Creators spend hours on a 30-second video. When their work gets reposted without a name, they lose the views, followers and income that should have come back to them. Giving credit is easy, and it's the difference between sharing and taking.
The best option: share the original
Before downloading anything, ask whether you can simply share the original post. Every platform has a built-in way to do it:
- Instagram: share the Reel to your Story, or send it in a message.
- TikTok: use Share, Repost, Duet or Stitch.
- Facebook: use the Share button.
- X: repost or quote the original post.
Native sharing automatically shows the creator's name, sends viewers to their profile and counts toward their numbers. It's the best credit you can give.
When you do repost a downloaded video
Sometimes native sharing isn't possible — you're moving a clip to a different platform, or using it in a presentation. In those cases:
- Ask first if you're posting it publicly, especially on a business or monetised account. A quick DM is usually enough, and many creators say yes.
- Tag the creator in the post itself, not just the caption — on Instagram, tag them on the video.
- Name them in the first line of the caption: "🎥 Video by @creatorname".
- Link to the original where the platform allows links.
- Don't crop out watermarks or names. If a video has the creator's handle on it, leave it there.
Good and bad credit
- ✅ "Video by @maya.bakes — go follow her for more recipes!"
- ✅ Creator tagged on the video and in the caption, with permission in a DM.
- ❌ "Credit to the owner" — this tells viewers nothing and gives the creator no traffic.
- ❌ "No copyright intended" — this phrase doesn't change anything legally.
- ❌ Tag hidden among 30 hashtags at the end of a long caption.
When credit isn't enough
Credit is polite, but it isn't permission. You need permission (or a licence) when:
- you use someone's video in an advert or to promote a business;
- you post it on a monetised channel or page;
- you sell anything that includes it;
- you use a photo or artwork in a product, flyer or print.
Read more in Is it legal to download social media videos?
Crediting in presentations, schools and work
For slides, classroom materials or internal reports, add a small caption under the video or on the last slide: creator name, platform and link, e.g. "Source: @creatorname on TikTok, link". It's good practice and shows your audience where to find more.
What to do if someone reposts your video
Most platforms let you report reposted content that uses your work without permission (look for "intellectual property" or "copyright" in the report menu). Often a friendly message asking for credit or removal works faster.
Treat other people's videos the way you'd want yours treated. Credit costs nothing and keeps creators making the things we enjoy.