YouTube Standard License vs Creative Commons (CC BY) Explained

When you upload to YouTube, one setting in the advanced options decides how other people may reuse your work. Most uploaders never touch it, so most videos on the platform carry the same default. A small minority choose Creative Commons instead. The difference matters whether you publish or reuse.

The Standard YouTube License

Every upload starts under the Standard YouTube License unless the creator changes it. In plain terms, viewers may watch the video on YouTube and through its embed, but they receive no permission to copy, edit, or redistribute it. The creator keeps all rights.

It follows that downloading someone else's standard-licensed video to reuse in your own work needs separate permission from the rights holder. Being publicly watchable on the platform is not the same as being open to reuse.

The Creative Commons Attribution license

YouTube lets creators mark a video as CC BY, short for Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. Under that license, anyone may reuse, remix and redistribute the video, including commercially, as long as they give appropriate credit. That is the only condition.

So a vlogger can pull a CC BY clip into a documentary, a teacher can include it in course material, and a musician can use a CC BY video's soundtrack, provided the credit is clear.

Key differences at a glance

1. Default status. Standard is automatic. CC BY must be chosen deliberately.
2. Reuse permission. Standard grants none beyond viewing. CC BY grants broad reuse.
3. Credit. Standard does not set up a credit system. CC BY requires one.
4. Commercial use. Standard forbids it without permission. CC BY allows it with credit.
5. Editing. Standard needs permission. CC BY permits remixes.

A common trap: what the label covers

The CC BY tag applies to the video as uploaded by that creator. If the video contains third-party clips or music that the uploader did not have the right to license, the label does not magically clear those parts. This happens more than you might expect, for example with a gaming video that carries a licensed soundtrack.

Check the description for music credits and look for any Content ID notice. When something looks inconsistent, choose another source.

How to check a video's license

On a video page, expand the description and look at the bottom. A CC BY video displays the text Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed). A standard video shows nothing special. In YouTube search, open Filters and pick Creative Commons under Features to list only CC BY videos.

What this means for the converter

The converter is intended for content you own, material under Creative Commons, or royalty-free audio. If a video is marked CC BY and you have confirmed the label is trustworthy, converting its audio to MP3 for reuse with credit fits that purpose. For a standard-licensed video you do not own, you need the owner's permission first. When you tick the confirmation box you are stating that this applies.

The usual limits stay in place: up to 15 minutes per video, 10 conversions per IP per hour, and files deleted after one hour. Download immediately and keep a note of the video address, creator and license version next to the file.

Writing the credit

For a reused CC BY video or its audio, a good credit includes title, creator, a link to the source and the license name. Our credit-writing guide in the blog offers copy-paste patterns.

If you are the creator

Consider the choice for your own uploads. Standard keeps control tight. CC BY invites sharing and can bring your work to new audiences, but you cannot take back the permission for copies already made. Decide before publishing, not after.

You can change the license on an existing video in YouTube Studio, but it affects only future reuse. Anyone who already copied it under CC BY keeps the permission.

Rights note

Use this service only when you hold the rights to the content, or when it is Creative Commons licensed or royalty-free and you follow its terms. This article is general information, not legal advice. Our terms of use explain your responsibilities.