Can I Trim Movies to Clips and Upload Them to YouTube?

Overview

Yes, you can trim movies to clips and upload them to YouTube, but certain guidelines must be followed to ensure compliance with YouTube's policies, particularly regarding monetization and copyright.

Monetization Guidelines

For monetization, background music from TV shows or any other logos must be avoided. Cropping the clip to show only relevant segments can help. Once you have edited the clip appropriately, you can upload it and monetize it, but there are some additional steps you should consider to increase your chances of success.

Disclaimer

Refer to your YouTube Monetization center for detailed information on the policies and procedures. Monetization guidelines are available on your profile, so ensure you check these thoroughly.

Copyright Considerations

YouTube's policy on music and video clips is based on the principle of "fair use." Fair use is an interpretation of how and why you are using the content. It is important to ensure that your use of the clip fits within the fair use guidelines. For example, if you are creating a video about "Video editing techniques" or "Lighting for action films" and include a few seconds of clips to make your point, clearly acknowledging the owners, it is likely to be acceptable. The clip should be part of a larger compilation and strictly relevant to your discussion piece.

Safe Practices for Monetization

To be ultra-safe, it is recommended to send your finished piece off to all the owners and seek permission. Keep the permission emails for future reference. Companies can change ownership, and new owners might come in just to make money from past works that have become free to the public.

Content ID System

YouTube's Content ID system will not detect clips shorter than 28 seconds unless you use even a 20-second clip, as I have personally experienced. This system is designed to prevent copyright infringement, so even if short clips are eligible, the system might still claim them due to its strict policies.

Key Takeaways: Ensure you follow YouTube's policies regarding fair use and copyright. Avoid using copyrighted music or logos in your clips. Obtain permission from content owners to improve your chances of successful monetization. Be aware that even short clips can be subject to copyright claims through YouTube's Content ID system.