Last updated: October 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.
“No copyright intended.” “Copyright-free clip.” “Fair use.” These phrases appear under millions of videos — and most of them don’t protect anyone. If you use other people’s footage in TikToks, Reels or Shorts, understanding a few terms can save you from muted videos, demonetization, copyright strikes and lost channels.
First: almost everything is copyrighted
In most countries, copyright exists automatically the moment someone records a video. No registration, watermark or © symbol is needed. So when you find a clip online, the safe assumption is: someone owns it, and you need permission (a license) to reuse it.
The key terms explained
| Term | What it really means | Can you use it in monetized videos? |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty-free | A license that lets you use the work without paying per view or per use. It may be free or a one-time fee. The creator still owns the copyright. | Usually yes — within the license terms |
| Copyright-free | An informal phrase. Often used loosely to mean “free to use”, which isn’t a legal category. | Only if there’s an actual license or it’s public domain |
| Public domain | No copyright applies — it expired, or the owner waived it (for example with CC0). | Yes |
| Creative Commons | A family of standard licenses with different conditions (see below). | Depends on the license type |
| Fair use / fair dealing | A legal defense in some countries for uses like commentary, criticism or parody. Judged case by case. | Risky — not a permission |
Creative Commons licenses in plain English
- CC0 — no conditions. Use it any way you like.
- CC BY — free to use, including commercially, if you credit the creator.
- CC BY-SA — credit the creator and share your new work under the same license.
- NC (NonCommercial) — no commercial use. Monetized videos and sponsored posts are generally treated as commercial, so avoid NC content for those.
- ND (NoDerivatives) — you can’t edit or remix it, which rules out most short-form editing.
Free stock sites: what their licenses allow
Sites such as Pexels and Pixabay offer their own free licenses. In general they let you use clips in your own videos, including commercial ones, without paying or crediting (credit is appreciated). Common restrictions include:
- Don’t sell or redistribute the clips unchanged (for example, re-uploading them as your own stock library)
- Don’t suggest that people or brands shown in the clip endorse you
- Don’t use identifiable people in offensive or misleading ways
Always read the license page on the site you download from — terms differ and can change. Every Pexels clip in our hook library links back to its original Pexels page so you can check its license.
Five myths that get creators in trouble
1. “No copyright intended” protects me
It doesn’t. A disclaimer doesn’t give you a license.
2. “Under 5 seconds is fine”
There is no safe clip length. Short clips can still infringe, and automated systems like YouTube’s Content ID can match very short segments.
3. “I credited the creator, so it’s OK”
Credit is not permission — unless the license specifically says credit is all you need (like CC BY).
4. “It went viral, so it’s public”
Viral clips are still owned by whoever filmed them, and many are managed by licensing agencies that actively file claims.
5. “I’m not monetized, so it doesn’t matter”
Copyright applies whether or not you earn money. Monetization just makes claims more likely and more costly.
What happens if you use a clip without permission
- Content ID claim (YouTube): the owner may block the video, mute it, or take its ad revenue.
- Copyright strike: a formal takedown. On YouTube, three active strikes can lead to channel termination.
- Muted audio or removal on TikTok and Instagram, and reduced reach for repeat issues.
- Monetization rejection: platforms review reused content when you apply for programs like YouTube’s Partner Program or TikTok Creator Rewards.
Safe sources for hooks, B-roll and music
- Your own footage — always the safest, and the most original
- Free-license stock — Pexels, Pixabay and similar, used within their terms
- Platform libraries — the YouTube Audio Library, and the TikTok Commercial Music Library for business accounts
- Paid stock subscriptions — Storyblocks, Envato, Artlist and similar, which come with clear commercial licenses
- Direct permission — message the creator and get written permission (an email or DM screenshot) before using their clip
A quick safety checklist before you post
- Do I know who owns this clip?
- Do I have a license or written permission?
- Does the license allow commercial use and editing?
- Do I need to credit anyone?
- Have I saved a link or screenshot of the license?
FAQ
Is royalty-free the same as free?
No. Royalty-free means no ongoing per-use fees. Some royalty-free content is free; some costs a one-time fee.
Can I use movie or TV clips in my Shorts?
Generally not without a license. Commentary or criticism may be fair use in some countries, but it’s judged case by case and platforms may still remove the video.
What should I do if I get a copyright claim on content I’m licensed to use?
Dispute it through the platform and provide your license details. Keep license records for every clip you use.
Bottom line: assume every clip is owned, use content with a clear license, and keep records. It’s the simplest way to grow and monetize without risking your account.
