Posting Other People’s Content on Social Media: How to Do It Safely

Posting other people’s content is everywhere on social media: reposted clips, memes, quotes, screenshots and “compilation” accounts. Because everyone seems to do it, it’s easy to assume that tagging the creator makes it fine. It doesn’t. Accounts get limited, demonetized or removed every day for reused content, even when the person meant well.

Note: this article is general information, not legal advice. Copyright rules differ by country; if a lot is at stake, talk to a lawyer.

The good news: you can share, react to and build on other people’s work safely if you understand a few rules. This guide explains them in plain English.

Why “I Gave Credit” Isn’t Enough

Credit is polite, but it’s not permission. In most countries the creator owns the copyright from the moment they make something, whether or not it shows a © symbol. Posting their photo, video, music or writing without permission can be infringement even if you tag them, don’t make money, or add “no copyright intended”.

Platforms also have their own rules on top of the law. Many reduce reach or remove monetization for “reused” or “unoriginal” content, even when no one files a complaint.

What Can Happen if You Get It Wrong

• Takedowns: the creator files a copyright notice and the post disappears.
• Strikes: on platforms like YouTube, repeated strikes can terminate the channel.
• Muted or blocked videos: automatic systems (like YouTube’s Content ID) detect copyrighted music and footage.
• Lost monetization: reused content programs reject or demonetize accounts built on other people’s clips.
• Reputation damage: creators call out accounts that take their work.

Safe Ways to Share Other People’s Content

1. Use the platform’s built-in sharing tools

Retweets/reposts, Instagram story shares, TikTok Duet and Stitch, YouTube Shorts remix and “share” buttons are designed for this. They link back to the original and work within the platform’s licence terms. This is the safest option.

2. Get permission, in writing

Send a short message: what you want to post, where, and how you’ll credit them. Keep a screenshot of the “yes”. Many creators are happy to say yes when asked.

3. Use properly licensed material

• Platform music libraries (licensed for use on that platform)
• Stock photos and videos with a licence that covers your use
• Creative Commons content, following its specific licence (some forbid commercial use or edits)
• Public domain works
• PLR content you bought with rights to use it

4. Transform it with your own commentary

Reviews, critiques, reactions and tutorials that add substantial original commentary are more likely to be treated as fair use in the US (or similar exceptions elsewhere). Use only as much of the original as you need, and make your contribution the main part of the post. Fair use is decided case by case, so “transformative” doesn’t guarantee safety, but it’s far stronger than a straight repost.

5. Curate with links instead of copies

Instead of downloading and re-uploading, write a post that summarizes, comments on and links to the original. Newsletters and blog roundups do this well.

Content to Be Extra Careful With

• Music: the most heavily enforced. Use the platform’s licensed library.
• TV, movie and sports clips: rights holders scan for these constantly.
• Photos of people: besides copyright, there can be privacy and image rights.
• Brand logos and characters: trademarks add another layer of rules.
• AI-generated remixes of someone’s work or likeness: rules are evolving, and platforms may require AI labels.

Building an Account That Doesn’t Depend on Other People’s Work

Curation can be part of a strategy, but accounts built on original content grow faster and can’t be taken down by someone else’s claim. Mix in:

• Your own tips, opinions and lessons
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Original graphics made with tools like Canva
• Short videos explaining one idea at a time; see my short-form video guide

Need help creating original content faster? See how to write AI prompts, and grab ready-to-post ideas from 900 ready-made social media posts.

A Quick Pre-Posting Checklist

1. Did I create this, or do I have permission or a licence?
2. If not, am I using the platform’s own share/remix tool?
3. If it’s commentary, is my contribution the main part?
4. Does it include music, film or sports footage?
5. Am I crediting and linking the original creator?

If you answer “no” to the first three, don’t post it.

What to Do if You Get a Copyright Claim

• Remove the content if the claim is valid.
• Don’t re-upload the same post; that can lead to further strikes.
• If you believe it’s a mistake (you have a licence or it’s clearly fair use), use the platform’s counter-notice or dispute process.
• Many platforms remove strikes after a period or after completing a copyright course.

Posting Other People’s Content: FAQ

Is it legal to repost if I tag the creator?
Tagging is credit, not permission. Use the platform’s share tools or ask the creator.

Can I use a song if it’s only a few seconds?
There’s no safe “number of seconds”. Use the platform’s licensed music instead.

Are memes okay to share?
Sharing memes is common and rarely enforced, but the images in them can still be copyrighted. Using them in ads or for commercial promotion is riskier.

Can I repost content from a company’s account?
Use the share button. Downloading and re-uploading brand content can break both copyright and trademark rules.

Grow With Content You Own

The safest, strongest social media accounts are built on original ideas plus respectful sharing. When you’re ready to turn followers into subscribers you own, get my free guide The $0 Funnel.