I’ve removed this post to avoid encouraging churches downloading YouTube videos for purposes other than the very limited situations where this is permitted by YouTube’s terms of use. I’ve also emailed YouTube, asking for clarification on churches playing YouTube videos during services.
In the meantime, you might like to check out:
Hey there Steve,
Sorry to put a dampner on this, but it is actually illegal to play this kind of thing in a church service or public space unless you have written authorisation from the ORGINAL copywright holder.
Which means if people who put together videos for youtube sample vision or sound from somewhere else you need their expressed written permission.
CCLI who give licence for music offer video licence for most major movies which gives you rights to play a clip for a sermon. Outside of this, if you don’t know created the video or don’t have their express permission as copyright holders it is breaking many interlectual property laws and could break a small churches bank totally as fines for this kinda things are massive.
We’ve wanted use video clips from youtube but have been legally advised otherwise.
In your blog you are actually (unwittingly of course) showing people how to break the law which is also a big no no when the lawyers get involved.
Sorry! but I wanted you to know!
Hi Steve,
What are the legal implications of using this?
Is it against YouTube’s terms of service?
Hi Steve, thanks for the heads up on this one. Good call – I certainly don’t want to promote or in anyway support the illegal use of videos. For the record, my church is committed to purchasing videos that should be purchased – and have found Worship House Media and Igniter Media great resources for these. We’ve purchased videos including 99 Balloons, Welcome to Our Church, Every Knee Intro and more. Good reminder to check the copyright restrictions before using any kind of media. Thanks Steve.