Copyright and Social Media: What You Can (and Can’t) Post
Social media is where creativity lives. From photos and videos to memes, songs, and artwork, millions of people share original content every day. But with that creativity comes a big question: what can you legally post, and what could get you into copyright trouble? Understanding how copyright law applies to social media is key to protecting yourself and respecting the work of others.
In this post, we’ll break down what copyright means for social media users, how to stay on the right side of the law, and how Braslow Legal can help protect your online content.
What Is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that gives creators control over how their original work is used. It protects things like photos, videos, songs, artwork, books, and even website content. Once a work is created and fixed in a tangible form—like a photo saved to your phone or a song recorded on your computer—it’s automatically protected by copyright law.
This means that if someone uses that work without permission, they may be infringing on the creator’s rights. And yes, that includes sharing or reposting on social media without credit or authorization.
What You Can’t Post Without Permission
Many people assume that if something is online, it’s free to use. Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest copyright myths. Just because an image or video appears on the internet doesn’t mean it’s public domain. The original creator still owns it unless they’ve clearly stated otherwise.
Here are some examples of what you should not post or share without permission:
Photos or videos taken by others. Even if they’re on Google or Instagram, they belong to the original photographer.
Music clips or background tracks in videos that you don’t have a license to use.
Movie or TV clips, even short ones, unless your use qualifies as fair use (which can be tricky to determine).
Art, memes, or infographics made by other creators without giving proper credit or obtaining consent.
Screenshots of copyrighted content such as digital artwork or eBooks.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook often remove infringing content, and repeat offenders may lose their accounts. It’s always best to use content you’ve created yourself or that’s licensed for free reuse under Creative Commons or similar terms.
When Fair Use Applies
Fair use is an exception that allows you to use limited portions of copyrighted material without permission—but only under certain conditions. It’s meant to support commentary, criticism, education, and parody.
For example, using a short clip of a movie in a review or posting a meme that clearly transforms the original meaning may qualify as fair use. However, fair use depends on several factors:
Purpose and character of the use. Is it for profit, or educational/commentary purposes?
Nature of the original work. Creative works get stronger protection than factual ones.
Amount used. Using smaller portions is better, though even short clips can violate copyright.
Effect on the market. If your use could hurt the original creator’s ability to profit, it’s likely not fair use.
Because fair use is complex, there’s no guaranteed formula. When in doubt, get permission or consult an attorney before posting.
How to Protect Your Own Content
If you create your own content—photos, videos, music, or blog posts—you automatically own the copyright. But that doesn’t always stop others from copying or sharing it without credit. Here are steps you can take to protect your work online:
Add a watermark or copyright notice. Even a simple © symbol and your name can deter misuse.
Register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office for stronger protection and the ability to sue for damages.
Monitor your work using reverse image search or online tools that track where your content appears.
File DMCA takedown notices if you find your work being used without permission.
Working with an experienced copyright attorney can also help you handle infringement issues efficiently and protect your creative portfolio.
Why Work with Braslow Legal
Social media copyright law can be confusing, and small mistakes can have serious consequences—especially for businesses, influencers, and creators who rely on online platforms. Braslow Legal helps clients understand their rights, avoid infringement claims, and safeguard their original content.
Their legal team can assist with copyright registration, draft licensing agreements, and respond to takedown notices or disputes. With their guidance, you can post confidently knowing your content is properly protected and you’re using others’ work lawfully.
Tips for Posting Safely on Social Media
To stay safe and respectful online, keep these simple tips in mind:
Create and post your own content whenever possible.
If you share someone else’s work, ask for permission and give credit.
Use royalty-free or Creative Commons-licensed material for music and images.
Don’t assume that “no one will notice.” Copyright enforcement tools are stronger than ever.
Review each platform’s copyright policy—YouTube and Instagram have strict automated systems.
Final Thoughts
Social media makes it easier than ever to create and share ideas, but it also blurs the lines between sharing and stealing. Understanding copyright law helps you protect your creative work and respect the rights of others.
By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of social media without risking your account or your reputation. And when you need expert help navigating the legal side of content creation, Braslow Legal is ready to guide you.
Protect your creativity, post responsibly, and keep building your online presence the right way.