This blog will guide you through what copyright is, why it's important, and day-to-day practical advice on how to avoid infringement on digital media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter.
Copyright is a statutory right given to original works of authorship. It includes images, videos, music, text, graphics, and so on. One has the copyright over it automatically by the time one creates an original work of art. This means other individuals cannot use, distribute, adapt, or reproduce the material without the owner's authorization.
Social media is based on content. However, the utilization of copyrighted material without authorization will lead to:
Content removal
Account suspension or ban
Legal proceedings and penalties
Reputation harm
Social media platforms have strong copyright policies to protect material and employ features like Content ID (on YouTube) and automated takedown notices (on Instagram and Facebook) to detect infringement.
Here are some major ways to avoid copyright on social media:
Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted content without permission. It's a gray area and only pertains to specific circumstances such as:
Commentary and criticism
Parody
Educational use
News reporting
Even in these cases, the use must be transformative, meaning it adds new expression or meaning. Simply reposting or slightly modifying someone’s work doesn’t qualify as fair use.
Tip: Consult legal advice if you’re unsure whether your usage qualifies as fair use.
As a safety measure, utilize content that is tagged for reuse:
Royalty-free media can be utilized without ongoing payments, but might continue to require attribution or usage restrictions.
Creative Commons licenses allow creators to share their work with diverse permissions. Always view the individual terms of the license.
Significant sources of free reusable content:
Pixabay (images & videos)
Unsplash (images)
Pexels (images & videos)
Free Music Archive (audio)
YouTube Audio Library (music for creators)
If you are making use of content to which there is a license to use with attribution, make sure to give:
Name of creator
Title of the work (when known)
Source (with URL where available online)
Type of license
This is doing the right thing by the creator and is good ethical practice, even when not legally required.
The best way to avoid copyright infringement is to create your work. When you:
Have your photos and videos
Write captions and blogs yourself
Produce your audio
If you need design help, then employ a designer or use web programs like Canva that possess freely available templates.
Sharing other people's work or user-generated content (UGC) might build trust and community, but only if done correctly.
Best practices for reposts:
Ask for written permission via DM or email
Utilize platform-native repost tools (e.g., Instagram's "Reels remix" or TikTok's "Stitch")
Always give credit to the original creator in the video or caption
Music is a common source of copyright infringement, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels. The majority of songs are copyrighted, and using them without permission can result in muted videos or takedown.
Tips to stay safe with music:
Utilize built-in music libraries on platforms
Choose royalty-free or license-cleared songs
Sign up to licensed music subscriptions like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or AudioJungle
Each platform has its copyright policies. Read and become familiar with them:
Instagram Copyright Center
Facebook Rights Manager
YouTube Copyright Policies
TikTok Intellectual Property Policy
Twitter Copyright Policy
Reading them now and then will protect you from accidental infringements.
If you receive a copyright takedown notice:
Don't panic. Verify the claim to see if it's legitimate.
Remove the material if it's infringing.
Submit a counter-notification if you believe that you are entitled to use it (e.g., fair use or licensed).
Disregarding notices can lead to strikes, account suspension, or legal action.
Watermark your photos or videos if you're worried about other people copying your work. It will not entirely stop theft, but it's a deterrent and ownership proof.
Software such as Canva, Photoshop, and InShot make it easy and fast to watermark.
If you're an artist, software such as Pixsy, Copyscape, or Google Reverse Image Search assist in monitoring whether someone is utilizing your content without your permission.
Some sites provide their own protection features:
Facebook Rights Manager guards video content
YouTube Content ID inspects uploads for copyrighted content
Instagram Rights Manager assists with image and video rights management
Obeying copyright on social media isn't just about staying out of trouble—it's about enabling creativity and fair use. In a world where content is money, honoring your own work and honoring others' rights fosters healthier, more moral online culture.
By adhering to these principles:
Use only original or licensed content
Credit when appropriate
Keep abreast of platform guidelines
Behave responsibly when re-posting or sharing you can avoid copyright infringement and build a credible online reputation.
Avoidance of copyright infringement on social media is something every user should remember. Not only does it protect you from the threat of legal consequences, but it also promotes a sense of creative respect and harmony on the web. Learn more about social media marketing by joining social media marketing courses at London Crown Institute of Training to know more about licensed material, give proper credits, create original content, and each site's policies. When in doubt, ask permission. By following these simple steps, you can guarantee that you will be compliant and safe as a social media user.
