Hello Luke! I can help provide some information on this topic. YouTube videos, by default, are not considered public domain. Public domain refers to works that are not protected by copyright or where copyright has expired.
When someone creates a video and uploads it to YouTube, they automatically hold the copyright to that video unless they have explicitly released it into the public domain or chosen a Creative Commons license. Copyright grants the creator exclusive rights to control the use and distribution of their work.
As a general rule, you should assume that YouTube videos are protected by copyright unless the creator has indicated otherwise. Using someone else’s copyrighted content without permission may infringe upon their rights and can result in legal consequences.
However, there are cases where creators may choose to license their videos under Creative Commons, which allows others to use their content under certain conditions specified by the license. It’s important to review the specific Creative Commons license associated with a video to understand the permissions and restrictions for using that content.
To ensure you have the legal right to use a YouTube video in your project, it’s best to reach out to the video creator directly and ask for permission. They may grant you the necessary permissions or provide information on how they have licensed their content.
Remember, copyright laws can be complex, and this response is not legal advice. If you have specific legal concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified legal professional who can provide guidance based on your specific situation.