Is It Legal to Download Videos from Social Media?
It is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is “it depends on the video and what you do with it”. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Two separate sets of rules
Copyright law gives the person who made a video control over copying and distributing it. Platform terms of service are a contract between you and the platform, and most of them say you may not download content unless the platform offers a download feature.
Generally fine
- Downloading your own videos, for example to back them up.
- Videos in the public domain or under a Creative Commons licence, used as the licence allows.
- Videos where the owner has given you permission.
Risky or not allowed
- Re-uploading someone else’s video to your own page or channel.
- Using downloaded clips in adverts or monetised content without a licence.
- Downloading music videos, films or TV shows to avoid paying for them.
- Saving and sharing content from private accounts.
What about personal offline viewing?
Laws differ between countries. Some allow private copies for personal use, others do not. Even where the law permits it, it may still break the platform’s terms. If the platform offers an official offline feature, that is always the safest option.
A simple rule
If you did not make it and do not have permission, do not republish it. When in doubt, ask the creator. Most are happy to say yes when you credit them.