If you want to use a video from YouTube or another online source, be sure to check that the video is legally posted. Here are some tips:
- Look at the username of the account. Is it an individual or a company? Read the “About” information of the uploader. For example, it is unlikely an individual would have permission to post a TV show online. If the video is from a company’s YouTube channel, it is more likely that it is legally posted.
- Consider the video's content. Is it likely that the content was created by the person or company that posted it? For example, a professor’s lecture on their own channel.
- Does it include third-party content? If yes, does it mention that permission was obtained? If there is a notice such as "copyright infringement is not intended," the material likely belongs to someone else.
Embedding a video, which streams from the source, is recommended instead of downloading it. Feel free to email copyright@sheridancollege.ca if you have a question about using an online video.
Below is a list of websites where you can find videos and films in the public domain or licensed under Creative Commons. A majority of the materials are historical videos.
