If you are looking at uploading TikTok videos to YouTube, and are wondering are TikTok videos copyrighted? We have the information on the latest copyright rules and regulations that you need to consider. If you’re unsure about copyright and what it means or if you’re partaking. We’ve got you covered. In our easy guide to understanding copyright and also how to work around it.

Are TikTok videos copyrighted on YouTube?

If you use short bursts of copyrighted music in a TikTok video allowed on the platform and then upload them to YouTube, you may face some errors. Uploading these videos with the sound on them can breach copyright guidelines. 

Many songs that are ok to be used on TikTok are not allowed on YouTube videos as the rights are not the same. 

If you intend to upload your TikTok videos/ or compilation videos from TikTok to YouTube, you need to make sure that you remove any music which doesn’t belong to you. 

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Are TikTok videos copyrighted?

TikTok advises that they respect its users’ intellectual property rights and expect the same back in return from them. The TikTok community guidelines recommend that sharing, posting or sending any content that violates or infringes someone else’s copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property can result in the removal of content.

It’s also worth noting sometimes it can result in a ban on your account. Sometimes, the creator can take further action against those who breached the copyright agreement.

How to get around TikTok copyright music?

To avoid copyright on TikTok, add sound to your video via the TikTok editor. Although it may be tempting to use a third-party editing app, doing it via TikTok makes the process easier and is less likely to get your video claimed. Here’s how you go about fixing your video, so TikTok doesn’t copyright it.

  • If your video already includes a copyrighted song, the way to avoid this being taken down is by adding your sound to it and turning the original down to 0.
  • Using the TikTok app to add sound will not get your video taken down, as TikTok will already have its licensing. In order to use this, you need a personal account as the copyright licensing is different for a business account.
  • If you choose to use a third-party app, be sure not to use any songs you don’t have the licensing. As TikTok will autodetect this and will just set your video to private.

How to upload a TikTok video on YouTube without copyright?

If you’re unsure as to whether you can upload a video from TikTok without copyright, we’d recommend undergoing these steps first to protect your video from being copyrighted: 

  • Modify the audio
  • Crop video footage
  • Add a video overlay
  • Include a voiceover 

If you’re unsure how to do any of these steps, keep reading for further information on how to do each one. 

Modify the audio:

Considering a lot of TikTok’s include popular music and when uploaded to YouTube. They will then be instantly banned on copyright grounds. Therefore if you plan on adding any TikTok’s with popular music on to YouTube, make sure you remove the audio if possible or add a different royalty-free track over the top. If this is a lip sync video, this may not work.

Crop video footage:

This is an excellent way around the copyright on YouTube. By cropping video footage, it is more likely to be seen as unique. Crop video footage before uploading it or upload it as part of a compilation, this proves less likely to flag as it isn’t in its original format. 

Adding a visual video overlay:

Have you ever watched a TikTok/Vine compilation on YouTube? You will notice they always have something around the outside? Whether that is a black border, a channel logo, or flipping the video, these are all ways to make your content look unique to YouTube.

Include a voiceover:

Using a voiceover can fix your copyright issue, as YouTube allows a fair usage policy. Meaning small bursts of video from YouTube/other channels can be used. However, this is usually only a very short clip. Adding your voice on top of a video can fix the issue with ease. 

Is it legal to download TikTok videos?

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

Most TikTok videos are freely available to download, as, unlike other social media platforms, TikTok has the option to save the video to your device in a matter of steps. When you choose to download the TikTok video, you will be offered a choice of where to download the video, such as other programs like Whatsapp and Messanger or even just directly to your gallery.

Although you can download most videos in this way. Be sure that the video you want to download isn’t protected. If it is, you will be unable to locate the option to download the video. To do this you will have to use 3rd party apps – however, this can be risky in terms of copyright, especially if you share it elsewhere.

Whether you’re a YouTuber or TikToker, following copyright rules is super important to protect yourself and your work. If you’re unsure of which laws apply, be sure to check out the terms of service for the site.