Streaming Video: Copyright

With most free online videos, you can do the following without seeking additional permission from the copyright holder:

• Link to the video from a Moodle course, website or email
• Stream the video in class from the video's homepage online

You cannot:

• Download the video and show it in class from a disk
• Upload the video into a Moodle class or embed it directly into your online course
• Edit or alter a video

Simply, you should be showing the video from its online home (either streaming in class or by sending students the link), so that the creator of the video maintains control of the video, can remove it from circulation if desired, and can record usage statistics to see how popular the video is (and perhaps generate ad revenue).

Some videos will have creative commons licenses that allow more (including permission to edit a video) but most do not. Some will have more restrictive licenses. We've added a note in our description of a site if either of these scenarios are likely, but you are responsible for ensuring copyright compliance with any video you use as part of your class. Consult the "Terms of Use" or "Copyright" sections of these websites.

For any streaming video listed in the VCC catalogue, the Library has purchased public-performance rights (unless otherwise stated). This also includes all the videos on the National Film Board's website.

If you have any questions, contact the Copyright Librarian.

For more information, consult:

• Copyright