Editorial Use of Footage

A comprehensive guide to understanding and using editorial content

Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Please consult a professional for specific guidance.

What is Editorial Use?

Editorial use refers to the use of content (footage, photos, or other assets) for informational, non-commercial purposes. This includes use in news reports, documentaries, and educational material.

Such content often depicts real-world events, people, and locations. However, it is restricted from being used for commercial purposes, like advertising or branding.

What is Stock Footage?

Stock footage refers to pre-recorded video clips that are available for purchase or licensing. These clips are often used to save production time and costs in projects like movies, advertisements, or social media videos.

Stock footage is licensed under two main categories: commercial use and editorial use. Always check the license type before using stock footage in your projects.

Examples of Editorial Use

Example 1

Using footage of a protest in a news report.

Example 2

Including a shot of a famous landmark in a documentary.

Tips for YouTubers

1. Always respect copyright and licensing: If you use stock footage, ensure you’re following its license agreement. Editorial-use footage cannot be used in advertisements or branded content.
2. Use disclaimers: If you’re unsure about a clip’s usage rights, consider adding a disclaimer in your video description to clarify the purpose of the footage.
3. Avoid monetizing restricted content: Editorial content may result in copyright claims, so avoid monetizing such videos unless you’re sure they comply with YouTube’s policies.

Relevant Laws

United States: Fair Use Doctrine, First Amendment.

European Union: EU Copyright Directive, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Worldwide: Many countries follow similar principles for editorial and fair use. Always consult local laws if you’re unsure.