What is considered a reposted video on TikTok?
On TikTok, a reposted video is when someone shares another user’s video on their own profile without editing or changing it. Unlike remixes or collaborations where you add your own creative elements, a straight repost is just re-sharing someone else’s content in its original form.
Specifically, TikTok considers a video a repost if it meets all of the following criteria:
- The video is an exact duplicate of someone else’s content.
- No editing or changes have been made – it’s the same video frame-for-frame.
- You are not duetting or stitching with the original video.
- You don’t have permission from the original creator to repost their content.
So in summary, simply downloading someone else’s video and uploading it again as your own post is considered a repost by TikTok. Remixes that build on the original, collaborations with the creator, and your own unique content are not classified as reposts.
Why You Should Look for Reposted Videos
One major reason to look for your reposted videos is to avoid potential copyright issues or loss of views and revenue. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), reposting someone else’s video without permission can constitute copyright infringement. If you find your original content reposted without consent, you can file a DMCA takedown notice to have it removed. This protects your ownership rights and prevents loss of views or earnings from your own posting of the video.
As TikTok explains in their Community Guidelines, “Reposting others’ content as your own without credit is not allowed on TikTok.” So it’s important to watch for unauthorized reposts to ensure your original work is properly attributed. Having your unique content reposted without credit can lead to frustration, as well as lost opportunities for your channel. Regularly searching TikTok for your own videos can help catch any improper reposting in a timely manner.
Overall, monitoring for reposts allows creators to defend their copyrights, maintain control over their content, and maximize viewership on their own channels. No one wants their hard work used without permission, so it pays to be vigilant against unauthorized reposting.
How to search for your own videos
One of the easiest ways to find your own videos that may have been reposted is to use the TikTok search bar. When you search for keywords, sounds, or hashtags from your own videos, any duplicates or reposts may appear in the results.
To narrow it down further, you can filter the search results by selecting “From this account” from the filter options. This will only show videos posted from your own account. Comparing these to the full search results can help uncover any reposted videos.
You can also search for your specific username, full video captions, unique audio tracks, or video clips using the search bar. This searches the entire TikTok database for matching videos. If identical or similar videos show up from other accounts, they may be reposts. Using keyword combinations unique to your content can help surface reuploads.
The TikTok search tool provides an easy way to quickly find possible reposts of your videos by searching for your own content. Using filters and comparisons can identify if duplicated videos exist elsewhere.
Using third-party sites and tools
Some third-party sites allow you to search for your videos that have been reposted on TikTok. These sites can search by video URL or keywords to help you find copies and reposts.
One option is RepostTrace. You can enter a video URL or keywords to search TikTok and find any matching reposted videos. The site claims to index TikTok daily to stay on top of new reposts.
Another site that offers TikTok repost searching is Repost Sleuth. After entering a URL or keywords, it scans TikTok to find copies or partial reposts. The site also lets you monitor for any new instances of your content being reposted.
While third-party tools can be helpful for finding reposts, keep in mind their capabilities may be limited compared to searching directly on TikTok. But they provide an additional option if you’re having trouble tracking down your reposted videos elsewhere.
Contacting TikTok about reposted videos
If you find that someone has reposted your original video without permission, you can report it directly to TikTok.
Go to the video and tap the Share button. Then tap Report and select “Copyright” as the reason. Here you can fill out the copyright infringement form to request the video be taken down.
TikTok also has a copyright reporting form you can use to submit a complaint: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/report/copyright?lang=en
In the form, you’ll need to provide details like a link to your original video, proof of ownership, and contact information. TikTok reviews these requests and will remove videos if they violate copyright.
Reporting videos is the main way to get reposted content taken down directly through TikTok. This helps enforce your intellectual property rights.
Filing DMCA takedown notices
If your TikTok videos have been reposted without your permission, you can file DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices to have the infringing content removed. This is a legal process for removing copyright-protected content that’s been reposted without the copyright holder’s consent.
Here’s how to file a DMCA notice with TikTok:
- Gather details about the infringing content, including the direct URL to the reposted video and the reposting user’s username/profile.
