Source Credit and Attribution Guide for Saved Public Videos

Attribution is useful but not always enough

Crediting a creator is a good habit, but it does not automatically grant permission to reuse their video or image. Permission and attribution are separate ideas.

Use attribution to preserve context, and ask for permission when you plan to publish or redistribute content. Do not assume that giving credit converts a restricted use into a permitted one.

What attribution includes

Good attribution tells the audience who created the content, where it originally appeared, and when it was accessed. For social media content, this typically means including the creator's username or handle, the platform name, the post URL, and the date. For example: "Video by @username on TikTok, originally posted at [URL], accessed May 2025."

When attribution is especially important

Attribution matters most when you are using content in any shared context — a presentation, a report, a blog post, a school project, or any work that others will see. It helps audiences trace content to its origin and gives creators recognition for their work.

Even in private research notes, keeping source information alongside saved files is a good habit. If your notes ever become the basis for something shared, the attribution is already there.

When attribution is not enough

If you plan to use content commercially, modify it significantly, repost it under your own name, or include it in a product or service, attribution alone is not sufficient. You need explicit permission from the creator. This is true even if the content is publicly accessible and even if you credit the source clearly.

Asking for permission

Reaching out to creators for permission is usually straightforward. Many creators are open to their content being referenced, shared with credit, or used for non-commercial purposes. A direct message explaining your intended use, how you will credit them, and where the content will appear is a respectful way to request permission.

Keep a record of any permission granted. A screenshot of the message exchange or an email reply is a useful reference if questions arise later.

Creative Commons and openly licensed content

Some creators license their content under Creative Commons or similar open licenses that specify what uses are permitted. If a creator has declared a specific license, follow its terms. Different Creative Commons licenses allow different uses — some permit commercial use, some require attribution, some prohibit modification. Always check the specific license rather than assuming all open licenses are the same.