'Copyright Guidelines,' click on the link 'What Is Your Policy On Copyright Infringement?' Read the brief explanation of YouTube's policies, and then click on the link to 'Copyright Tips.'

4. Read through the copyright laws and guidelines found on this comprehensive page first. When you're ready to upload your own content, you need only be certain that you are the owner of the video and all its contents and that no copyright laws or regulations from this page are violated.

5. Use the links at the bottom of the page to access more information on copyrights.

6. Understand that you cannot upload videos of TV shows, movies, movie trailers, concerts, commercials or other publicly broadcasted material. You also can't upload videos that contain material from other people's Web sites without their permission.

Report Copyright Infringement to YouTube

1. Access the DMCA Complaint Page.

2. Read through the possible copyright laws and violations, and verify that the content in question is indeed an infringement.

3. Supply the requested information and copyright proof to the provided address. This process cannot be done via email. You must send the physical proof to the address provided.

Tips & Warnings

• It's important to understand that unless you are the creator of the content, you have no inherent right to post videos on YouTube.

• Access YouTube's Copyright Tips directly by typing 'Copyright Tips' into the Search box on the YouTube Help home page or by typing the URL 'http://www.youtube.com/t/howto_copyright' into your browser.

• You must get permission from the copyright holder if you are plan to upload content that you do not hold the copyright to.

• If you don't follow copyright laws while using YouTube, you could be sued by the copyright holder for money damages.