How to Cut a YouTube Video That's Not Yours in 3 Ways

You're excited. You've finally chosen a niche for your channel, and now you're learning how to create engaging video content. But you hit a wall when you realize your first video needs a little extra help. You want to include a clip from someone else's video. But how do you cut a YouTube video that's not yours? You might even feel a little overwhelmed. First, you need to familiarize yourself with copyright law, which seems like a tedious task. But don't worry! This guide how to get started as a content creator explains how to cut a YouTube video that isn't yours, allowing you to achieve your goals, such as going viral through trend analysis.

To help you achieve your objectives, such as going viral through trend analysis, I recommend using Virlo's solution, the Virality Analysis Tool. This valuable tool will help you make sense of existing trends, enabling you to create content that aligns with what people are actively searching for.

Table of Content

• Can I Take Someone Else's YouTube Video and Edit It

• How to Cut a YouTube Video That's Not Yours in 3 Ways

• How to Use Someone Else's YouTube Videos

• How to Find Content Ideas for YouTube Videos in 7 Ways

• Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

Can I Take Someone Else's YouTube Video and Edit It

YouTube makes it easy to edit your videos. However, you cannot edit someone else’s video in the YouTube Studio. If you want to cut or trim a YouTube video that isn’t yours, you can’t do it on the site. First, you’ll need to download the video, cut it with an external video editor, and then upload it to YouTube. 

Before doing this, make sure you have permission to use someone else’s content. Otherwise, you could be violating copyright laws. So, can you edit someone else’s YouTube video? Sure, but only with permission, and only for personal use. If you want to edit and upload the video for commercial use, you’ll need to get the original author’s permission.

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social environment.

How to Cut a YouTube Video That's Not Yours in 3 Ways

1. Download the Video Using Third-Party Tools and Cut It

If you want to cut a YouTube video that isn't yours, the first thing you might do is download the video using a third-party tool and cut it yourself. Many tools allow you to paste the URL of a YouTube video to download it to your computer in different resolutions (from 360p to 4K). 4K Video Downloader, Y2Mate, and SnapDownloader are a few popular options. These tools typically support formats such as MP4 or MKV, making them compatible with most video editing software. 

Once you've downloaded the video, open it in any video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie, or consider using free options like Shotcut or CapCut Desktop. From here, you can easily trim the parts you need, delete unwanted segments, or even add transitions, text, or background music. This method gives you the most control over the video’s content, timing, and quality. However, always make sure you have permission to use the video, especially if you plan to re-upload or monetize the final result.

2. Clip Other People’s Videos Using YouTube’s Built-in Clip Feature

Did you know that YouTube has a built-in Clip feature that allows users to trim a portion of a video (from 5 to 60 seconds) and share it directly? This feature doesn’t require any downloads or third-party tools and is perfect for quickly grabbing and sharing short highlights from someone else's video. Simply go to a video, click the “Clip” icon (a small scissor icon located below the video), set your start and end times, and assign a title to the clip. 

Once you click “Share Clip,” YouTube generates a unique URL for that specific segment. While you can’t download the clip directly through this method, you can easily embed or share it. If your goal is to share a short, impactful part of a video (e.g., a quote, reaction, or meme-worthy moment), this method is fast, legal, and integrated into YouTube. It’s beneficial for content creators who want to point their audience to a specific moment in a video without altering the content. 

3. Screen Record the Video and Cut It 

If downloading the video isn't possible or you're dealing with a live stream, screen recording is an alternative method for cutting a YouTube video. You can use tools like OBS Studio (free and highly customizable), Bandicam, Xbox Game Bar (Windows), or QuickTime Player (Mac) to record what's playing on your screen while the YouTube video is running. Some screen recording apps even allow you to record only a portion of the screen or remove system sounds if needed. After recording, the video is saved as a file on your device. 

