Am I allowed to embed music videos on my website that have been uploaded on other platforms?
June 5, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Otto Ullmann
Dear Attorney,
I operate a website where I report on music and would like to embed music videos that have been uploaded on other platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. However, I am unsure if I am authorized to do so, as it involves copyrighted material.
My concern is that I may be infringing copyright if I simply embed the music videos on my website without obtaining the permission of the copyright owner. I naturally do not want to encounter any legal issues and am therefore looking for a legally sound solution.
Can you please advise me if it is permissible to embed music videos from other platforms on my website? Is there a way to do this legally without infringing on the rights of the copyright holders? I want to ensure that I comply with all legal requirements and do not have to worry about any legal consequences.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Karpinski
Dear Mrs. Karpinski,
Thank you for your question regarding embedding music videos on your website. The topic of copyright in relation to the use of protected material on the internet is indeed complex, and it is important to consider the legal framework in order to protect yourself from legal consequences.
In general, music videos are protected by copyright as they are considered musical works. So if you want to embed music videos from other platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo on your own website, you typically need permission from the creator or rights holder. While embedding videos is technically possible, it does not automatically give you the right to use these videos.
There is, however, an exception known as "embedding." Embedding videos using embedded codes from platforms like YouTube is seen by many courts as a legal form of use, as the videos are not physically stored on your website, but are only accessed through the code from the original platform. This means that the responsibility for copyright compliance lies with the original uploader of the video.
Nevertheless, you should be cautious and make sure to only embed videos that are explicitly available for embedding or for which you have obtained permission from the creator. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to embed a specific music video, I recommend seeking legal advice beforehand or directly asking the creator for permission.
In summary, embedding music videos on your website can be legal under certain conditions, but it is important to respect copyright and, if necessary, obtain permission from the creator. I hope this information is helpful and I am happy to assist with any further questions.
Best regards,
Otto Ullmann, Attorney specializing in Internet and Computer Law.
