VBS Permissions

Important Information About Group VBS Music and Media Permissions

 Group VBS Music & Media Permissions

At Group, it’s important to us that we supply churches with the resources to create a quality VBS experience that can change kids’ lives for eternity. As churches constantly adapt and change how  they do VBS we want to help by providing more flexibility for you within the bounds of copyright law. This document is designed to help clarify what types of uses are allowed when it comes to Group VBS music and media. These permissions are granted to the purchaser of the Group VBS Starter Kit.

General VBS Music & Media Licensing

In-Person Use: As the purchaser of a Group VBS starter kit or Group VBS program media you

are granted the right to use these materials to conduct an in-person, face-to-face VBS program. That includes presenting the music, video, and audio recordings to your in-person audience.

Additionally, there are limited permissions for the use of specific media items for the promotion and marketing of your VBS program (see chart for specifics).

Online or Broadcast Use: Permissions for the online use of any media items is limited. Other than the specific exceptions described in this document, you are NOT granted permission to use the music or media items

in any type of broadcast or streaming via the internet (whether live or on-demand).

Quick Summary of Music & Media Permissions The following is a quick summary of allowed uses for Group VBS music and media. These permissions are granted to purchasers of the Group VBS starter kits or VBS music and media items. If you have additional questions about usage, please email [e-mail].

Basic VBS Music and Media Permissions
Group VBS Item	Church use in-person	Post Online	Livestream	Conditions
Music Audio Recordings	Yes	No	Conditional	The music audio tracks can be used as part of a normal church service that is related to VBS. If the services are streamed, a CCLI Streaming license is required. Songs cannot be livestreamed alone. Songs cannot be used to create an online VBS program.
Music Videos	Yes	No	Conditional	The music videos can be used as part of a normal church service that is related to VBS. A CCLI Streaming license is required. Videos cannot be livestreamed alone. Videos cannot be used to create an online VBS program.
Skit Videos	Yes	No	No
KidVid Stories Videos	Yes	No	No
Power Point Lyric Slides	Yes	No	Conditional	The Power Point lyric slides can be used as part of a normal church service that is related to VBS. A CCLI license is required. These slides cannot be livestreamed alone and cannot be used to create an online VBS program.
VBS Decorating Videos	Yes	Conditional	Conditional	These videos cannot be posted on a public online platform. If you purchased the Plus Digital Starter Kit you may share your Digital Download Center (DDC) login with your volunteers as a means of distributing these videos. Otherwise, you can share these videos in a closed password-protected platform (such as Google Drive).
Music Motion and Other Music-related Training Videos	Yes	Conditional	Conditional	Videos containing VBS music may NOT be posted on a public online platform. Easy VBS music motion training videos are available on the Digital Download Center (DDC) for those who purchased the Plus Digital Starter Kit. You may share your DDC login with your volunteers as a means of distributing these videos. You may also share music motion training videos in a closed password-protected platform (such as Google Drive).
Non-music VBS Training Videos	Yes	Conditional	Conditional	If you purchased the Plus Digital Starter Kit you may share your Digital Download Center (DDC) login with your volunteers as a means of distributing these videos. Otherwise, you can share these videos in a closed password-protected platform (such as Google Drive).

Q: My church does a VBS invitation and/or wrap-up service that is also livestreamed. The service includes the kids singing along with the recorded VBS music or music video. Is this ok to do?

A: Yes, this is allowed as part of a church service livestream if you have a CCLI Streaming license and the Group music or video recordings are used as part of a broader VBS-related church service. Recordings of individual songs or music videos should not be posted online by themselves. Conducting a VBS program online is not allowed.

Q: Can we make copies of the VBS music or music videos to give to VBS families?

A: No. Songwriters, producers, and others are paid based on the sales of music CD’s, music DVDs, and other related items. Making copies would deny them the compensation for their work.

Q: Can I share the Group VBS promotional video online?

A: Yes, you can post the promotional video on your church website or in social media to promote your VBS program. It’s also available to use in the VBS PRO registration system.

Q: Can we use the VBS music and music videos for other church functions like children’s church?

A: You can use the VBS audio recordings or music videos for normal in-person church activities if your church purchased the VBS program. These recordings may not be used online. Please report music uses under your CCLI license. 

Q: Can I share the Group VBS volunteer recruiting video online?

A: Yes, you can post the recruiting video on your church website or in social media to recruit volunteers for your VBS program.

Q: Can I share our Spotlight VBS slideshow online?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I create original works with Group VBS music or media if I give the new works away and don’t charge for them?

A: No, as with any copyright material, Group VBS media and music cannot be used to create original works regardless of whether they are given away or sold.

Q: Can I create my own slideshow with Group VBS music to share online?

A: Yes, but you may only use the audio of the program theme song (track 1 on the music CD).

Q: Can I post Group VBS music or media online if I give copyright credit to Group?

A: No, this is not allowed. Using a citation does not change the permissions for use of copyright material.