Separate ownership from permission to use
Copyright ownership, a license and a platform authorization are different concepts. An agreement can grant specific usage without transferring every right. Conversely, a broad assignment may transfer much more than a limited posting license. Read the actual terms instead of relying on the label 'UGC'.
This guide is general education for creators, not a legal review of your contract. Ownership can depend on the facts and agreement, including work-made-for-hire rules. The US Copyright Office is a starting point for the underlying concepts.
Write a usable rights schedule
| Term | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Covered assets | Which final videos, images, hooks or raw files? |
| Channels | Brand social accounts, website, email, marketplace listings? |
| Paid media | Are ads allowed, by whom and on which platforms? |
| Duration | When does the license start and end? |
| Territory | Which countries or markets? |
| Editing | What changes, translations or derivative works are allowed? |
| Sublicensing | Can agencies, retailers or other parties use the content? |
| Renewal | How is an extension approved and paid for? |
Check creator-handle advertising separately
TikTok Spark Ads and Instagram partnership ads can involve permissions tied to creator content or identity. A technical authorization code is not a substitute for a commercial agreement. Agree the advertiser, duration and permitted placements before providing access.
Never share an account password as a shortcut to advertising authorization. Use the platform's supported permissions. If a brand asks for perpetual advertising rights, ask how that interacts with future partnerships, your likeness and later edits.
Treat raw footage and edits as additional scope
Raw files may let a brand create many more assets than the final deliverables. Define which files are included and what edits are permitted. Consider whether the brand may change your meaning, combine your likeness with other material or create synthetic alterations.
Also confirm music, stock footage and other third-party licenses. A track available for a personal post may not be licensed for commercial advertising or cross-platform reuse. Do not grant rights you do not hold.
Keep a record of the agreed version
- Attach the rights schedule to the final deal requirements or agreement.
- Record start and end dates and renewal contacts.
- Price extensions before the license expires.
- Clarify takedown or archival treatment after expiration.
- Keep approval messages and a copy of the delivered assets.
Common questions
Does paying for a video automatically buy all rights?
Do not assume that. The agreement and applicable law determine ownership and licensing. Define the rights explicitly and seek legal advice where the transfer is broad or unclear.
Does a free product give the brand permission to run my post as an ad?
Gifting alone does not define an advertising license. Agree the intended use and permissions before granting access or content rights.
Sources and further reading
Examples are illustrative unless a source is given. Requirements, program terms and platform rules can change. Report corrections to support@lgi365.com.