Can I Use Images with a Creative Commons License in a Video and Put the Attribution in the Credits?

When working with video content, using images under a Creative Commons (CC) license can be a great way to add value and creativity to your project. However, it's important to understand the requirements for attribution and compliance with the various Creative Commons licenses.

Understanding the CC Licenses and Attribution Requirements

Each of the six Creative Commons licenses comes with specific requirements for attributing the original creator. These requirements ensure that credit is given where it is due, maintaining the integrity of the original work and respecting the rights of the creator.

As per Todd's answer, credit must appear wherever other comparable authorship credits are placed. For example, if the video has any authorship credits, the link to the original creator should also be present. However, there are two important exceptions: images under the CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) modern Public Domain license do not require any credit, and images under the CC-BY-SA 4.0 license have updated requirements that must be adhered to.

CC-BY-SA 3.0 License Requirements

For images licensed under the CC-BY-SA 3.0, the following must be included in the attribution:

Retain all copyright notices for the work. Provide the original author with credit that is reasonable for the medium being utilized. This typically means including the name or pseudonym of the author (if provided by the copyright holder), the title of the work, and a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) supplied by the copyright holder, if available. Ensure that the credit appears where other comparable authorship credits appear and in a manner at least as prominent as such other comparable authorship credits.

The credits section of a video is a reasonable place to place the attribution, as it is where one would typically find such credits. If the video is distributed online, the URI should be included in the video description or on the hosting page (like YouTube).

CC-BY-SA 4.0 License Requirements

The CC-BY-SA 4.0 license introduces some significant changes. These include:

Retain the following information if provided in the licensed material: creators of the licensed material and any others designated to receive attribution. This information can be presented in any reasonable manner requested by the copyright holder. Include a copyright notice on the licensed material. Provide a link or URI to the licensed material. Indicate if you modified the licensed material and retain an indication of any previous modifications. Indicate that the licensed material is licensed under the CC-BY-SA 4.0 license and provide a link to this license.

You must ensure that the information is provided in a reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which you share the licensed material. It is also noted that if the copyright holder requests specific attribution, you must comply with their request.

Considerations for Videos Using Modifications and Commercial Use

Creating a video with images falls under the creation of a derivative work. Therefore, the use of such images must comply with the original license terms. If the video will be used in any commercial or for-profit manner, you should not use any images under a NonCommercial (NC) restricted license. However, if the video is to be used for non-commercial purposes, the NC license can be utilized.

It is also important to ensure that the image is not under a "No Derivatives" (ND) license, as this could restrict the creation of your derivative work.

Contacting the Copyright Holder

If you're in doubt about how to credit the original creator or if the attribution guidelines are not clear, it is advisable to contact the copyright holder. They will be able to provide you with specific instructions on how they prefer to be credited.

Conclusion

Using Creative Commons licensed images in videos is a straightforward process as long as you comply with the license requirements. By ensuring that you give credit where credit is due and by following the specific guidelines for each license, you can use these images effectively in your video project. The key is to maintain transparency, respect the rights of the original creator, and ensure that your work remains in compliance with the Creative Commons license.