How to Find Creative Commons Videos on YouTube

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before searching for Creative Commons videos on YouTube?

Before starting your search, it’s important to understand what Creative Commons (CC) licenses are and why they matter. Creative Commons licenses allow creators to give permission in advance for others to use their work under certain conditions, such as giving credit, not using it commercially, or allowing modifications. YouTube offers a filter to find videos under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY), which generally allows reuse and modification as long as you credit the creator.

To prepare, make sure you have:

• A YouTube account: While not required to search, having an account helps you save videos or playlists.
• A clear topic or keywords: Know what kind of videos you want to find.
• Basic copyright understanding: Knowing what reuse rights you need (e.g., commercial use, modification) helps you choose the right videos.
• A plan for attribution: You’ll need to credit the original creator properly.

For example, if you plan to create a how-to video using footage from others, you want to make sure you can legally reuse and edit those videos. Being aware that CC videos require attribution and checking whether commercial use is allowed will protect you from copyright violations. Also, understand that not all CC licenses are on YouTube — YouTube mostly uses CC BY.

How do you find Creative Commons videos on YouTube? Step-by-step

Finding Creative Commons videos on YouTube involves using YouTube’s built-in search filter to isolate videos under the Creative Commons license. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Open YouTube and enter your search term. For example, if you want nature videos, type “nature” in the search bar.
2. Click the “Filters” button below the search bar. This opens sorting and filtering options.
3. Under “Features,” select “Creative Commons.” This narrows your search to videos YouTube has labeled as CC BY.
4. Review the search results carefully. Since the filter only shows videos tagged as Creative Commons, these are eligible for reuse under CC BY terms.
5. Click on a video to open it. Scroll down to the description area and click “Show More” to confirm the licensing details.
6. Look for the “Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)” label below the video player. This confirms the video’s CC BY license.
7. Save or bookmark videos you want to use. You can also create a playlist for easy access.
8. Download videos only if allowed. YouTube doesn’t officially support downloading videos, so use YouTube’s own tools or ensure downloads comply with YouTube’s terms and copyright law.
9. When you reuse the video, provide proper attribution as required.

This stepwise approach helps you find videos that are legally reusable and reduces the risk of copyright infringement.

How can you tell if the Creative Commons filter worked correctly?

After applying the Creative Commons filter, the search results should be limited to videos with a CC BY license. To verify that the filter worked:

• Look for the CC logo next to the video title or in the video details. YouTube displays a small Creative Commons icon to indicate the license type.
• Check the video page below the video player. It should say: “License: Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed).”
• Review the video description for any licensing notes. Some creators add explicit license information and instructions for attribution.
• Try clicking a few videos and confirming their license. If the license label is missing or says “Standard YouTube License,” the filter did not work properly or the video is mislabeled.

If your results include many popular music videos or standard copyrighted content, the filter might not have been applied correctly. You can try these troubleshooting tips:

• Refresh the page and reapply the filter.
• Use more specific keywords.
• Clear your browser cache or switch browsers if the issue persists.

Knowing these signs helps you avoid mistakenly using videos that aren’t legally reusable.

What to do if you can’t find Creative Commons videos or the filter isn’t working?

Sometimes the Creative Commons filter may not work as expected or you might struggle to find videos matching your topic. Here are some practical tips to handle those situations:

• Try changing your search terms: Adding “Creative Commons” or “CC BY” to your keywords can help. For example, “cityscape Creative Commons” or “cooking tutorial CC BY.”
• Use alternative platforms: Websites like Vimeo, Internet Archive, or dedicated Creative Commons video collections often have videos with clear CC licenses.
• Manually verify licenses: If the filter is unreliable, browse videos and check descriptions for license information. Look for phrases like “licensed under Creative Commons Attribution.”
• Consider contacting the creator: If you find a video you want to use but can’t confirm the license, reaching out to the uploader for permission helps.
• Use official YouTube tools: YouTube Studio or Creator Tools can help verify licenses if you manage videos or channels.
• Check YouTube’s Help Center: Sometimes technical issues affect filters; updates or outages can temporarily disable features.

If you still cannot find suitable Creative Commons videos, consider creating your own content or using stock footage websites that offer clear reuse licenses. Always double-check licenses to avoid unintentional copyright infringement.

How to properly attribute Creative Commons videos found on YouTube?

Attribution is a key requirement of most Creative Commons licenses, including the YouTube CC BY license. Proper attribution gives credit to the original creator and respects copyright terms. Here’s how to do it clearly and correctly:

Elements of proper attribution:

• Title of the original work: Mention the video title.
• Author or creator’s name: Use their YouTube username or real name if available.
• Link to the original video: Provide a clickable URL.
• License type: State the Creative Commons license, for example “Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY).”

Example attribution wording:

“Original video ‘Sunset Timelapse’ by NatureScenes, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY). [Link to original video]”

Placement tips:

• Include this information in your video description or credits.
• If embedding or remixing videos, add attribution in your project’s end credits or accompanying documentation.
• Be clear and easy to find; don’t bury attribution in fine print.

Using this exact wording and placement ensures compliance with the license and helps avoid copyright disputes.

How can this method be adapted for different users or purposes?

Creative Commons videos serve a variety of users, from educators to content creators to nonprofit organizations. Adapting your search and use method depends on your needs:

• For educators: Use Creative Commons videos to supplement lessons legally. Teach students how to find, use, and attribute these videos properly.
• For parents: Find kid-friendly videos licensed for reuse to use in home projects or presentations.
• For content creators: Use CC videos to build your content library while respecting licenses. Combine CC videos with your own materials, and check if you can monetize (see related article about monetizing CC videos).
• For nonprofits and nonprofits: Use Creative Commons videos to tell your story or advocate causes without high production costs, always crediting creators.
• For casual users: If you want to share or remix videos for fun, following the attribution and license terms keeps your use legal and respectful.

Adjust your keyword searches, attribution style, and reuse practices based on your specific audience and purpose. Proper understanding of licensing protects you and supports the video creators.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit Creative Commons videos found on YouTube?

Yes, most Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licenses allow you to edit and remix videos. However, you must always give credit to the original creator and note any changes you made if required by the license.

Are all Creative Commons videos free to use commercially on YouTube?

No. Some CC licenses include a NonCommercial (NC) restriction that prohibits commercial use. YouTube’s Creative Commons filter mostly shows videos under CC BY, which allows commercial use, but always verify the license details before using commercially.

How do I know which Creative Commons license applies to a video?

YouTube lists the license directly under the video player on the video’s page. Clicking “Show More” in the description can provide additional details. The license label will say “Creative Commons Attribution license” or specify other CC terms.

What if I use a Creative Commons video without attribution?

Using a CC-licensed video without giving proper credit violates the license terms and can lead to copyright claims, takedowns, or legal issues. Always provide clear attribution to avoid problems.

Can I find Creative Commons videos without using YouTube filters?

Yes, but it’s less reliable. You can add “Creative Commons” or “CC BY” to your search terms and manually check each video’s description for license information. The filter is a faster way to ensure videos are CC-licensed.