LinkedIn live event : do you have the rights to your social media content?
Vicky White, Founder of White Communications, co-hosted a LinkedIn Live Event with John Pryor, Founder of Exalt IP, where they delved into the complex world of social media rights and content ownership.
They shed light on important aspects such as copyright, image usage, potential risks, and best practices for businesses and individuals alike. In this blog we will share key points from the session so you can be sure of your rights when posting on social media.
Event topics overview:
Social media can be brilliant for promoting your business but what are the pitfalls:
• Can you just copy and paste photos onto social media?
• Is it ok for someone to use my photo?
• What are the risks from Instagram, BeReal, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn?
• What are the trade mark (brand / logo) passing off and counterfeit risks on social media
• Who is managing your reputation online?
What Photos, Music, and Videos Can You Use on Social Media?
One of the critical concerns addressed was the usage of photos, music, and videos on social media platforms. When it comes to design tools like Canva, the copyright ownership varies based on whether you used third-party content or original designs. While you maintain copyright if you are the creator of an original design, the usage rights for third-party content are subject to their respective copyrights.
Similarly, stock image websites provide a valuable resource for visual content. Images labelled for commercial use can generally be used freely in commercial contexts. However, it is highly encouraged to credit the photographers as a way of showing appreciation for their work. Websites like Unsplash provide instructions on how to properly give credit to photographers when using their images.
Copyright on Videos and Music
They also discussed the importance of understanding copyright when it comes to videos and music. Licensed sources like Canva offer video elements that can be used with confidence as long as you have a premium subscription. When it comes to filming your own videos, you automatically hold the copyright unless you incorporate copyrighted music.
Using music can be tricky due to copyright restrictions. Personal accounts often have more access to copyright-free music compared to businesses. To avoid any copyright claims, it is advisable to look for royalty-free music sources like Uppbeat. However, businesses should ensure they have the appropriate plan to use the music legally.
Does Instagram Use Your Photos?
One of the common questions raised during the event was regarding Instagram’s usage of users’ photos. While Instagram doesn’t legally own your photos, it retains the right to use them as it sees fit indefinitely. It is essential to be aware of this when sharing personal or sensitive content on the platform.
Resharing Articles and Understanding Usage Rights
During the session, we touched upon the topic of resharing images from articles. Generally, it is not advisable to reshare images directly from articles without proper permission. However, some articles provide a shared feature that may display a featured image when shared using their dedicated buttons. Always exercise caution and respect the original creator’s rights when sharing content.
UGC and Legal Considerations
User-Generated Content (UGC) is a powerful asset for businesses, but it is crucial to navigate its usage legally. When utilising UGC, it is essential to obtain explicit permission from the content creator. Engage with customers and clients, ask for their consent using branded hashtags, and provide clear credit by tagging them directly in your post. Respecting intellectual property rights is a must.
Catch up here
If you would like to watch the full recording for more insights and tips you can watch the video here on LinkedIn – here.
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