Use only content you created yourself
Get written permission or a license for any third-party content
Use royalty-free or properly licensed music, sound effects, images, and video clips
Keep proof of licenses, permissions, and purchases
Use public domain content only when you have verified it is truly public domain
Use Creative Commons content only if you follow the license terms exactly
Avoid using movie clips, TV clips, sports footage, and copyrighted music without permission
Avoid reuploading other creators’ content
Use YouTube’s built-in audio library for music and sound effects
Check content before uploading with copyright detection tools when available
Read and follow YouTube’s copyright policies and the rights holder’s license terms
Use short quotations only when allowed by law and platform policy
Transformative use does not guarantee protection from copyright claims
If you receive a claim, review it and remove or replace the disputed content if needed