What to do about stricter copyright rules on YouTube

In December I came across a video of tweens doing a parody of my own parody video Only Gay. They were lip-synching the lyrics to the song, dancing, doing head snaps, etc. I of course wasn’t offended at all, but actually flattered by the parody (unfortunately, just found out that it wasn’t on YouTube anymore when I was trying to find the link to it) and found some truth in a comment that someone on my Facebook page wrote when he saw it: “the internet is dangerous in the wrong hands. LOL”.

What may actually be dangerous is that at the same time, Google launched a crackdown on  copyright rules-violators on YouTube by using  software that automatically detects unauthorized content. The videos are being blocked by the software as soon as they’ve been uploaded on YouTube. The reason behind this “online bust,” is so people who owned/created original content could get found easily, instead of the people who merely did parodies or remakes on their video properties.

ReelSEO columnist Grant Crowell and his lawyers aired a podcast discussion about this, with tips on how YouTubers can avoid getting in trouble with the software. Crowell advised YouTubers to get a lawyer so that they’ll be guided on whether their videos are legit or not before they start filming them, and to trademark their content. In reality, it’s pretty unlikely that most of us would take either of those precautions, but the bigger you get on YouTube (and the more money you make from it as a Partner) the more likely you’d want to actually take those steps.

Here are some of the other tips he shared:

1. Sell your rights, and buy rights.

2. Always ask permission when wanting to use somebody else’s content. And in case you hadn’t (by accident) and went on to film your video, don’t rationalize your ignorance either.

3. Be aware of contracts and know your rights. Be knowledgable about Fair Use too.

4. Beef up on copyright issues by watching the LegalVideoGuys channel (social media lawyers) on YouTube.

It is definitely a good idea to adhere to YouTube’s copyright rules when uploading content, but there’s always a fine line with things that fall under Fair Use and in the end I think you have to make an educated decision and go with it. YouTube woudn’t be as bit as it is now if there hadn’t have been so many copyrighted things uploaded to it in the beginning (and even now).

Legal issues will continue to be confusing/changing/complicated when it comes to online video, but as long as you stay informed and then decide on what level of risk you’re comfortable with, then move forward creating and uploading content as you see fit (and let me know any repercussions you encounter along the way)!

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YouTube Comment of the Day:

TeegsProject365 has made a comment on Double Dream Hands Parody: bahahahahah this is SOO AWESOME! lol died! You are a great dancer!