Video sharing is on fire from all quarters. First, Viacom took a punch at YouTube, but other large companies have done so as well. If the Napster story is any clue, you can bet the courts will step in rule in favor of the companies who feel as though they are being shafted by video owners sharing their video content with non-owners. But this will only affect those video owners who share content that was produced by someone else. In short, you will need to get permission before you share video content.
Most video marketers, however, produce their own videos. But what about those who do not? Is there any protection? Here are a few pointers if you want to get involved in video social marketing:
- Produce your own videos; do not use someone else’s content
- If you do use someone else’s content, get permission first
- Understand Fair Use Law and act appropriately
- Give proper attribution for material that is not yours
- When it doubt, throw it out
Play it on the safe side. Eventually, these companies will start going after the video sharers themselves. Or you could run the risk of losing your account status at the video sharing sites if the courts do decide against them. When it comes to video marketing, your business reputation is at stake so keep it ethical.