- Draft a DMCA takedown notice that identifies you as the copyright holder, specifies the infringing content, and requests its immediate removal.
- Submit the DMCA notice to TikTok through their copyright reporting form at https://www.tiktok.com/legal/report/copyright. TikTok provides an email address and online webform for submitting notices.
- TikTok will process valid DMCA notices and remove infringing content quickly, usually within 1-3 business days.
- You can continue to monitor for reposts and file additional notices as needed. TikTok may terminate repeat infringing accounts.
The DMCA provides a process for copyright holders to legally demand removal of unauthorized use of their creative work. Filing notices prompts TikTok to take down reposts in compliance with the law.
Preventing reposts in the first place
There are a few things you can do when creating your original videos that make it harder for others to repost them:
- Add a watermark to your videos. Putting your TikTok username or logo somewhere on the video can deter reposters since it’s a clear sign of who created the content originally.
- Use original visuals and audio. Reposters often search for generic songs or backgrounds to steal, so creating something unique makes your content less enticing to lift.
- Wait to post viral content. If you have a video that you think will get a lot of views, consider waiting a day or two before posting it. Reposters like to quickly capitalize on videos that are blowing up.
While no strategy is foolproof, making your videos more original gives you a better chance at avoiding reposts in the first place. You want potential reposters to look at your content and decide it’s not worth the effort to re-upload.
Remixes and collaborations
It’s important to distinguish remixes and collaborations from actual reposted videos. A remix involves taking an existing video and adding new creative elements like audio, visuals, edits, etc. Collaborations are videos created together with the original content creator. Both remixes and collaborations involve giving proper credit to the original video source.
Best practices for remixes and collaborations include:
- Asking for permission from the original creator before remixing or collaborating
- Crediting the original video and creator in the caption and video description
- Tagging the original creator’s TikTok account in the video
- Making substantive creative additions so the video is transformative
- Not reposting large portions or the entirety of the original video unchanged
As long as remixes and collaborations follow these best practices, they are acceptable forms of creating new content on TikTok. Simple reposts without credit or permission should be avoided.
According to an article on Unpublished, remixes work well on TikTok because the changes make the sounds more catchy and engaging for viewers.
Dealing with reposts ethically
While reposting content is accepted on TikTok, creators should be mindful about when and how they repost to avoid hurting the original creator or their brand. Here are some ethical considerations around reposting:
Be reasonable – If someone reposts your content but credits you, it may be better to reach out politely rather than report them immediately. Small creators sharing content can help you gain more views. Focus any complaints on channels reposting content at scale without credit.
Credit the original – Reposters should always credit the original creator in the caption and/or with an overlay tag pointing to their profile. This shows respect and gives the creator exposure. According to The Ultimate Guide on How to Repost on TikTok for Coaches, adding #repost in the caption also helps indicate it’s not your original content.
Ask first when possible – For larger reposts or collaborations, it’s best to ask the original creator for permission. This avoids bad feelings and shows you respect their work.
Follow takedown requests – If a creator asks you to remove a repost, comply promptly. Arguing or resisting can damage your reputation.
Focus on worst offenders – Reserve your strongest complaints for channels reposting content at scale without any credit. Going after individuals for minor reposts may seem petty.
Make your own content – Posting more original videos and less repurposed content protects your brand and avoids ethical issues.
When reposts are allowed or beneficial
In some cases, reposting someone else’s video can actually be beneficial for both parties. Here are some examples of when reposting may be allowed or provide value:
Participating in memes or trends – Many popular TikTok memes involve users recreating and iterating on an original video. As long as you are adding your own creative spin, reposting meme formats can help increase engagement and visibility for everyone involved.
Giving exposure to lesser known creators – Reposting and crediting small or undiscovered creators can help get their content in front of new audiences. This can be an organic way to show support for fellow creators.
Fair use – Reposting a short clip for purposes like commentary, criticism, or parody may fall under fair use protections. However, excessive reposting of full videos without adding your own creative input is unlikely to qualify as fair use.
Overall, the key factors are crediting the original creator, participating in broader community trends, and ensuring you’re not simply free-riding off someone else’s full video concept without adding value.
