Q: Can I use classical music in my YouTube videos and still obtained monetization?
I am a ballet dancer and I would like to start posting videos of myself performing classical works to classical music like swan lake. The original composition is created by Tchaikovsky, but most renditions are either CC or Copywritten. I'm finding most answers to be mixed and I do not want to risk my videos being taken down. I have read about the fair use act, and the 4 criteria in which content is determined eligible to be used. Thank you for any information regarding my question.
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A:
Using classical music in your YouTube videos can be tricky, even if the original composition is in the public domain. For example, while Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" itself is not under copyright, most modern recordings of it are protected by copyright. This means you need to be cautious about the specific recording you choose, as using a copyrighted version can lead to monetization issues or your video being taken down.
One approach is to look for recordings that are explicitly labeled as Creative Commons (CC) or royalty-free. These recordings are more likely to allow for use in your videos without copyright infringement concerns. Make sure to carefully read the terms of the license, as some CC licenses still require attribution or limit commercial use.
Another option is to create your own recording or collaborate with musicians who can provide you with original performances. This way, you maintain control over the rights to the music and can avoid potential copyright claims.
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