Could I infringe a copyright if I use content available for free online?
<p>I made a video and uploaded it to YouTube. I created the video, but I attached <a href="https://soundcloud.com/desandnate/help-me-name-this-song-leave" rel="noreferrer">an audio track I found online</a> for free.</p>

<p>How do I know if I am allowed to use this audio in this way?</p>

<p>If I pay for creative works like music, songs, graphics, etc., do I infringe the copyright of the work if I post those in a video I upload to YouTube?</p>

<p>The author of that work owns its copyright. Barring a licence that gives you the right to use it, you are infringing copyright. (I'm assuming no fair use in this case; i.e. the YouTube clip isn't actually <em>about</em> the audio track.)</p>

<p>If you pay for licences, make sure the licence allows for the purpose you intend to use it for.</p>

<p>When I buy a CD of "Pee Wee Herman Sings Abby Road,"  (fictitious) I am "licensed" to listen to it.  If I then want to use it in sychronization with a creative video I've made, I must obtain a synchronization license.</p>

<p>When I go out to soundcloud and find a track, I must do the exact same thing.  The fact that it is downloadable for free from soundcloud doesn't give you synchronization license.</p>

copyright fair-use