Q. Can we use Group Music Videos we find on YouTube in our ministry either online or in a classroom?
A. No
Explanation: YouTube’s Terms of Service prevents you from using their service in a group setting regardless of being in-person, church-related, or online. YouTube’s terms clearly state “you are not allowed to use the Service to view or listen to Content other than for personal, non-commercial use (for example, you may not publicly screen videos or stream music from the Service).” In addition, it also states “you are not allowed to access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content…”
Additionally, Group’s intention in providing the Lifetree Kids YouTube channel is for kids and families to have ways to learn about and worship God at home. The Lifetree Kids YouTube channel was never intended to be used within church settings and shouldn’t be used in that way. You can purchase songs and videos for your ministry on the Group.com website.
Q. Can I upload/post the individual Group Music Videos I purchased (either as a download or in my VBS or curriculum kits) to my own YouTube channel or other video sharing platform?
A. No
Explanation: Even though you have a copy of the file, you do NOT own the rights to the song. Only the rights holder has the right to post their content to the web. When you upload copies of music to your YouTube channel, you are essentially making a copy of the song and making it available to the world. So, unless you have received written permission from the rights holder to do this, it is strictly prohibited.
Even if you purchased a Group web license, you do not have permission to upload the individual song files. Your web license only allows you to play the purchased Group-owned song within/as a part of a church event/service that’s being streamed or recorded.
Q. Can I upload my own video recording of people singing to a Master Sound Recording of a Group-owned song to YouTube or other video sharing platform?
A. No