I tried reading some of the YT criteria regarding fair use music on my movie and am still unclear....so, I came here as I know many of you have experience.
I made a documentary movie about my time in Vietnam. It's a .wmv file at 225 meg and 50 minutes long. It has pics, narration, a super 8 movie inclusive from 1966 and music in background throughout. I tried rendering to MP4 and MP1 and I can't get the movie any smaller than 225 meg.
On it, I use the following music: Sirius - Alan Parsons Soltar - Robert Greenidge/Micheal Utley Riders In The Storm - Doors 2000 Light Years From home - Doors The End - Doors Freeway Jam - Jeff Beck East/West - Paul Butterfield
A couple of my songs are on it too. This project is not for money, not for PBS as a 'look at me' solicitation. It's just a documentary I'd link to a USMC site I contribute to.
I'm terrified of doing something wrong in this process. Would anyone care to educate me on going further with my thoughts?
You might get better (smaller) results by using a 2-pass setting to set the optimum bit-rate
Presumably you are using the H.264 video codec?
You can reduce the frame-rate, and also lower the quality of the output and still get very acceptable results for YT.
There is an open-source video transcoder named 'Handbrake'. You can get excellent results with that, it supports batch conversion too. There are controls to adjust resolution as well. That's probably your easiest and best option, and has plenty of online help.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
The first thing which you'll find is that, depending on your YouTube status, which in turn is based on your number of videos and views, you may only be allowed to upload videos of 15 minutes or less. If you have a channel already, you can check this by going to VIDEO MANAGER - CHANNEL - STATUS.
If you've produced a widescreen format video, you are better to upload it in your original resolution in order to get the best playback quality. Although YouTube streams in MP4, uploading in that format doesn't produce good results. Expect the upload to take some considerable time.
If you want to run advertising on the video, then you absolutely need to own copyright of everything contained therein. If not, then you should list and acknowledge the copyright owners. However, you can still be faced with a request for removal, or even a bill for royalties, which can be substantial if the video goes viral.
clv, What are you using to render the vision to mp4? You might get better (smaller) results by using a 2-pass setting to set the optimum bit-rate Presumably you are using the H.264 video codec?
Not trying to be difficult but I have no clue on your above suggestions.
I'm using Sony Movie Studio Platinum 9.0. It has a shvtload of rendering choices and the USMC site suggested I try to render to MP4 because their movie limit is 200 meg....editing/cutting is not an option. Ha...the MP4 and MP1 efforts were actually larger.
Honestly...I wallow in ignorance with these video details and intricacies.
The first thing which you'll find is that, depending on your YouTube status, which in turn is based on your number of videos and views, you may only be allowed to upload videos of 15 minutes or less. If you have a channel already, you can check this by going to VIDEO MANAGER - CHANNEL - STATUS.
If you've produced a widescreen format video, you are better to upload it in your original resolution in order to get the best playback quality. Although YouTube streams in MP4, uploading in that format doesn't produce good results. Expect the upload to take some considerable time.
If you want to run advertising on the video, then you absolutely need to own copyright of everything contained therein. If not, then you should list and acknowledge the copyright owners. However, you can still be faced with a request for removal, or even a bill for royalties, which can be substantial if the video goes viral. Hope this helps. ROG.
Hey ROG....ha.... --My YT status: non-existant. --Yes..it's in WS format. --Paragraph #3...that pretty much explains what I was concerned about. --Ha...my movie going 'viral'...I think it's far too serious a subject matter and my ego it's that big to consider it.
The process/intricacies with all this is complicated and I may be in over my head to pursue this further.
Thank you both for taking the time to offer the guidance.
Shame, I'd have enjoyed watching it. Why don't you just use BIAB to do the backing music and set your mind at rest? You could use styles that reference that era. I'm sure there are loads of BIAB veterans (If you'll excuse the pun!) on this site who could help. Most of the people watching it are probably more interested in your documentary than the music. Just a suggestion. The Doors has been done anyway, Apocalypse Now etc.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
But...I began this project in 2008 (in total movie making ignorance) doing my research, studying AAR's, corroborating details with other Brothers including CO's from my unit, and getting it all into one movie.....it' wore me out but I'm quite satisfied with the final product. Yes...I now recall Stones have been done on AN but the two songs (along with the others I use) fit too perfectly. Plus, I don't have the drive or desire to revisit/edit/re-write all new music as background even though BIAB is far above adequate for the task.
