Uploading downloaded YouTube videos to Facebook is not allowed due to copyright restrictions. However, there are some limited cases where you may be able to upload a YouTube video to Facebook legally.
Quick Answer
You cannot legally download a YouTube video and reupload it to Facebook in most cases due to copyright restrictions. The only exceptions are if you own the copyright to the video, the video is licensed under Creative Commons, or you have permission from the copyright holder.
Can I Download Videos from YouTube?
Yes, it is possible to download videos from YouTube using a third party website or software. However, downloading videos from YouTube does not give you the rights to republish or reuse the video content elsewhere.
YouTube’s terms of service prohibit downloading videos from the platform except for limited personal, non-commercial use. Downloading YouTube videos to repost them elsewhere requires permission from the copyright holder.
Methods for Downloading YouTube Videos
There are several methods people commonly use to download YouTube videos:
- Browser extensions like VideoDownloadHelper for Firefox and Chrome.
- Websites that allow entering a YouTube URL to download the video file.
- Software programs like 4K Video Downloader or YouTube Video Converter.
- Online YouTube converter tools that let you paste a link to download.
- Smartphone apps like Snaptube, Videoder, or NewPipe.
While these methods make downloading YouTube videos easy, they do not override YouTube’s terms against reuploading or improperly using video content.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
Downloading videos from YouTube is legal in many countries, but what you can do with downloaded videos is more restricted.
Simply downloading a YouTube video for personal use is allowable in most cases. However, reuploading a downloaded video without permission typically violates copyright.
YouTube’s terms of service specifically prohibit downloading videos for use outside the platform unless you have the copyright holder’s consent. Reuploading a YouTube video to Facebook goes against these terms in most cases.
Copyright Restrictions
The main issue with reposting a downloaded YouTube video to Facebook is copyright. Just because you can download a video does not mean you have the rights to redistribute it.
YouTube videos are protected by copyright. Even if no copyright notice is displayed, the videos belong to the creators and YouTube itself. Downloading a video does not transfer copyright ownership to you.
Uploading copyrighted material to Facebook without permission violates both YouTube’s terms and Facebook’s terms, and could result in DMCA takedown notices or legal action.
When Can I Legally Upload a YouTube Video to Facebook?
There are some limited cases where you may legally upload a downloaded YouTube video to Facebook:
- You own the full copyright to the YouTube video yourself.
- The video is licensed under a Creative Commons license that allows sharing and redistribution.
- You have written permission or a license from the copyright holder to repost the video on Facebook.
If none of these exceptions apply, reuploading a YouTube video to Facebook will likely violate copyright law.
Videos You Own Copyright To
If you fully own the copyright to a video also uploaded on YouTube, you generally have the right to download and repost it elsewhere.
For example, if you created and produced a video entirely yourself, then uploaded it to YouTube, you can also legally upload it to Facebook since you hold the copyright.
Creative Commons Licensed Videos
Some YouTube videos are published under a Creative Commons license by their creators. This allows for sharing and reposting the video in some cases, provided the license terms are followed.
For example, a CC BY license requires attribution. If reposting a CC video from YouTube to Facebook, you would need to provide credit to comply with the license.
Not all CC licenses permit commercial re-use. You would need to verify the specific license to know your rights.
Permission from Copyright Holder
Getting explicit permission or a license from the video copyright holder is another way you may legally repost a downloaded YouTube video to Facebook.
For example, some brands allow influencers to reuse their YouTube video content for social media. The permission grants you a license to share the copyrighted content.
Permission should generally be obtained in writing for proof the copyright holder consented to reposting their YouTube video on Facebook.
Consequences of Illegally Uploading YouTube Videos to Facebook
If you upload a downloaded YouTube video to Facebook without having the copyright rights to do so, there can be consequences:
- Copyright infringement takedown notice
- Account suspension or termination
- Legal action from copyright holder
- Financial penalties
Both YouTube and Facebook have systems to detect unauthorized re-uploads of video content. Getting caught could result in any or all of these repercussions.
Takedown Notices
If a copyright holder discovers an infringing video uploaded to Facebook, they can issue a DMCA takedown notice. This legally requires Facebook to remove the infringing content.
If your account receives multiple takedown requests, Facebook may suspend or terminate your account for repeat copyright violations.
Legal Action
In some cases, a copyright holder may take legal action over unauthorized uploading of YouTube videos instead of just issuing a takedown notice.
You could potentially face civil lawsuits or criminal charges depending on the severity of the copyright infringement.
Statutory fines for copyright infringement range up to $150,000 per work in extreme cases.
How to Legally Use YouTube Videos on Facebook
Here are some recommended ways to legally use YouTube video content on Facebook:
- Get written permission from the copyright holder to repost the video.
