Stock footage

[paul.lagan]

Hey guys,

Random question but I see some YouTube videos, not always big channels that get sent press footage, that use video on their videos say from a manufactures YouTube press release etc.

Wondering are you allowed to use it and also how would you download it to use in a video.

Example, triumph YouTube channel showing shots of new bikes, can I download and use this in a video ?

 

[Hippo-Drones]

You may find that the manufacturers have a press page where you can download, or apply for footage to use. As a small channel, they may be wary about sending you content though, some manufacturers hate motovloggers as we are untamed beasties that don't always say the things they want us to say about their products.
In the past I have ripped content using the NVIDIA video capture of what is on my screen, then edited into my videos... be sure to mute the footage though as they will normally have music that will get claimed.
With the rise in shortform video popularity often the content creator (in this instance the bike manufacturer), will allow you to take clips directly from YouTube so you may be able to get clips that way, although not sure how that works.

So TLDR...
First check to see if they have any downloads on their website, normally have a gallery or press/media section on their website.
Second, drop them an email asking... but you may get told no, or just not hear from them in a timely fashion or even at all.
Thirdly, see if you can get their footage from YouTube
Fourthly, ask for forgiveness rather than permission, and screengrab their video, but edit it so it is classed as fair usage rather than just totally robbing it, and do your own voiceover over the clips you use.

 

[paul.lagan]

Thanks mate for the long answer.Yeah you kinda answered what I was thinking.I was thinking I could simply record my screen and use that way etc. I don’t want to use laods but plan on doing a comparison video (cosmetic only) and want to use some footage of the new bike.

I like the idea of asking for forgiveness rather than permission

 

[Hippo-Drones]

Thanks mate for the long answer.Yeah you kinda answered what I was thinking.I was thinking I could simply record my screen and use that way etc. I don’t want to use laods but plan on doing a comparison video (cosmetic only) and want to use some footage of the new bike.

I like the idea of asking for forgiveness rather than permission

If you screen grab, it is worth checking the video settings and having your screen grabber set to the same fps etc and view at best resolution.
I'd always say though that if you can record your own footage it is always better, could you not pop to a dealership and see if they have the bike in store... obvs not possible if a brand new model for 2025 as they may not have them in their inventory.

 

[paul.lagan]

If you screen grab, it is worth checking the video settings and having your screen grabber set to the same fps etc and view at best resolution.
I'd always say though that if you can record your own footage it is always better, could you not pop to a dealership and see if they have the bike in store... obvs not possible if a brand new model for 2025 as they may not have them in their inventory.

I can and I should go into a dealer and do it that way, I guess being new to this I am too nervous to ask lol.Maybe using a test ride to do it so I can get away for the dealership.

Video idea I have is comparing my 2020 speed twin to the new 2025 model

 

[Hippo-Drones]

I can and I should go into a dealer and do it that way, I guess being new to this I am too nervous to ask lol.Maybe using a test ride to do it so I can get away for the dealership.

Video idea I have is comparing my 2020 speed twin to the new 2025 model

I get self conscious talking on camera in front of people too... When I have grabbed new bike footage in the same way from a dealership, I've just asked the sales person if I can take a bit of video of the bike I was interested in, not mentioned the channel or stuff like that and they have always said sure thing, and even moved the bike in the show room to make it easier to walk around it. You can add a voice over to the footage later, just make sure you take more footage than you need and of lots of angles so you can edit something nice together after the fact
The sales person has always walked away while filming as most don't want to be on camera, but you can ask them if you can have a poke around by yourself at the bike if they linger around!

 

[Hippo-Drones]

Regarding a demo ride, and comparing with your own bike, would you be able to bring a mate who could then ride your bike while you ride the demo, can get some nice 3rd person footage then if you mount a camera facing backwards or sideways on your bike and ride alongside it, and also find a quiet car park to do a walk around of both bikes at the same time to directly compare.

 

[paul.lagan]

I never thought of asking to video but not mentioning YouTube.I bet some dealers must get sick of YouTube people using jokes for content

 

[Hippo-Drones]

I always mention the dealership and put a link to their website in any videos where they have been helpful, just out of courtesy... that way if they ever see the video, they will not feel short changed!

 

[Drakhen99]

I almost always just record my own footage. I did a video about the GoPro Hero 12, and it got flagged IMMEDIATELY because I used too much of their press release video footage in my video. I cut it up and re-uploaded, didn't get flagged.

As for bikes, @Hippo-Drones is right, get your own footage. It's good practice and fun IMO.

YMMV.

-John

 

[Theodor]

Returning the screen grab thing, I think that's the worst way of getting the footage. Just download it instead. If the video is streamed to you, you can download it. You will end up with better quality source, when putting your own video together.

 

[paul.lagan]

Cheers all, appreciate the responses.Own footage it is