Q: What are the copyright laws on uploading comic panels to youtube for video essays? (like the channel comicstorian*)
I would like to take comic panels and upload edited screenshots of them for video essays on Youtube but I don't know what the copyright laws are on doing something like that and I can't find any information online. Any help is appreciated.
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A:
Using comic panels in video essays typically falls under "fair use" doctrine, which allows limited use of copyrighted material for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Many YouTube creators successfully operate under fair use when they transform the original work by adding substantial commentary and criticism.
Your best protection comes from ensuring your videos are truly transformative - meaning you're not just showing comic panels, but analyzing them, discussing their significance, or using them to illustrate broader points about storytelling, art, or cultural impact. Keep in mind that fair use isn't clear-cut, and different copyright holders may have varying tolerances for how their work is used.
To reduce risk, consider these practices: Use only the panels necessary to make your point, give proper credit to creators and publishers, avoid monetizing videos that rely heavily on others' work, and when possible, encourage viewers to support official releases. While channels like Comicstorian have operated successfully for years, they've likely developed relationships with publishers or carefully structured their content to minimize copyright issues. If you're concerned about specific cases, consulting with someone familiar with copyright law could help you navigate these waters more confidently.
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