How to place content on social networks without copyright violation

What is copyright

Copyright is a unique guardian of the intellectual property treasure trove, protecting works of science, literature, and art. It applies from the moment a work is created and for a certain period, which can vary depending on the type of work and the country.

For example, in Ukraine, the author’s economic rights are protected throughout their lifetime and for 70 years after death. Moral rights, such as the right to be recognized as the author and the right to the integrity of the work, are protected indefinitely. This creates a basis for preserving the integrity of the work and protecting the honor and reputation of the author.

At the intersection of creativity and legal space, copyright covers various fields—from musical compositions and visual arts to computer programs and architectural works. This right not only recognizes creators’ creative contributions to society but also provides them with exclusive ownership and control over the use of their works.

In social media, posts containing photos, text, or other materials created by someone else may potentially infringe on copyright if the user does not have the appropriate permission to use them.

Rules for the use of social networks and copyright

We all know that social media platforms have rules of use that users must adhere to. These rules may include restrictions on using materials that violate other users’ copyrights. Violating these rules can result in content removal or even account suspension.

For example, the Instagram Terms of Use state, “You represent that you own or have the necessary rights to all content you post or share.”
Furthermore, the platform provides a mechanism to protect copyrights if a user decides to publish someone else’s intellectual property. Posts that violate copyrights will be removed.

If users repeatedly publish content that violates copyrights, their account may be suspended or deleted according to Instagram’s policy on repeat infringements. Ensuring responsible use of copyrights helps the platform avoid damage to its reputation and negative user feedback. Moreover, these rules help avoid potential legal issues.

Legal use of someone else’s content

Is it possible to share someone else’s content without violating copyright? If so, how can this be done legally and ethically? The most straightforward answer is to publish content you have created yourself. If you have taken a photo, written a text, or made anything else, you are the author and have the right to publish it.

However, what should you do if you want to publish a video with a song from your favorite artist or a work by your favorite artist? To do this, you need to follow a few simple tips.

Get permission
Before publishing content that is not your own, obtaining permission from the author or rights holder is essential. To avoid potential problems, it is recommended that you get written permission or enter into a licensing agreement.

Of course, if a photo is taken, for example, by your friend, and he has given you oral permission to use it, this is usually sufficient.

However, if you own a well-known brand and are buying advertising from an influencer on Instagram, it is worth signing a licensing agreement transferring the copyright to the content they create for your brand. This helps avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings regarding the future use of the content.

Use stock photos and videos

Use stock photos or videos if you want to use a bright illustration for your blog but need help to create it.

Stock platforms are websites where images, videos, and music are posted for licensing and use in commercial and non-commercial projects. These platforms allow photographers and videographers to offer their creative works for general use. There are both paid and free stock resources on the market.

When using stock content, it is essential to carefully read and adhere to their licensing terms, as they may restrict commercial use and alteration of the content or require attribution.

For example, the platform Freestocks.org offers an extensive collection of photos for use. All images are accessible under the CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license. You can copy, modify, and use them in personal and commercial projects. However, the platform prohibits selling photos or publishing them on other stock sites.

Use social media music libraries

If you want to use music in your videos or stories for social media, and your favorite track is not available on a stock platform, you do not necessarily need to obtain personal permission from the author or buy a license.

Social media have obtained licenses for their use on your behalf by entering into agreements with collective management organizations for musical works, major music labels, and publishers that provide users access to many popular tracks. Select the desired track from the music library and add it to your video. The platform will automatically indicate the artist and song title under your post. This provides a convenient way to add musical accompaniment to your content without obtaining additional permissions.

Social media users should be careful with these tips to avoid copyright infringement. If you are still determining whether you can publish specific content, it is better to consult a specialist who can help you understand copyright issues in more detail.

Your copyright has been violated. What to do?

In the previous section, we discussed how not to violate the copyrights of others on social media. However, what should you do if someone else violates your copyrights?
This section offers specific advice and a strategy for effectively resolving such situations.

1. Contact the infringer

The first step is to personally contact the infringer and request the removal of the content. In your request, state that the content is protected by copyright and that you demand its removal or attribution to you as the author. It is also essential to provide evidence confirming your copyright, such as dated versions of files, links to original publications, or other evidence supporting your rights to the content.

2.Contact the social media support service

If the infringer does not remove the content or you cannot contact them, it is worth contacting the social media support service directly. Many social media platforms provide particular forms for reporting copyright infringement. Filling out these forms with a detailed description of the infringement and adding evidence can help expedite the resolution of the issue.

3. Seek legal protection

If the infringement is extensive and the author suffers significant damages, another effective way to protect copyright may be to seek legal protection through the court.

For example, suppose another person uses photos taken by a photographer on their page and passes them off as their own. In that case, this can cause significant damage to the copyright owner, as their creativity is being used without consent, leading to loss of potential income, reputational issues, and control over their works.

It is advisable to seek assistance from a lawyer for a more effective and competent resolution of copyright infringement issues. Professional help can be crucial in choosing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to protect your rights.

Conclusion

Legal and ethical use of content on social media is becoming an important part of virtual communication culture. Understanding the nature of copyright, the rules of social media use, and the terms of use of others’ content are key aspects of avoiding violations and maintaining respect for creativity and intellectual property online.

In case your copyrights are violated, it is important to take immediate action by contacting the platform administration or copyright protection organizations.

Responsible and lawful use of content on social media is a guarantee not only of harmonious communication but also of the preservation and support of a creative environment in the online community.