What do I need to know in preparation for creating a YouTube channel that reviews entertainment media?

Question

I'm a video producer and about to create a YouTube channel. I'd like to know everything I need to know before producing content. The series I plan to create will be a media review channel focusing on four areas. Movies/TV, Music, Books, and Interactive media(Video games, board games, etc.) The series will be a public discussion, which means the fans of the show will gain access to a site where they can tell me their own experiences and reviews of a movie, a song, or whatever the subject of the next video is. I'll take all these opinions and create a review that combines them into a general consensus. So you, the fan, will be the reviewer of the subject. So this means I'll have to show clips of movies, brief sections of music, book excerpts, or game scenes during the video. So this creates a copywriting minefield, and I'll need to know everything I should know to avoid legal issues and to avoid the video being demonetized due to the clips.

Giancarla Sambo · Answer

I agree with the previous answer. Here are some additional points to consider. 
 
1. Creative Commons & Licensing: To avoid copyright claims, use royalty-free music or footage or create original content. 
 
2. Fan Engagement: Set guidelines for fan submissions and provide disclaimers. Build community through comments, live reviews, and polls. 
 
3. Monetization: Use overlays and keep clips short. For additional income, you can use affiliate links or merchandise. 
 
4. Stay Compliant: Regularly check YouTube’s policies and protect user data to comply with privacy laws.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Starting a YouTube channel focused on entertainment reviews is an exciting venture, but you need to be mindful of copyright laws to avoid issues. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material for commentary, criticism, and education, but it’s a gray area. Keep clips short, use them in a transformative way (adding analysis or critique), and avoid excessive use of unedited content. If your video is flagged, you can dispute the claim, but there’s no guarantee it will be overturned. Using public domain or licensed content can help avoid copyright strikes altogether.   
 
Monetization can be tricky because YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans for copyrighted material. Even if your content qualifies as fair use, copyright owners can still claim revenue. To reduce risks, lower the volume of music clips, use overlays, or talk over footage. When reviewing books, avoid reading long passages and instead summarize key points in your own words. For games, showing gameplay is often safer, but some companies have strict policies, so checking their terms beforehand is smart.   
 
Since audience participation is central to your format, make sure you have a clear system for managing submissions. Get permission from contributors to use their reviews, and have a disclaimer explaining how their input will be used. A website for submissions is a great idea, but ensure privacy policies are in place to protect user data. Consistency in branding and engagement with your audience will help build a strong following. Planning ahead and staying adaptable will set you up for success while avoiding legal pitfalls.

Q: What do I need to know in preparation for creating a YouTube channel that reviews entertainment media?