You can then import it into a video editor just like in Method 1, trim out the specific sections you want, and make any necessary edits. Screen recording is beneficial when you need only a small segment of a longer video and don’t want to go through the trouble of downloading the entire file. Be cautious with this method, though it can sometimes result in lower video quality, depending on your settings and screen resolution. 

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social landscape. 

Related Reading

• Highest Paying YouTube Niches
• What is Clipping
• What is Whop
• How to Clip a YouTube Video
• How to Create Youtube Shorts From Existing Video
• How to Make a Tiktok With Multiple Videos
• How to Make Reels With Existing Video
• How to Cut Out Parts of a Video
• How to Make Viral Youtube Shorts
• How to Make Faceless Tiktok Videos
• How to Clip Youtube Videos for Tiktok
• How to Make Faceless Youtube Videos

How to Use Someone Else's YouTube Videos

Know Who Owns the Copyright 

Copyright law can be confusing. At its most basic, the creator and owner of the original content are the only ones who have exclusive rights to use, reproduce, publish, and license it to others. That means that if you haven’t created or bought the content you want to use, you’re at risk of copyright infringement. Just because a piece of content is available for free on the internet doesn’t mean you have the right to reproduce it. 

For example, if you find an image on Pinterest or an infographic on someone’s Facebook Story or another content channel, you can’t necessarily use it. To reproduce it, even to repost it on my Instagram page, can be considered an infringement of someone’s copyright. This applies to your content, too. If you’ve created something original, it is your intellectual property, and you have an exclusive copyright. If someone else copies it or uses it without permission, this is illegal.

Get Written Consent From the Creator Before Using Their Content 

To avoid copyright infringement, it’s essential not to use anyone else’s content without their written consent. If you see something you like and want to share or use, the process can be as simple as sending a DM to the creator saying, “Hey, do you mind if I reshare this on my profile?” In other cases, it may be as comprehensive or as extensive as obtaining a complete licensing agreement, depending on the type of content, the size of the brand, and your intended use. This is the easiest and most essential way to avoid copyright infringement – if in doubt, ask for permission. 

Collaborate with Other Creators 

In addition to obtaining permission from copyright owners and avoiding copyright infringement, reaching out to other creators also presents an opportunity for your brand to establish connections and build its reputation. If you see something you love or you get inspired by another creator’s work, why not reach out about a potential brand partnership or co-marketing opportunity? Rosezena Pierce has a great example of this.  When she took her daughter to Disneyland, she noticed everyone was walking around with Mickey Mouse shoes on. The boots were Vans.

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Disney’s Mickey Mouse character, the two brands collaborated on a limited-edition collection, resulting in 11 unique Mickey Mouse designs. For your own business, you can utilize brand collaborations to introduce fresh ideas and expertise to your brand, while also creating opportunities for co-marketing and exploring new markets and brand communities.

Create Your Unique Content 

The secret to copyright law lies in the concept of unique expression. Other people will have created content related to your niche. If you’re a course creator, you’re unlikely to be the first person to teach about your topic. Crucially, the key to avoiding copyright infringement is to make sure that you put your unique spin on your content. Express the information in your way, drawing on your expertise in the area and incorporating my creative ideas. Create something unique to you, even if others have talked about the idea, topic, or concept before. Be original and inventive with the way you present, explain, and teach the content. In short, don’t copy other creators. Ever. 

Always Get Written Copyright Agreements 

Suppose you’re outsourcing specific tasks like design, content writing, and photography. In that case, it’s essential to get a written copyright agreement that will transfer copyright ownership from the original creator to your business. Without a contractual agreement, your intellectual property is not protected. The copyright belongs to the original creator in this case, such as the graphic designer, content writer, or photographer, and they can do as they please with that content. If you’re spending money to create and promote your course or business, you want to ensure that you own the content and have the copyrights. This is crucial for protecting your intellectual property and avoiding potential legal issues in the future. 

