3 Facts about YouTube's Terms of Service that Every Creator should be Aware Of

By publishing videos on YouTube, you agree to the site’s Terms of Service. By not respecting that Terms of Service, you run the risk of having your account banned and see real consequences on your business.

 These three facts about YouTube’s Terms of Service are worth noting for any creator. Every publisher should be aware of these three things. They will save time and money, and will ensure you remain in compliance with all the relevant laws and legislation associated with online video publication.

 There’s no Charging to Watch Content

 Don’t charge people to watch your video content on YouTube, as agreed on by your commitment to the site’s Terms of Service. There are specific commercial uses not allowed on YouTube, including selling access to content without the written approval of YouTube. For example, creating an instructional video and putting it on a private channel on YouTube, you are not legally allowed to charge people to watch it. If this is what you want to do, you need to host the video on a different platform. Or, upload it to YouTube and then embed that video on another paid-for platform. This is perfectly allowed, as long as the users are not viewing said video directly on YouTube.

 You Need to Gain Permission to use Music

 Every content creator should know that you can’t just use music without giving it a second thought. Any music you use, you need to secure permission before including it in a video. Not doing so will get you into trouble and is a violation of the community guidelines. There are three possible things that could happen by using unauthorized music. YouTube may simply mute the audio to your video, the account may get a strike against it or be shut down entirely, or the owner of the music you used without permission may file a lawsuit. Though any sort of legal action is unlikely, it is still a possibility. Always be sure to ask for permission or use music that is considered to be in the public domain.

 Respect the Video Copyright of Other Creators

 Copyright not only applies to music but it applies to videos as well. By manipulating sound or video, you are breaking copyright law and put your account in jeopardy. As long as you don’t own the rights, you are putting yourself at risk. Don’t do it. YouTube will inevitably flag the content, take it down, and your account will be punished. Don’t use someone else’s video without seeking prior permission.

 Keeping your YouTube channel legally abiding and active is key to ensuring success on the platform. YouTube is an amazing platform to get the word out. Anyone serious about social media marketing, when you reach a certain level, YouTube must fix into your plan. Beyond developing engaging content, it must also adhere to the necessary legal requirements recognized in the Terms of Service. Stay legit, comply, and reap the rewards accordingly. Consumers will thank you with views and attention, and you’ll be saving yourself a lot of headaches down the line when a video that does not comply is suddenly yanked down without warning.