Editing Client and Brand Footage: A Rights Checklist
Quick answer
Before editing client or brand footage, confirm in writing who owns it, what you're allowed to do with it (platforms, edits, duration, paid ads), whether people and music in it are cleared, and how credit works. Keep the agreement with the project files. This is general information, not legal advice.
Instagram, Facebook & TikTok · Only use clips you own or have permission to use.
*This is general information, not legal advice. It describes US law; copyright rules differ in other countries, so check your local law or ask a lawyer about your situation.*
On this page
Key takeaways
- Ownership isn't automatic: whoever filmed it may still own it.
- Get the scope in writing: platforms, edits, duration, ads.
- People, music and logos can need separate clearance.
- UGC from customers needs the customer's permission.
- Keep records with the project.
On this page
1. Who owns the footage?
Under US law, copyright starts with whoever created the footage. Two big exceptions: footage an employee shoots within the scope of their job is a work made for hire, so the employer owns it unless both sides have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them (17 U.S.C. §101, §201(b)), and a freelancer's commissioned work counts as "work made for hire" only if it fits one of nine legal categories ("part of a motion picture or other audiovisual work" is one) and both sides expressly agreed in a written instrument signed by them that it is a work made for hire (US Copyright Office, Circular 30). Otherwise the freelancer usually keeps ownership unless they signed a written transfer (§204). Ask the client: did you film this, or did someone else?
2. What does the license cover?
Confirm, ideally in your contract or brief:
- Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, website, ads.
- Edits: trimming, cropping, captions, combining with other footage.
- Duration: a campaign period or ongoing.
- Paid use: organic posts and paid ads are often treated differently.
3. People in the footage
Check that people who appear agreed to it, especially for ads. Rules on using someone's image (publicity and privacy rights) vary a lot by country and US state, so brands usually get signed model releases; ask whether they exist, and ask a lawyer if they don't.
4. Music and third-party content
Music, artwork, logos or screens in the background may have their own owners. If a clip has licensed music, confirm the license covers your new edit and platform.
5. Customer content (UGC)
A brand reposting a customer's video still needs that customer's permission. Ask the client to show you the permission before you edit UGC into an ad. (Permission template)
6. Credit
Note whether the original creator should be tagged.
7. Records
Save the contract, license emails and permissions in the project folder. (How to organize)
Quick checklist
- [ ] Owner confirmed
- [ ] Scope in writing (platforms, edits, duration, paid)
- [ ] People cleared
- [ ] Music and third-party content cleared
- [ ] UGC permissions shown
- [ ] Credit rules noted
- [ ] Records saved
How VDOHBoost fits
If a client's footage lives in their own Instagram, Facebook or TikTok posts and you're authorized to edit it, VDOHBoost can pull out the segment you need.
In VDOHBoost the flow is Paste → Trim → Done:
- Paste a link to your own clip
- Tick the rights checkbox
- Press "Get clip" and wait for loading
- Trim the clip on the "READY TO TRIM" screen
- Choose a crop: Original, 9:16, 1:1 or 16:9
- Export, then "Download MP4"
VDOHBoost exports up to 720p.
Prepare a client clip you're authorized to use →
FAQ
Who owns video footage a freelancer shoots for a client?
Under US law the freelancer usually owns it unless it qualifies as a work made for hire under a signed written agreement, or rights were transferred in a signed writing. Footage shot by employees within the scope of their job generally belongs to the employer, unless both sides agreed otherwise in a signed written instrument (§201(b)). Check your contract. This isn't legal advice.
Can I edit client footage into ads?
Only if your agreement covers paid use. Organic and paid uses are often licensed separately.
Do brands need permission to use customer videos?
Yes. A customer's video generally belongs to the customer who made it, so the brand needs their permission before reposting or editing it.
Does licensed music carry over to my edit?
Not automatically. Confirm the license covers the new edit and platform.
What records should an editor keep?
The contract, license terms, permissions for UGC and people, and any credit requirements, saved with the project.
Summary
Confirm ownership, get the scope in writing, clear people and music, verify UGC permission, note credit and keep records.
Ready to crop your own clip?
Paste a link to an Instagram, Facebook or TikTok clip you own or have permission to use.
Paste a link to your clip