Can i legally use one of "Youtube audio library" sounds in my game?

[peq42_]

Since terms of use are mostly always something complex that don't explain exactly where/how you can or cannot use stuff, I'm in need of help.

https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/soundeffects

Someone knows if the license given by youtube audio library allows us to use them in games? Or videos only?

 

[bgillisp]

I honestly doubt anyone short of an official lawyer can tell you the answer to this question, so that is honestly where I'd turn to.

 

[sura_tc]

Well, reading the ToS seems to indicate that you are free to use them as you see fit as long as you do not distribute them separately. Looks like slightly restricted public domain license.

But then English is my 3rd language, so I can't be 100% certain.

 

[peq42_]

I honestly doubt anyone short of an official lawyer can tell you the answer to this question, so that is honestly where I'd turn to.

It seems so....

I Wonder why people always make those things complex and "open". It should be simple to allow users to understand what they can and cannot do.
I think that because of it, many people use pirate/ilegal stuff without even knowing.

Well, reading the ToS seems to indicate that you are free to use them as you see fit as long as you do not distribute them separately. Looks like slightly restricted public domain license.

But then English is my 3rd language, so I can't be 100% certain.

Even the portuguese one is not that clear about some things...

Well I will need to double check with a lawyer it seems...

 

[sura_tc]

I just buy sound effects and BGMs nowadays. They aren't that expensive and headache-free in long run.

 

[Poryg]

You can use them freely from the looks of it, but can't change or alter them in any way. Including conversion.

 

[bgillisp]

Of course, there is also my solution to items with vague terms (as lawyers can be expensive). I just don't use them. But that depends on how badly you feel you need those items whether this is a valid option.

 

[Andreyla]

There should be a help section that goes into greater detail how you can use the music/soundeffects. Keep in mind, a lot of what's on the youtube library is collected from other sources. This means that a lot of what's on there wasn't originally intended for "just youtube". If it says "You may use this music with credit given, etc" - as long as you follow whatever terms they've given, you can use it. Some files will even allow altering, but you need to carefully read the terms on each individual file. Searching for public domain files is a good option too.

Alternatively, if you're considered a low income earner, veteran or pensioner, you might qualify for government services to advise you on the topic for free (ie. government funded lawyers). I know they're all over the place in Australia. Australia even have government funded lawyers that specialize in advice on the arts and copyright (Arts Law Centre of Australia). They're usually more than happy to help if you fit the criteria. Hopefully your country has an equivalent?

 

[Harrumi]

Yes you can use them in a project you create (either commercial or non commercial mentioned in youtube's terms and conditions for monetizing), you can not redistribute them separately or edit the file claiming it's your property. You can not use them with illegal content.

 

[VertigoAffliction]

The company I was once a Representative for actually used a few pieces from the aforementioned Sound Library. When an artist actually tried suing the company for using their music, we had to contact YouTube about this. It was quickly taken care of, but that part is a bit unsettling; never will know what became of the very likely confused individual who sued over similar sounding music.

 

[Vincent Chu]

Yes you can use them in a project you create (either commercial or non commercial mentioned in youtube's terms and conditions for monetizing), you can not redistribute them separately or edit the file claiming it's your property. You can not use them with illegal content.

I think that sums up the terms on their site.

 

[Harrumi]

That's where I found the information, so should be all good if you follow the above. ^_^