Can I Use a Copyrighted Image if I Change it on TikTok?

Understanding Copyright

Copyright law protects creative expressions. If you are the copyright owner, you have exclusive rights to copy, display, modify, and post the work as you see fit. However, if you're not the copyright owner, using someone else's copyrighted image on TikTok or anywhere else requires their explicit permission.

Creating Derivative Works

Even if you change an image, modifying it does not grant you any rights to the original copyrighted work. In fact, altering someone else's image creates a derivative work, which still falls under the exclusive rights of the copyright owner. This means that unless you have their permission, you are infringing on their rights.

Why Permission is Key

Using copyrighted material without permission, even if changed, is a legal issue. It's a fundamental principle of copyright law and basic human courtesy. If you intend to use an image, here’s what you should do:

Get Permission: Contact the copyright owner and request permission to use their image. Alternative Solutions: Use images available under Creative Commons or similar licenses. Licensed image libraries that offer various permissions. Create your own content.

Responsible Content Creation

Responsible content creators, social media entrepreneurs, graphic designers, and videographers know the importance of permissions. Ensuring that all images used in their content are properly licensed or owned by them contributes to a healthy and legal digital media environment.

Disclaimer

I am well-read in copyright 'fair use' and other aspects of digital media, and am recognized for my professional expertise in these areas. However, I am not a lawyer and my responses here should not be considered legal advice. For specific legal situations, consult a qualified attorney.