Question from a reader:
If I post someone else’s video on Twitter (X) while displaying the creator’s name and add my own commentary by long-pressing, would that be considered copyright infringement? Also, in that case, would the original creator receive a notification of the retweet?

Let’s Consider Video Posting on Twitter and Copyright Infringement

Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about
a topic that has been on my mind. The question is, “If I post someone else’s video on Twitter (X) while displaying the creator’s name and add my own commentary by long-pressing, would that be considered copyright infringement?” This is actually a surprisingly complex issue. So, let’s dive into the explanation.

What is Copyright?

First, let’s review what copyright is. Copyright is a law that protects creators’ works. Music, movies, paintings, photographs, written texts, and of course, videos are all subject to copyright. This means that using a video created by someone else without permission could potentially lead to copyright infringement. I personally once wanted to share a comedy video made by a friend on my social media. At that time, I reconsidered and thought, “This video was created by my friend and is protected by copyright, so I should refrain from using it without permission.” This experience made me more aware of copyright issues.

The Difference Between Retweeting and Quoting

Now, let’s get back to the main topic. The action mentioned in the question, “adding my own commentary by long-pressing,” is different from a retweet. On Twitter, there are regular retweets and quote retweets, but when you do a regular retweet, the original creator’s name is automatically displayed. On the other hand, with a quote retweet, you can share the video along with your own comments. However, if the original video is protected by copyright, even a quote retweet could lead to copyright infringement. Especially depending on the content and length of the video, it might be considered unauthorized use, so caution is necessary.

Let’s Consider a Specific Example

Now, let’s think about a specific example. Suppose you find a short video from your favorite comedian. If you want to post that video with your own comments, what would happen? If the video is 15 seconds long, some people might think, “It’s a short clip, so it’s fine.” However, copyright law often does not allow unauthorized use, even if it’s short. I have had experiences where I felt safe sharing a short clip, only to be told by a friend, “That’s not okay.” The barriers of copyright can be surprisingly high.

Do Notifications for Retweets Get Sent?

Next, regarding notifications for retweets, if you perform a retweet, the original creator will receive a notification. However, if you do a quote retweet, the original creator may not receive a notification. Nevertheless, using the original video does not eliminate copyright issues. I have experienced this myself. When I quote retweeted a video, the original creator replied to me, saying, “Please don’t use my video without permission.” I realized that just because a notification is not sent, it doesn’t mean copyright issues disappear.

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement

So, how can we avoid copyright infringement? Here are a few methods to consider. 1. Create original content: The most reliable way is to shoot and edit your own videos. Use your creativity to make original content. 2. Use works with expired copyright: Utilizing videos that are in the public domain or those provided under Creative Commons licenses is also an option. These works are not subject to copyright restrictions. 3. Obtain permission from the original creator: If you want to use a specific video, it’s best to contact the creator and get permission. If they agree, you can share it with peace of mind.

In Conclusion

Today, we discussed questions regarding video posting on Twitter and copyright infringement. Copyright is a very important law, and its significance is increasing, especially with the proliferation of social media. Therefore, it is essential to think carefully about the content we share. The social media platforms we use are not only places for communication but also spaces for expressing creativity. Let’s continue to share content in a fun and legally safe manner. Please be mindful when sharing information!