If you go online and create a video for a social media campaign, you may believe that you retain the rights to it. Sometimes, that’s true. In other cases, you may not retain your ownership or control over that video.
Here’s an example. When you signed up for TikTok or any other social media platform, you probably had to agree to the terms of service (TOS). In the TOS, there was likely a section about the company’s right to use your video, the right of others to share, duet or copy your videos and more.
When it comes to your rights, the contract is what’s in control. Usually, the social media company creates a contract that allows them to use your pictures or content without needing permission or to pay you. For example, if the platform wants to use your video to promote itself, it likely can without repercussions.
What are the rules for some of the top social media platforms?
Every social media platform is a little bit different. For example, at YouTube, you retain the rights to your content. However, the company has significant licensing rights and can reproduce, display or otherwise use your content within its own content.
On Snapchat, the terms of service state that the app can license, display, store and use your content. The contract also gives it the right to adapt and edit, promote, broadcast, display and exhibit your content. Essentially, it can use your content royalty-free.
A third major social media platform, Twitter, gives you the rights to some of your content. However, it also retains heavy licensing rights. It also gives others the right to use your content through the app’s functions. Tweets aren’t generally protected by copyright, unless they are shown to be particularly creative and original.
Finally, there is Facebook. The company also has extensive permissions for licensing your content, but there is an exception. You can control your privacy settings to limit how much access the company has to your uploads. Facebook also loses the right to your content if you delete your account.
These are a few social media platforms that try to control your content. Be sure to read the TOS on any platform, so you can understand how to protect your intellectual property.