Make Your Copyright Policy Clear to Customers 

Help customers learn how to avoid copyright infringement by clearly stating your copyright policy. If you’re engaging in one-on-one work with a client or you’re enrolling them in my product, course, or digital service, make sure there are legal terms in place that communicate the terms of use for your services. 

This includes specifying how customers can access my content, the duration of their access, the permitted use of the content, and the methods for sharing it. Can they take that content and repurpose it for their own business? If the answer is no, ensure that you communicate it in clear, concise, and precise legal terms. If you’re unsure how to proceed or where to begin, it’s best to consult a qualified legal professional.

Understand the Consequences of Copyright Infringement 

Copyright infringement, whether intentional or unintentional, can be detrimental to your business. Intellectual property infringement of any kind can do severe damage to your reputation, which in turn can have extremely harmful consequences for your brand and your business. These consequences may be irreversible. 

You lose credibility with your audience when they discover you’re a copycat. In addition to the reputational risks, copyright infringement is a serious offense. This means it can result in substantial fines and even imprisonment in some regions. Make sure you know what copyright infringement is, who has ownership over the material you’re using and selling, and what rights you’re granting to your customers.

Understand Fair Use 

Fair Use allows you to reproduce parts of copyrighted material without the author’s permission in certain circumstances. Specifically, if you intend to use another’s work for a “limited and transformative” purpose, then it passes as Fair Use, and you are not guilty of copyright infringement. So what exactly qualifies as “limited and transformative”? The truth is, there are still lots of grey areas, and every country interprets the law differently. 

Typical Examples of Fair Use include

A news outlet uses a photo from a public event to illustrate a news story. In this scenario, the news outlet is using a photo taken at a public event, such as a protest or a rally, as part of their news coverage. This use is considered fair because it is being used for reporting purposes, and the photo is not being used to promote a product or service. A comedian creates a parody of a popular song to criticize the lyrics or the artist’s message. In this scenario, the comedian creates a parody of a popular song to critique the lyrics or the artist’s message. 

This use is considered fair because it is a form of commentary and criticism, and the parody is not being used to replace the original song or its market. A teacher uses a short excerpt from a novel as a part of a lesson to teach literary techniques. In this scenario, the teacher uses a small portion of the book to teach about literary techniques, such as character development, plot, or theme. This use is considered fair because it is being used for educational purposes, is not being sold or distributed, and does not impact the potential market for the novel. 

Say you post a review of a concert you attended, along with actual event clips, without monetizing the content; it passes for fair use. However, if you place ads on the review video, it may no longer be considered fair use, as you’ve monetized the content. Most social platforms, such as YouTube, have specific guidelines for Fair Use. So, ensure that you read and understand them before incorporating another person’s content into your work. 

Use Public Domain Materials 

Public domain material is any content that isn’t subject to copyright laws. In other words, you’re free to use these materials as you like. Sometimes, the original creator of a piece of content intentionally allows for public use, as is the case with royalty-free images and videos. In other cases, the work isn’t subject to copyright protection. The copyright has expired. 

The copyright owner failed to comply with the copyright renewal rules. You can find public domain materials in Open Resources libraries, online and offline. You can also search for them in the Creative Commons. The Creative Commons website offers a searchable database of works available under Creative Commons licenses, enabling creators to find and utilize content in their projects easily.

Credit Your Sources 

Every artist steals (Picasso’s words, not ours). It’s okay to draw inspiration or even include information from another creator’s work; you’re not an island of knowledge. But when you do this, ensure you credit them, especially if you heavily borrow from their work. There are instances of how this plays out in real-time; for example, if you run a literary YouTube channel. In that case, you should credit the authors of any books I review if I recreate another person’s concept, for example, makeup videos, TikTok dances, and the like, as they deserve credit.

If I’m using an image or other visual element, I should include a caption or credit line that identifies the source of the image. The crediting process differs from one platform to another. On social media platforms, crediting another creator is as simple as tagging them on my post. In more formal settings, such as academia, you need to cite sources using a standard referencing list. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of over-crediting. It’s better to give too much credit than not enough, and it shows that you value the work of others.