- Only repost videos you produced yourself or have the rights to.
- Use short clips under fair use for commentary or criticism.
- Embed the YouTube video using Facebook’s embed feature without downloading.
- Link to the YouTube video from your Facebook post.
As long as you have the appropriate license or rights, reposting a YouTube video to Facebook is allowed. Otherwise, it’s safest to embed or link to the video rather than reuploading it.
Fair Use Doctrine
Under the fair use doctrine, you may be able to upload short clips of YouTube videos to Facebook for purposes like commentary, criticism, education, etc.
Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors like the length of the clip, your purpose in sharing it, and its economic impact are considered.
Don’t rely solely on fair use to repost major portions of a YouTube video or to use it commercially. Get permission if in doubt.
Facebook Video Embed
Facebook offers a video embed feature that lets you embed a YouTube video on your Facebook Page or in a post. This pulls the video directly from YouTube’s servers.
Embedding avoids downloading the video at all. This is generally the safest option if you want to display a YouTube video on Facebook.
Linking to YouTube Videos
Simply posting a link to a YouTube video from your Facebook account does not violate copyright. You can share links to recommend videos to watch on YouTube without reuploading them.
However, linking alone may not allow the video to appear embedded or as a preview in the Facebook post. Users would have to click through to view it on YouTube.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from YouTube and uploading them to Facebook is copyright infringement in most cases. Always get permission from the rights holder first unless you filmed the video yourself.
Takedown notices, account termination, and legal consequences can result from reuploading YouTube videos without authorization. Embed or link to YouTube videos when possible instead of downloading and reuploading.
| Can I download a YouTube video to repost on Facebook? | Legality |
|---|---|
| Downloading video for personal use | Generally legal |
| Reposting others’ video without permission | Copyright infringement |
| Reposting your own original video | Legal |
| Reposting video with copyright holder’s consent | Legal |
| Reposting CC-licensed video following terms | Legal |
| Embedding YouTube video via Facebook tools | Legal |
| Linking to YouTube video | Legal |
This table summarizes when it is legal or illegal to reuse a downloaded YouTube video on Facebook.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit reuploading videos without permission.
- Facebook also forbids posting copyrighted content without authorization.
- Exceptions include videos you own, Creative Commons videos, or those you have explicit permission to share.
- Consequences can include takedown notices, account termination, lawsuits, and fines.
- Safest options are embedding or linking to YouTube videos when allowed.
So in summary: exercise caution and get permission before reposting YouTube videos to Facebook to avoid legal problems!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to download YouTube videos?
Downloading videos from YouTube is not inherently illegal and there are legitimate personal uses for downloading YouTube videos. However, YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading videos for purposes of redistribution, republishing or any commercial use without permission.
Can YouTube take legal action if I repost a video on Facebook?
Yes, YouTube or the copyright holder could potentially take legal action if you repost a YouTube video on Facebook without authorization. Typical actions can include DMCA takedown notices, account suspension, civil lawsuits for damages, or even criminal charges for severe copyright violations.
What if I give credit when reposting a YouTube video on Facebook?
Giving credit or attribution alone does not make reposting a YouTube video legal or authorized. You still need actual permission from the copyright holder, unless your use qualifies as fair use or falls under another exception in copyright law.
Can I embed a YouTube video on Facebook legally?
Yes, Facebook allows embedding YouTube videos directly on your page or in posts which is generally permitted under YouTube’s terms, provided that the embedded video links back to the original YouTube source. Embedding avoids full downloading/reuploading of the video file.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos with a online converter tool?
It is legal to download YouTube videos using an online converter tool in many locations, provided that the purpose is solely for personal use. However, converter tools are commonly used to illegally download and repost videos, so be cautious of the laws in your region related to republishing YouTube videos.
What percent of a YouTube video can I use legally on Facebook?
There is no definitive percentage of a YouTube video that you can safely repost on Facebook without permission. Fair use may allow short clips in some limited contexts, but in general you need permission for reposting any substantial portion of a video. Safest is to embed or link to the video instead.
Is reposting YouTube videos without permission considered piracy?
Reposting a full YouTube video without permission could potentially be considered a form of copyright piracy, though piracy charges are less common for small scale video infringement. Continued unauthorized reposting of copyrighted videos could increase the chance of piracy claims.
Can I legally download and repost YouTube videos if my account is monetized?
No, making money from reposted YouTube videos on Facebook does not suddenly make it legal if you lack copyright permissions. Monetizing unauthorized uploads is likely to be considered commercial copyright infringement, with increased potential penalties.
Does fair use allow me to repost a full YouTube video?
Fair use does not typically allow reposting an entire copyrighted YouTube video without permission or proper licensing. Fair use is meant for short clips reposted for specific purposes like commentary, not republishing full videos untouched.