The need for free and legal video content is higher than ever. If you run a YouTube channel, make Shorts, or produce any type of video, you may wonder how you can use other creators’ work without copyright headaches. Creative Commons videos on YouTube offer a solution—but only if you know how to find and use them right.
This guide gives you a clear path to finding and using Creative Commons videos for your projects. Whether you’re searching on desktop or mobile, for commercial content or personal use, you’ll learn the fastest way to locate and check these videos, so you can add new material to your channel with confidence.
What Are Creative Commons Videos on YouTube?
Creative Commons licenses allow creators to share their work so others can reuse it, usually with some basic rules. On YouTube, you’ll see two main types of licenses:
- Standard YouTube License: Most videos are protected by this, meaning you can’t reuse or remix them.
- Creative Commons License (CC BY 3.0): A Creative Commons Attribution license lets you copy, reuse, edit, and even use the footage for commercial purposes, as long as you give proper credit to the original creator.
If you’ve ever seen a YouTube video description that mentions something like “Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)”, that’s what you’re after. With a proper credit, you can legally add these clips to your own videos, intros, or even commercial projects.
Why Credit Is Required
Giving credit is not just polite—it’s the law under Creative Commons licenses. Usually, you’ll need to mention the creator’s name and a link to the original video. Missing this step can still bring copyright issues, so take it seriously.
Practical Examples:
- Need copyright-free music for your vlog outro? Search for tracks that mention “Creative Commons” in their title or description.
- Want a nature background for your short film? Search for Creative Commons landscape or wildlife videos on YouTube.
How to Find Creative Commons Videos on YouTube (Step by Step)
Finding Creative Commons content only takes a minute, but the right technique matters. Follow these steps to make sure you’re searching the right way:
- Type a Keyword or Topic in the YouTube Search Bar
Think about what you need—”city timelapses Creative Commons”, “stock drone footage”, or “free music 2024”. - Apply the Creative Commons Filter
Once the search results appear, look for the Filters button just below the search bar. Click it, then select ‘Creative Commons’ under Features. This tells YouTube to only show videos that are marked under a CC license. - Review and Select Your Video
Scroll through the results and pick a video that looks useful. - Check the License Details
Before downloading or reusing, open the video and select “Show More” in the description. Look for an explicit statement of the Creative Commons license. If it’s not present, don’t use the video.
Doing It on Mobile
Finding Creative Commons videos on mobile is similar:
- Search your terms,
- Tap the filter icon (generally tucked behind three lines or dots),
- Select ‘Creative Commons’ in the options, and
- Double-check each video’s description for license details.
Pro Tip: Always use specific search phrases like “free creative commons b-roll” or “creative commons travel footage” for faster, more accurate results.
Related reading: For more on YouTube’s license types, check out the official License types on YouTube page.
How to Double-Check a Video’s Creative Commons License
YouTube’s filter does its best, but sometimes videos are mislabeled. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered:
- Open the video and hit “Show More” (or swipe up on mobile) to expand the video’s description.
- Check for the “Creative Commons — Attribution” mention, usually with a version number like 3.0.
- If you don’t see clear licensing details, or if you see confusing copyright info, play it safe and skip that video.
If in doubt, move on to the next one. You want videos with unmistakable Creative Commons labeling. Misusing a mislabeled video can result in copyright takedowns.
Creative Commons Video Library and Alternative Sources
YouTube used to have a dedicated Creative Commons video library, but it’s no longer active for new uploads. Today, you’ll find Creative Commons options using search and filters only.
Want more options than YouTube provides? Try platforms like Pixabay or Pexels for free stock videos, or dive into the CC Search Portal for media across multiple sites.
For royalty-free music, channels like Audio Library – Music for Content Creators on YouTube or linked sources can keep your project safe from copyright claims.
Always review the license wherever you download. Every source is different, and you are responsible for following each license’s requirements.
Best Practices and Legal Tips for Using Creative Commons Videos
Using Creative Commons content isn’t a free-for-all. To avoid missteps, stick to these best practices:
- Credit Every Time: Mention the original creator in your video description and (if possible) in the video itself.
- Keep License Info Accessible: Save a copy of the license terms or a screenshot with your project files.
- Avoid Vague or Unlisted Licenses: If the video doesn’t spell out the license—or if it’s only hinted at—look for another video.
- Don’t Remove Original Credits: Never crop or cover a video’s watermarked credit, and don’t claim it’s your work.
- Stay Updated with YouTube Policy: Read up on YouTube’s licensing FAQ to keep up with rule changes.
- Verify Commercial Permissions: Not every Creative Commons license allows commercial use, though the standard ‘BY’ version on YouTube does as long as you give credit.
Conclusion
The smartest creators know how to use free resources without fear of copyright issues. By searching with the right filters, checking every video’s license, and always giving credit, you can safely use Creative Commons videos on YouTube.
Don’t assume every video under the Creative Commons filter is safe; pause to double-check. Keep records of every license, and when in doubt, use another source or your own footage.