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social landscape. 

How to Find Content Ideas for YouTube Videos in 7 Ways

1. Use Virlo for Smart Content Ideas 

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social environment. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo eliminates the guesswork from content strategy. 

We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand not just when to post, but what combinations of elements are currently driving engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool.

2. Explore the Trending Tab 

To find YouTube trends via your YouTube homepage, navigate to the sidebar on the left and click the "Trending" tab. This section features a curated list of videos, organized by views, location, and engagement. Browse through the trending videos and look for potential themes and trends that coordinate with your niche, and make those trends and ideas your own! If a trend doesn't perfectly align with your style, consider how you can adapt it to fit your voice. 

3. Hack the YouTube Search Bar 

Once you get a broad view of some of the current trends, do some trending searches. Simply start typing trend queries into your YouTube search bar, but don't hit enter immediately - instead, pay attention to the suggested searches that pop up in the list below your initial query in the search bar. These suggestions can help reveal related searches, trending topics, and keywords on YouTube that viewers are actively seeking. Use YouTube keyword research to discover popular keywords with high search volume and identify the ones that match your niche. 

4. Try Google Trends 

YouTube, of course, focuses on videos trending on YouTube - but as contrary as it seems, you shouldn't limit yourself solely to YouTube searches. YouTubers can additionally use Google Trends for a broader perspective. Google Trends shows what's being searched for on the internet in real-time, so you can use it to check out trending searches and find an even wider range of hot topics that could be relevant to your content and niche, sometimes before they even make it to YouTube. 

5. Hop Onto Hashtags 

Other social media platforms, such as Twitter (X) and Instagram, are a treasure trove of trending topics for YouTubers. Look for trending hashtags and visual/text trends that are happening across your social media platforms, as well as those trending on YouTube. Keep an eye on how popular discussions are tracking so you can get a head start on the latest trends. 

6. Watch What's Newsworthy 

Current events, news stories, entertainment happenings, gaming events, concerts, fashion shows - all of these can rapidly spark trending topic ideas, memes, and more, helping YouTube creators get inspired to create content that capitalizes on fresh conversations! 

7. Get Inspired By Your Peers 

Other channels and fellow YouTubers in your niche can be a great way to research trending content. Check out what topics are currently resonating with their audiences and identify potential trends you can incorporate into your content strategy - not copying other YouTube creators, but simply getting inspired to create using the trends in your way, for your own YouTube Shorts and videos!

Related Reading

• How Much Does Tiktok Pay
• Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas
• How to Make Money on YouTube Without Showing Your Face
• How Do Influencers Edit Their Videos
• How to Make a Horizontal Video Vertical
• How to Edit Videos Like a Pro
• Content Repurposing Tools
• Tiktok Video Editing Tips
• How to Make Money on Tiktok Without Showing Your Face
• How to Make Money on Instagram Without Showing Your Face
• Best Content Creation Tools
• Faceless Instagram Account Ideas
• How to Hide Instagram Account
• Highest RPM Niches on YouTube
• Best Faceless Tiktok Niches

Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social environment. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo eliminates the guesswork from content strategy. 

We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand not just when to post, but what combinations of elements are currently driving engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool.

Related Reading

• How to Put Two Videos Next to Each Other
• How to Repurpose Video Content
• How to Trim Videos on Instagram
• How to Add Text to Tiktok Videos
• How to Add Text to Reels at Different Times
• Short Form Video Editing
• How Hard is It to Make Money on OnlyFans
• How to Make Money Editing Videos
• What Content Makes the Most Money on OnlyFans
• How to Make a Video Collage
• How to Make a Video Longer
• How to Make Money on OnlyFans Without Showing Your Face
• OnlyFans Content Ideas
• Editing Software for Beginners