A convenient download can become an expensive production problem when the permission does not match the job. Before commissioning a video, decide who supplies music, photographs and customer footage and who checks their terms. This is a practical permissions checklist. It does not decide the legal status of a particular work or replace advice about a disputed use.

Check the exact use rather than the label “free”

Read the source’s current licence for commercial use, paid advertising, editing, duration and platform restrictions. Save the asset identifier, source link, licence text and purchase record if applicable. A subscription or platform music library may cover some uses but not every redistribution. If the terms are unclear, choose a different asset or request written clarification. Our recommendation is to attach this evidence to the project before the editor builds the final creative around it.

Keep platform-specific music rules separate

YouTube says Audio Library material is known to it as copyright-safe, and some tracks require attribution. Its Help page also explains that it cannot advise on issues arising off-platform. Do not turn that statement into a universal licence for every social network or advertisement. Check the particular track and intended destination. Naming an artist in a caption is not a substitute for the permission your use requires. Keep the exact credit wording where the licence asks for it.

Check the photograph and the people shown in it

For photographs, record the creator or library, permitted use and any restrictions accompanying the asset. Confirm permission before using a customer’s photograph as a testimonial or showing private work on screen. Removing a watermark does not establish permission. Where a client provides material, ask them to identify its source and any restrictions rather than assuming ownership. Keep original files intact and distinguish editorial reference images from assets approved for public advertising.

A hypothetical café shoot: approve the assets before editing

A café wants one video for its website and a paid social campaign. The brief lists its own product footage, an authorised staff appearance and a music track licensed for the intended uses. Before publishing, one named person checks the evidence, credits and export destinations. If a track cannot be cleared, replace it before launch. Keep a simple asset register so later reposts or campaign changes trigger a fresh permissions check rather than an unsupported assumption.

READ THE ORIGINAL SOURCES

Sources & further reading

Put the next step into practice.

Tell me about your business and we can discuss a practical plan.

Let’s talk on WhatsApp