Thanks for joining in with your thoughts on my dilemma. All are appreciated.
clv
(EDIT: "Shame, I'd have enjoyed watching it."...should I succeed in the future I'll advise should you remain interested)
Video Editing can be a complex process, but Handbrake is reasonably easy to use.
I've filled in some items that you need to look at. Hover over the controls (on the real program) and there is plenty of popup hint information to assist. Feel free to experiment, just use a different output name, and you will always have your source.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Video Editing can be a complex process, but Handbrake is reasonable easy to use. I've filled in some items that you need to look at. Hover over the controls (on the real program) and there is plenty of popup hint information to assist. Feel free to experiment, just use a different output name, and you will always have your source.
Thanks for taking the time to delineate that so well. I'll have to do some homework and see what happens.
I cannot advise on the legality of the project, but given the honorable and non-commercial intent here, you might be successful contacting the rights holders to secure permission for use of their music.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
It would be fun to see Super 8 again. I cannot advise on the legality of the project, but given the honorable and non-commercial intent here, you might be successful contacting the rights holders to secure permission for use of their music.
Hmmm.... Matt....that does sound enticing to consider/pursue. How does one know where to inquire for these rights you reference?
I'm so daft with these things I almost hate to keep this thread going.
You can use any audio and video that YOU originate without any problem, and you can use material in the public domain.
However, if ANY of the music, audio, or video used in the film is written, composed, or otherwise owned by any other person or publishing company, and is NOT in the public domain, you must obtain the copyright owner's permission in writing to use it in your video.
It doesn't matter if this is a for profit movie or a completely non-profit project. You can not use other people's creations without their permission. No so called "fair use" laws apply to what you're doing. Fair use is very narrow in the scope of what it permits and is reserved mainly to educational purposes and in a classroom setting.
Contact the Harry Fox Agency to obtain the licenses for the songs you mentioned. You might find that HFA is asking too much for the licenses to some of the songs. Get the similar permissions for the video that is not yours.
If you proceed without getting the license to use the songs, there is a real possibility that you can and would be sued. In addition, any TV station or Cable channel may require proof that licenses are cleared and all permissions have been obtained so that they are not liable in a lawsuit.
Several years back, I wanted to do a video of a song I wrote. A buddy was helping me. We wanted to use a few short segments from a commercially done movie that was being distributed to the public totally free of charge. I wrote to the company which owned the video's copyright and asked. They refused to allow us to use the short video segments we wanted to use even though they would not lose any money since they were giving the movie away for free. End result, we had to cancel the video project and simply stick with the audio version. They would not even consider selling us the license to use less than one minute of their movie.
Be very cautious if you can not obtain the license. If you proceed and the copyright owner finds out about your unlawful use, you can find yourself hiring a lawyer and planning a courtroom defense.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I hear ya...and I've decided I won't pursue the YT process for all the reasons you and others have mentioned. It's very complicated and for obvious reasons. I'd actually overlooked the fee for such usage also. Shows you how ignorant I am with it all.
Another option came up yesterday that might work out for my limited purposes. It would be just imbedded in one of my posts on a USMC site for viewing within that post only rather than on YT or the internet directly. But, from what you state that may not mitigate any of the possible legal consequences either and I'm not inclined to abuse the copyrights of anyone's work.
Thanks for the detailed input...obviously, I need it.
HFA (Harry Fox Agency) does provide the ability to obtain what is called a "synchronization" license, which allows you to use copyrighted music in your videos, but you still have to obtain permission to use the music first (as Herb mentioned), and even then it's pretty clear that it's not for YouTube (or similar website) upload. It's really for playing the video at an event.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Hi You may find this video of interest . from the horses mouth so to speak! I have myself sometimes used commercial recordings on documentaries and most times have just had to have You tubes adverts on the front . On one occasion the video was allowed except in Germany, you tube informed me of this and said the post could remain. Without affecting my standing.
So what's the easiest solution if you want to put covers of songs on youtube or other social networking sites? How about playing live and streaming covers? Do I have to approach the publishers of each song? On Streetjelly you just type in a set list and it's done for you.
Edit: Just watched the TED talk video. That's helpful and I think I've set up my youtube site correctly. I'll need to check.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean