Twitch is the most popular streaming app for video games that can be used across many platforms. Gamers can stream their content to create a community of followers. The primary way Twitch users communicate is in a streamer’s feed during their streams using Twitch emotes. Gamers use other platforms, so can these emotes be used outside of Twitch?

Yes, you can use Twitch emotes outside of Twitch Chat. There are some global Twitch emotes that can be used in different apps. However, there are some restrictions on using many Twitch emotes outside of Twitch due to copyright and Twitch policies.

Using Twitch emotes outside of Twitch Chat is easy, as long as it is in an app that recognizes them. You can even create your own Twitch emotes in a designing tool to use in and out of Twitch Chat and other apps.

Where Can You Use Twitch Emotes Outside of Twitch Chat?

Twitch chat is how a streamer’s followers can communicate with each other. A common way they do this is by using Twitch emotes. Since so many people use them, another gaming app has installed the Twitch emotes into their programming for users to use: Discord Nitro.

Twitch emotes are also how streamers, partners, and affiliates brand themselves. Branded emotes cannot be used outside of Twitch chat because doing so can infringe on copyright laws. If they are your own Twitch emotes that you created, you can use them elsewhere.

Global Twitch Emotes

The Twitch emotes that people can use freely outside of Twitch chat are known as global Twitch emotes. These emotes won’t be subject to copyright infringement and are available to use in any app. Some of the most popular global Twitch emotes are:

• Kappa
• PogChamp
• TriHard
• LUL
• MonkaS

How to Use Twitch Emotes Outside of Twitch Chat

Since Twitch emotes are installed in Twitch chat, how can you use them in Discord Nitro?

Discord is an app that gamers use to stream and chat with each other in private channels. It is free to anyone who downloads it; however, if you use the free version, you cannot use the global Twitch emotes. 

First, You have to purchase Discord Nitro in order to be able to even use global Twitch emotes. It’s $9.99 a month or $99.99 for a year. There are many more things you can do with Discord Nitro, so don’t think you’ll be spending so much money just to use Twitch emotes outside of Twitch chat.

When you have your Discord Nitro subscription, you have access to use the global Twitch emotes in any channel and private chat.

But if you don’t want to pay for a subscription forever, just to use Twitch emotes outside of Twitch chat, then there are other options.

Creating Your Own Twitch Emotes

The most practical solution is to create your own emotes, so that you own them and can use them anywhere, anytime, forever.

One of the most popular places to create your own Twitch emotes is Placeit.net. They have Twitch Emote Templates that even the most beginner can learn in to use the matter of minutes.

These Twitch emotes will be copyright-free, and you will have full rights to use them anywhere you like, even for commercial use!

Conclusion

Twitch emotes are how Twitch users communicate with each other in Twitch chat, especially when you need to say something quickly and fit so many words into a small image. Even though it’s a little restricted, you can use Twitch emotes outside of Twitch chat.

Creating you own Twitch emote may be the best route, especially if you don’t want to pay the Discord Nitro subscription fee forever.

If you are new to graphic design, you may have heard names like Wacom and Procreate thrown around. Both are fantastic tools for dabbling in graphic design. But can they be used together, or are you stuck picking one or the other?

Generally speaking, Procreate cannot be used with a Wacom Tablet. Procreate is an iOS program designed to work with various generations of the iPad. Since the Wacom tablet is not compatible to run on iOS, the two cannot be used together. 

For those just breaking into the world of graphic design and digital illustration, deciding which equipment to invest in is already a struggle. Understanding what is compatible and what isn’t, can make things even harder. Below, we’ll go over what can be used with Procreate and Wacom, and the pro and cons of using each one. 

Can Procreate Be Used with a Wacom Tablet?

Unfortunately, Procreate and Wacom come from very different worlds and cannot be used together. 

Procreate is an iOS program designed to run on the iPad. It is a digital illustration application that allows artists to create digitally, while maintaining the familiarity of working with pens and brushes. Over the years, Procreate has become a must-have tool for this reason. 

A Wacom tablet, on the other hand, is not a program but a type of input device designed for use on a computer, like a keyboard or a mouse. Except, where a keyboard is used for typing, a Wacom tablet is used for drawing and editing. While these actions can be done with a mouse depending on the program you’re using, a Wacom tablet is more precise and efficient, making it a favorite among artists. 

Wacom tablets also aren’t compatible with iOS. So even though one is a piece of equipment and the other is a program, since they run on different devices they can’t be used together. 

Is a Wacom Tablet or Procreate on iPad Better for Artists?

So, which should you choose as a beginning artist: Wacom or Procreate?

You’ll first want to take into account the type of equipment you already have on hand. If you just bought the latest iPad or tend to use Apple products, Procreate is more likely to suit your needs. If you’re an avid PC user, you may lean more towards Wacom.

However, if you have yet to purchase any equipment, it’s helpful to know what sets each one apart, so you can choose the drawing tablet that is best for you. 

Wacom vs iPad: Pros and Cons

The main difference between a Wacom tablet and using Procreate on an iPad is that Wacom needs to be connected to a computer and an iPad does not. This allows Procreate users to have more flexibility in choosing where they create. However, this also means that the iPad will need to be charged regularly, so it may not always be ready to use when it’s time to create. 

Another thing you’ll want to consider is the other software you like to use. While some programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator have app versions that can be used on iPad, they lack some of the features you may be used to using on a desktop. Other programs, on the other hand, don’t have app versions available at all. So, if you’re attached to your current software, you may prefer a Wacom tablet over an iPad with Procreate. 

Pro and cons aside, you aren’t necessarily limited to choosing one or the other. If you’ve got the budget for it, both the Wacom tablet and Procreate are great tools that are used by professionals and beginners alike. 

Can You Use a Wacom Stylus with Procreate on an iPad?

While this wasn’t always the case, the new Intuos Creative Stylus 2 from Wacom is compatible with the iPad. This is great for those who love to work at home and on the go. If you’re already a Wacom user but want to try out Procreate, you can easily switch from your tablet to your iPad without having to get comfortable with a new tool. 

Final Thoughts

While it would be nice to use Procreate with a Wacom tablet, it just isn’t possible. However, that doesn’t mean you have to pick one or the other. Both are great assets when it comes to graphic design. And the more programs and equipment you know how to use, the more flexible you can be what it’s time to create.

In the end, you should pick the drawing tablet that best suits your needs as an artist. 

Twitch emotes help to bring communities together on the streaming platform. They’re mainly used by subscribers to interact with each other, and every Twitch emote has a unique meaning. Some emotes are free to use, or you can buy some and use them as your own. If you’re handy, you can create emotes and make them unique. However, some people have wondered whether it’s possible to use Google images for Twitch emotes. 

Google images are copyrighted, and using them in any way without the express authority of the owner could lead to a copyright strike or a DMCA takedown. In rare cases, you could get into legal battles with the owners by using their work unethically. However, you can obtain permission to use the images from the owner and then proceed to use them as Twitch emotes.  

This article will highlight whether you can copyright Google images as Twitch emotes and if it’s possible to use any image and cartoon characters as Twitch emotes. 

Are Google Images Good for Twitch Emotes?

If you’ve ever used Twitch, you understand how big of a deal the emotes are to channel owners and their subscribers. They act like emojis, and each emote carries a specific meaning. Content creators strive to stand out by having unique emotes that their subscribers appreciate. Twitch offers free emotes you can use, and you can install the BTTV extension on your browser for additional free emotes, which is more than enough for any new Twitch account. 

Another option is to buy emotes packages, and if you’re handy, you can create some. However, some Twitch users tend to Google images and use them as emotes, which has created more problems for their channels. For starters, these images are copyrighted, and using them without getting approval from the owner is a copyright breach. 

Even so, there are cases where you can use these images without getting into trouble, and such scenarios include:

• Googling ‘Royalty-free’ Images – It’s free to use such images, and adding the phrase ‘royalty-free’ images to your search could help you bypass the copyright problem. However, double-check to confirm the photos are actually free to use. 
• Asking permission – Getting in touch with the image’s owner is another option to avoid copyright claims, but you should explain how you intend to use the photos. Ensure there’s written permission, like an email or a text, to contest if they go back on the arrangement. 

Can You Copyright Google Images as Twitch Emotes?

A lot of Twitch emotes are copyrighted to protect them from unethical use. Although many Google images are copyrighted, you can still create emotes from royalty-free images and copyright them. However, you must ensure that no one else uses the same image to create emotes. 

Start by searching similar emotes before you decide to settle for one image. If there are any similar emotes, check to see if there’s a way you can create a unique one from the same image. If it’s possible, then go ahead, and if it’s not, choose another image. 

Can You Use Any Image As a Twitch Emote?

You can turn any image into a Twitch emote, provided you own the image or have the express authority by the owner to use it. Also, make sure the emote you’re making is not copyrighted or contains content that another Twitch user has already copyrighted. 

You can make an emote by using Photoshop, but you might need proper designing skills. Placeit is a more accessible platform to turn your image into an emote as they don’t require much graphic designing skills. They also offer Twitch Emote Templates for those seeking a quick and easy design. All of these templates come with full commercial usage rights too, so they are copyright free!

Can You Use Cartoon Characters as Twitch Emotes?

It’s allowed if you came up with the designs, but using a copyrighted character might result in a copyright claim. Modifying an existing character might work, but Twitch might take it down if they detect any similarities. 

You can develop unique cartoon characters if you’re artistic or hire someone else to do it. Using an image of a cartoon character you found on Google is not wise, no matter how many times you’ve resized or modified it. 

Final Thoughts

Google images might seem appealing and funny that you might be tempted to use them as Twitch emotes, but that will only create problems for your Twitch account. Instead, choose royalty-free images or ask permission from the owner. Even then, try modifying it to make it unique. Alternatively, use a Twitch Emote Template for a quick and easy solution.

You can use any image as a Twitch emote, provided it’s not copyrighted. The same goes for cartoon characters, and you can only copyright an emote that you created yourself. 

Envato Elements, a one-stop online shop for all things creative, offers users a plethora of great design options that will enhance any website, blog, newsletter, or presentation. Envato Elements is a graphic designer’s dream with cool fonts and graphics, an array of sound effects, and music. But can Envato Elements also be used for broadcasts?

Envato Elements can be used for broadcasts as long as the user has an active subscription and incorporates the element into a larger project. If the end product is transferred to a client, the Envato Element must be protected so that it cannot be pulled out separately from the project. 

For those who work on a variety of graphic design projects, Envato Elements is an excellent creative source. If you’ve got questions about using Envato Elements for broadcasts, you’ve come to the right place. 

Using Envato Elements for Broadcasts

Founded on the idea of community and giving creative talent a marketplace for their work, Envato’s stated mission is to “bring ideas to life and help creators earn a living doing what they love.” Envato Elements offers so many creative possibilities that the combinations are practically endless.  

A quick glance at the Envato website reveals just how vast their storehouse of graphic design options really is. Over 6 million unique designs are at your fingertips. If you’re looking for good quality, ready-to-use graphics, check out the categories available to you:

• Stock video
• Video templates
• Music and sound effects
• Graphic templates
• Graphics
• Presentation templates
• Photos 
• Fonts
• Web templates
• Add-ons
• CMS templates
• WordPress themes and plug-ins
• 3D renderings

All of these products can be downloaded or saved in a collection for later use. One of Envato’s newest offerings is access to Placeit, described as a “DIY tool that allows anyone to make something creative.”

It’s pretty clear that allowing Elements to be embedded in personal projects or work for a specific client is what the company is all about. However, with a lot of tools like Envato, the game changes when usage extends out to a broader audience, as with a website or broadcast.

Envato is upfront with users about what the correct usage of Elements looks like and that subscribers are free to use Elements for a broadcast as long as certain requirements and conditions are met. 

Sharing Publicly is Allowed

Envato’s generous usage policy allows for the public display of any project that uses any of its millions of elements. The company defines public sharing to include public displays in print or online form or use in communication tools such as broadcasts, flyers, and websites. Unlimited multiple copies and distribution are allowed as well.

All these public sharing instances are approved if – and only if – the elements are part of a bigger project. 

An Active Subscription is Necessary 

Use of any Envato items starts with a user subscription. Being an active subscriber gives you the permission needed to take advantage of all the creative genius that’s a part of Envato.

Honor the Single Use License

Envato Elements is based on a single-use license arrangement. Any item that you download is licensed for one project only. If you want to use something in multiple projects, you must re-license it each time it’s used.

Integrate Elements into a Larger Project

One of the key requirements of using Envato Elements is that you cannot use an item in a standalone fashion. You have to insert and integrate any element into a larger project. For example, Envato offers a wide selection of stock videos that are good enough to stand on their own. Doing so, however, would violate the usage policy.  

Questions arise when the final destination of a finished product is to a subscriber’s client. In that case, Envato allows an active subscriber to transfer the entire project to the client as long as the Envato Element cannot be extracted as an individual item from the project. A sublicense gives item rights to the client, but they must be informed of their legal obligations.

Be Aware of Prohibited Usages

There are a few restrictions that Envato Elements users should be aware of and follow strictly. Failure to do so could result in a subscription deactivation or legal action.

No Use in an Unlawful Manner

Those who use Envato Elements to build a broadcast product should pay particular attention to prohibited use. Unlawful, in this case, is defined as discriminatory, offensive, defamatory, obscene, or pornographic. With today’s easy access to online platforms for sharing creative work and widespread opinions on what constitutes appropriate material, it’s crucial that users respect Envato’s policy as they use elements in their work. 

No Redistribution or Modification of Items

Envato prohibits users from selling or giving away individual items, either by themselves or in a group. Users should not make any changes or modifications to individual elements.

No Use in On-Demand Services

Envato Elements cannot be used in on-demand situations where the subscriber is offering customers the opportunity to customize an ordered product. This applies to digital and physical products. That is, an element cannot be used on a platform that allows visitors to build their own broadcast or design their custom apparel.

No Account Sharing

An Envato is set up for and expected to be used by one user only. There should be no sharing of items or details to another person.

How Much Does Envato Elements Cost?

Individuals can subscribe to Envato Elements for $33.00 per month, billed monthly. Another option is a yearly subscription, billed yearly at $198.00, which works out to $16.50 per month. There is no contract, and users can cancel at any time.

Envato offers team pricing as well. For $10.75 per member, a team subscription puts all downloads into one central location and allows free changes in members lists at any time.

Final Thoughts

If creating broadcasts is what you do, Envato Elements provides affordable access to a treasure trove of innovative design products with the unlimited ability to download what you need. The great thing about Envato is how generous they are with their offerings, provided you abide by a few specific rules.

A Portable Document Format or PDF is a type of file format. PDF allows you to save a copy of your file regardless of the software used to create it. Therefore, it can be exchanged and viewed on various operating systems, hardware, or software. They can also be edited and even signed electronically. Though we view PDFs as digital paper files, there are some notable differences. 

Yes, PDFs can have transparent backgrounds. In fact, PDF files are transparent by default. Therefore, the cause of the white background you generally see on your PDF is the application or processor you are using. 

If you see a white background on your PDF file and prefer the default background setting, transparent, it can be done with the correct program. If you’ve been sent a PDF file and you desire to change the background to be transparent, that can be accomplished as well.

How Can a PDF Background be Made Transparent?

Now that you know that a transparent background on a PDF file is possible, you can move forward with creating PDFs in this style. The first thing you want to do is ensure that the program you’re using can create and change the PDF file. 

The recommended program, Photoshop, was also made by the creator of the PDF, Adobe. Photoshop is known for being a bit complex, but working specifically on PDF files is relatively simple, regardless of your level of expertise. Let’s begin. 

The steps you will take are dependent on the version of Photoshop you are using.

• Older Versions of Photoshop
• Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud)

Take note of the edition of Photoshop you have on your computer and follow the corresponding guide. 

Old Versions of Photoshop

The first thing you do is start a new file by clicking on the “File” option from the toolbar menu and then clicking “New.” Once the blank document is up, continue with the following steps:

1. Click on “Contents >Transparent>Ok.” 
2. Go back to “File” in the toolbar menu and then “Open.” 
3. A pop box will appear, locate the file you would like to convert into a PDF file, select it and then click “Open.” 
4. You can now check the document to ensure the background is transparent by returning to “File” and then clicking on “Print Preview.”
5. The last thing you have to do is save the document. Under “File>Save As.” 
6. Make sure you change the format in the drop-down menu of the format field to “Photoshop PDF” (.pdf). Select “Save.”
7. If a dialog box for PDF Options pops up, go through the settings and click “Ok.”

Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud)

This version of Photoshop works a little differently from previous versions. In the older versions, you were free to remove the background and select a transparent one instead. The Photoshop CC version only has colors for options; this does not mean that a transparent background can’t be achieved. 

1. Select the default white background to start, then click “Ok.” 
2. Your new project will show a locked background. You can identify this with the padlock symbol to the right of where it says “Background” on the right panel. 
3. The way to get around this is by going to your toolbar menu and selecting Layer>New>Layer from Background, then clicking “Ok” to save your changes. 
4. Now, to make it transparent, you set the opacity level to 0%. 
5. To include text, you will need to add an additional layer, so the opacity of the background will not be affected. You can do so through a key sequence, CTRL+SHIFT+N, then “Ok.” 
6. Once you are done, save your file but be sure to change the format in the format field to “Photoshop PDF” (.pdf). 

More Programs that Make a PDF Background Transparent

If you don’t already have Photoshop on your computer, never fear; there are other programs that will allow you to give your PDF file a transparent background. Several PDF editors are available to download for free, like Wondershare or iSkysoft PDF Editor 6. You can opt to use another Adobe product like Acrobat or InDesign. Whatever your operating system or your budget, there are options. 

Just keep in mind that creating a PDF with a transparent background does not mean that whoever you send your PDF will view it with a transparent background. Remember, PDF backgrounds are transparent by default. It is the application that makes the background white because the settings are not calibrated to accommodate transparent backgrounds. 

Changing the Default Settings to View PDF Transparency

Most individuals, especially industry professionals, use some version of Adobe Acrobat to view and edit PDF files. Luckily there is a way to change the settings in this program to view PDFs with a transparent background. 

1. Go into the “Preferences” of Adobe Acrobat.
2.  Under “Categories” in the left panel, select “Page Display.” 
3. Under “Page Content and Information,” you will see an option that says “Show Transparency Grid.” 
4. Check the box next to that option, then click “Ok” at the bottom right-hand corner. 

You can also pass along these instructions to anyone who isn’t seeing your background in the way you intended. Once this preference is changed, it is set and will not have to be selected again the next time a PDF is viewed or edited. 

Suppose another application is being used to view or edit the PDF file. In that case, you may be able to find directions to change the settings through an internet search engine or by selecting “Help” in your program and typing in “Transparency in Preferences.”

Conclusion

Not only can PDFs have transparent backgrounds, but there are several ways to accomplish this. Regardless of creating or editing your PDF to have a transparent background, settings must also be adjusted to view the transparent background of the PDF file. 

Setting the preferences to accommodate transparent backgrounds is information you can pass along to anyone you exchange PDF files with, so they can view the document as you intended.

With technological advancements in printing and the Internet, it’s easier than ever to get into a custom tee-shirt printing business. However, to do this kind of hustle legally, it’s important to know what licenses and fees are associated with starting your own custom shirt business. 

Yes, you can sell custom shirts online without a business license as long as you have a tax ID number to claim your taxes to. Tax ID number can simply be your SSN or your countries tax equivalent. However, custom shirts sold at a physical storefront will need a local business license.

Selling custom shirts can be a good way to make extra money as a side business, and it can even blossom into a full-time profession. It’s important to make sure that you’re doing things legally in the process of setting up your tee-shirt business though. Read on to learn more about the legal way to sell custom shirts without a license. 

Do You Need a License to Sell Custom Shirts?

Whether you need a business license to sell custom shirts depends on how you’re planning to sell them. For those merchants who only intend to sell custom shirts through an online website like Teespring, RedBubble, Merch by Amazon, or Etsy, a business license isn’t necessary. However, if you plan to sell shirts in a physical storefront, you’ll need a local business license to conduct business legally. 

What Licenses Are Needed to Sell Custom Shirts?

If you sell custom shirts online, you don’t need any specific business license. If you’re selling shirts in a store, you’ll need to purchase a business license to cover the cost of doing business locally. 

Another instance where you’ll need a license to sell custom shirts is if you plan to sell in an open market format, such as at a vendor’s stall. In this case, location-specific licenses are issued to vendors to give them the right to sell their wares at a specific market. 

Can You Sell Shirts Online Without a License?

Yes, you can sell custom shirts online in formats like print on-demand without a business license. Websites like Teespring, RedBubble, and Merch by Amazon, do not require a business or business license to start selling.

However, it’s good to keep in mind that the profit you make from these websites will still need to be added to your income when tax time comes around.

You only need to add this to your local taxes. For example, if you are a seller from the United States, you will add this to your US Taxes. However, if you’re a seller from the UK, you will only add this income to your UK Tax return. You are not required to pay tax to others countries when selling print on-demand.

Do You Need a License to Sell Trademarked Shirts?

Yes, you’ll need a license to sell shirts that have been copyrighted and trademarked by another person or entity. If an image is protected by copyright, you’ll need to purchase a license to use the image copyright for commercial reproduction. This is the only way to reproduce and sell the image legally.

Depending on the image owner, you may have to pay royalties or other fees associated with the copyright to the person who owns the copyright.

It’s recommended to either make your custom shirt designs from scratch on Photoshop or Illustrator, or use copyright-free shirt templates from a websites like Placeit.

What Designs Should You Avoid in Custom Shirts for Copyright?

To avoid having to buy a copyright license for your custom shirt designs, you’ll need to know which images should be avoided in your tee-shirt designs. 

While it might be tempting to use images from popular culture to center your shirt designs around, this is legally dangerous ground. If you use a copyrighted image without the permission of the original creator, you leave yourself open to lawsuit for copyright infringement. 

Here are some of the images you should avoid in your custom shirts if you want to avoid being sued for copyright infringement (Source: SpreadShop): 

• Logos: Any logos used in sports teams, school associations, TV shows, or other popular media should be avoided. These images are usually copyrighted and many organizations, such as the NFL, are strict about regulating copyright use for them.
  
• Trademarked characters: Famous fictional characters like Mickey Mouse or Popeye cannot be used without infringing their copyright. This also goes for photographs or images of famous celebrities.
  
• Trademarked images: While you might consider viral content from social media to be fair game for custom shirt designs, you’d be surprised at how many of these famous images, such as the Internet meme the Nyan Cat, are actually claimed for copyright by their original creators. (Source: DenGen Chronicles)
  

If you don’t have the copyright permission to reproduce a trademarked image, you should avoid using that image on your custom shirt designs. Otherwise, the creator of the trademark could end up suing you for copyright infringement. 

What Happens If You Use a Copyrighted Image Without Permission?

Even though it’s technically illegal to use a copyrighted or trademarked image without the creator’s permission, chances are you’ve seen plenty of pop culture images on custom shirts online. The reality is that there are so many independent vendors violating copyright law that companies find it difficult to police them. 

However, this isn’t a good excuse for ignoring copyright permissions when you’re setting up your custom shirt shop. Your shirts may never be claimed for copyright violation, but if they are you could end up getting sued or your online shop could be shut down. 

What Images Are in the Public Domain for Shirt Design?

To avoid being sued for copyright violations, you should restrict the designs in your custom shirts to images that are either original artworks or images in the public domain. Images in the public domain consist of the following: 

• Images with an expired copyright: Even though creators can trademark an image to protect copyright against it, these copyright permissions only last for a certain amount of time. After this statute of limitations passes, the copyright no longer applies and the image can be legally used by anyone.
  
• Images under fair use: Another way that people can get around traditional copyright laws is to claim ownership of the imagery under fair use. However, fair use doesn’t typically cover images that are used commercially (such as those reproduced on shirts). (Source: Prodigi)
  

If you’re worried about images on your custom shirts being claimed for copyright infringement, the best option is to only print shirts with original content and artwork. Using design template websites like Placeit.net can help you come up with original designs that are compelling without depending on copyrighted material.

If the artwork is your own, you’ll never have to worry about being sued for violating someone else’s trademark. 

Keep Things Legal in Your Custom Shirt Business

Even though you won’t need a business license in many cases if you’re trying to get a digital custom shirt shop started, you’ll still need to be aware of the copyright laws surrounding the images you want to reproduce. It’s also smart to check into your financial obligations as a small business owner. That way, you won’t get caught by surprise at tax time. 

When it comes to creating videos for your YouTube channel, the thumbnail is one of the most critical elements. This is the image that will be displayed when people are browsing through different videos, so you want to make sure it looks good and catches their attention. In some cases, you may want to use a copyrighted image in your thumbnail. But can you do that?

Using copyrighted images in your thumbnails is not allowed by YouTube unless you have permission from the copyright holder. Copyrighted images can be removed from your video, and you could face penalties for using them. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using copyrighted images in your thumbnails.

In this blog post, we will discuss the legality of using copyrighted images in YouTube thumbnails and provide some tips on finding free-to-use photos that you can use instead! So, let’s get this show on the road, shall we?

Can I Use Copyrighted Images in YouTube Thumbnails?

Finding stunning images that effortlessly capture your audience’s attention is one of the main goals of any thumbnail. And the best part is that it’s not hard to find these images. A quick search on Google Images alone will give you access to millions of images. From here, all you have to do is right-click and download the image.

But that simple move could get you into trouble. If you don’t have permission to use the image, you could be infringing on someone’s copyright. This is because the person who owns the copyright has exclusive rights to using that image, which means you can’t use it without their permission.

If you do, they can sue you and charge you with a copyright violation, which could result in hefty fines.

Source: All Free Mockups

How to Safely Use Thumbnail Images

Using copyrighted images in your thumbnails can result in penalties from YouTube and even getting your video taken down. After spending all that time and effort on a great video, this is the last thing you need.

So how can you safely use thumbnail images without infringing on someone’s copyright? There are a few things you can do:

Always Conduct a Copyright Analysis

Even when you’re in a hurry to get your video up, resist the urge to use any image you find on the internet. Always conduct a copyright analysis to determine whether an image is copyrighted and, if it is, get permission from the copyright holder before using it in your thumbnail.

This may take longer than just finding and using an image, but it’s worth the time and effort to avoid potential legal trouble.

Use Royalty-Free Images

The most practical way to create YouTube thumbnails without running into issues with copyright, is by using copyright and royalty-free images.

It can be hard to find images that are truly royalty-free because the big websites that claim to offer royalty-free images typically have protected images mixed in on accident.

To avoid any potential copyright issues with your thumbnails, most YouTubers use YouTube Thumbnail Makers. These tools have templates that you can customize, and most importantly, all royalty-free images. By using these thumbnail makers, your thumbnail will be 100% commercially usable, and copyright free!

Take Your Own Pictures

The best way to ensure you’re using an image you have the right to is to take it yourself. This can be as simple as taking a picture of your product or shooting a video with your phone. Just make sure you have the rights to use any images or videos you create yourself because it’s not always clear who owns the copyright, especially in employment settings.

Use Creative Commons Images

If you don’t want to take your own pictures or pay for stock images, several websites offer free, Creative Commons-licensed images. This means that the creator has given permission for others to use their image as long as they give credit.

However, you need to read the terms and conditions very carefully to make sure you’re allowed to use the photo in a commercial context. Many licensees allow non-commercial use only, while others require you to share your own work under the same terms if it includes an image licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: Copyright Laws

Wrapping Up

It may not seem like a big deal to copy an image and include it in your YouTube thumbnail, but the penalties for doing so are severe.

If you’re caught using copyrighted images without permission, you could be subject to legal action from the copyright holder or their representatives. This can result in hefty fines per violation, and demonetized YouTube videos.

So, don’t take the risk. Instead, use the tips in this post to identify safe images to use in your YouTube thumbnails.

Emotes are very important to any Twitch user, as they help you to interact with your subscribers and build a small community. However, a lot is not known about emotes, with many people unable to navigate the legal grounds involving emotes. A lot has been asked regarding the ownership of these emotes, with the main question surrounding the copyright issue. 

Twitch emotes are subject to copyright unless the creator states otherwise. Using such emotes without their permission could lead to your Twitch account being deactivated. However, you can make your own custom Twitch emotes, which gives you full commercial usage rights. 

That’s not all, as you still need to know whether you can use other people’s emotes, if you can use copyrighted characters and whether Twitch emotes need to be approved, which you will learn if you read on. 

Does Twitch Emotes have Copyright?

Copyright exists to protect properties from copying or illegal use by other people who didn’t participate in creating them. As bizarre as it might sound, emojis are also subject to copyright, and this includes emotes. 

Twitch streamers use emotes to interact with their subscribers, and each emote conveys a unique message. Also, Twitch allows content creators to design, upload, and submit their emotes after they’ve reached a certain number of subscribers. These emotes are copyrighted to protect them from being used by other content creators. 

According to Twitch, anyone caught using protected emotes will result in takedown and sometimes legal action. This shows how serious using other people’s emotes can be, as you risk losing your Twitch account and all the work you put into your content. 

Can you use Other People’s Emotes on Twitch?

You can use someone else’s emotes on your Twitch account if they permit it, or they’re offering them for free use. However, you should check the extent of their permission to avoid any copyright claim. That’s why it’s important to get in touch with the owner and inform them of your intentions. 

 Additionally, you can get free emotes after installing the BetterTTV extension on a browser of your choosing. Doing so will award you with 15 emotes you can use as you see fit. Add this to the 30 ‘global’ emotes you’re allowed to use, and you have 45 emotes, which are more than enough for a beginner. 

Can you use Copyrighted Characters on Twitch?

It’s prohibited to use copyrighted characters on Twitch as this goes against the stream’s policies unless you have express permission from the owner to use it. Failure to do this, you’ll be exposed to a DMCA takedown or even the termination of your Twitch account. 

Many people get into copyright trouble after using protected emotes without knowing. It’s always best to assume that any work created by another person is copyrighted even if they don’t express this. Make sure you contact them regarding the use of their emotes if you’re in doubt to avoid any legal actions. 

Does Twitch Emotes Need to be Approved?

Every Twitch emote you submit has to undergo manual approval, and the waiting period is between eight and 24 hours, regardless of the day. However, the approval period can be lower, with many people having theirs approved within two hours of submitting. 

Make sure you adhere to the rules and policies when creating emotes to speed up the approval time and avoid unnecessary rejections. Many people fall into these traps, making it hard for them to get the emotes they worked on approved. 

How Do I Make My Own Twitch Emotes?

Besides a little experience and a creative side, you can use Twitch Emote Templates. These templates are becoming more and more popular because anyone can use them without graphic design experience, and the emotes are fully commercially usable.

The most popular Twitch Emote Template website is called Placeit. They have the largest selection of templates, and they continually add new ones. All the emotes you create on this site will be 100% commercially usable.

Conclusion

Twitch emotes are perfect for encouraging engagement and communication with your subscribers. Each emote sends a different meaning, and only people who are familiar with them can understand what they mean. However, emotes can also be copyrighted, and any use of such characters could trigger legal action or even a DMCA takedown. You can use someone else’s emote, provided they authorize this, and it’s always best to get in touch with them first. 

If you work a lot with vector graphics, then you might be familiar with EPS file formats. When working with print and digital formats, it is common for graphic designers to switch between RGB and CMYK color modes. While EPS is often used when creating logos or designs for commercial printing, it can sometimes be confusing to remember which color modes to use with which file format. 

As a general rule, file formats that need to be compatible with many programs or are being sent to print should use a CMYK color profile. Using an RGB color profile could result in color inconsistencies. This typically includes EPS, PDF, and AI files.

Whether it’s a piece of print material or a digital product, you will want to ensure sure the file formats and color profiles are compatible. Continue reading to learn why a CMYK color profile should be used with EPS files instead of RGB, and how to use them. 

» MORE: Do EPS Files Have a DPI? [7 Important Facts]

What is the Best Color Profile for EPS Files: RGB or CMYK?

When creating graphics, choosing the correct file type and color profile for the project you are working on is essential. After all, you’ve already put so much work into creating the design, so you’ll want to make sure it is presented in the best way possible.

If you wish to save the high-resolution format of an image, then it’s best to save it as an EPS file. However, keep in mind that this file type is typically created with the intent of printing later on. For this reason, it’s best to avoid using an RGB color profile for EPS files. 

A CMYK color profile should be used for files that need to be compatible with a variety of programs or for files that will be printed at some point. This is because color discrepancies can occur when using an RGB color profile. EPS, PDF, and AI files are typical examples of file formats that use CMYK. 

What is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

CMYK is a color mode used in 4-color process printing. The letters in CMYK stand for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).

The CMYK printing method involves combining varying volumes of different color inks to generate a whole color spectrum, with white representing the natural color of the backdrop and black representing the total mixture of colored inks. 

Different amounts of transparent ink are used to print the CMYK colors on top of each other. When mixed in different proportions, these four inks can represent almost any hue in your printed materials. Any pictures or artwork sent to a commercial printer for printing should be saved in CMYK format.

Red, Green, and Blue are the three colors that make up the RGB color scheme. This color profile is used to show graphics on computer screens, digital cameras, and televisions by varying the intensity of red, green, and blue light. For web or digital communications, you should save all of your photographs and artwork in RGB format.

» MORE: Should Logos Be in CMYK or RGB Colors?

What Is an EPS File?

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) is a vector file format frequently used for high-quality printing. 

EPS was established by Adobe in the late 1980s. The format was created to make it simpler to include graphics and illustrations in mostly text-based works. The EPS file format also allowed for a preview before printing, which was previously unavailable.

EPS, like other file formats, has a wide range of applications. Lossless compression is used to compress EPS picture data. This guarantees that picture quality is maintained even when the file is reduced in size. EPS files can also be handled by almost all professional printers, making them a universal choice for big print projects.

» MORE: 7 Reasons Why EPS Files Are So Large

What is a Vector Image?

So, EPS files are vector files. But what are vector images exactly? 

Unlike raster pictures (JPEG, GIF, and PNG), vector graphics employ mathematical calculations to plot points and the routes that connect them to represent the image. A vector graphic would simply plot the two points, compute the distance between them, and draw a line. On the other hand, a raster picture would contain a set number of pixels from point A to point B.

In addition, vector graphics provide you the flexibility to utilize the picture in any way you choose. A vector’s shapes and objects may be readily edited, colored, and scaled without sacrificing quality.

» MORE: Do Vector Images Have Transparent Backgrounds?

When To Use an EPS File

The EPS format is best for vector graphics or visuals that blend vector graphics and raster data. This file format is beneficial for visuals that need to be scaled, such as billboard advertising, huge posters, and marketing collateral, since they contain image-specific data.

EPS has become one of the most widely used industry standards for professional printers, as it is compatible with the majority of leading printing gear and image setters.

On the flip side, EPS files can be somewhat inconvenient in fast-paced work situations. The mathematical data in EPS files control how the image will appear in a thumbnail preview. Setting up the picture parameters before producing the EPS file might take a long time, slowing down productivity. 

Should You Covert an EPS File from RGB to CMYK?

Before printing, EPS pictures should be converted to a CMYK color profile for the greatest results in terms of reproducing colors from screen to paper.

Converting to CMYK preserves the image’s inherent brightness while also ensuring that the colors you see on the screen match those on the printed material. While some believe that converting to CMYK is complicated, the process can usually be completed in a few simple steps using your preferred design software. 

» MORE: 7 Ways to Convert to CMYK Without Photoshop

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you’ve gained confidence in your ability to choose which color profile to utilize for EPS files. You’ll want to make sure the file formats and color profiles are compatible, whether it’s for a print piece or a digital asset. 

CMYK is the color system utilized by printers all over the globe. If you’re searching for a consistent color palette for print but are still using RGB, be sure you change your color profiles so your final output doesn’t have any discrepancies.

YouTube got its start in 2005 when three former employees of Paypal had the idea that everyday people might want to share home videos or original content with viewers. It has since grown into a colossal platform that everyone from major networks, brands, musicians, entertainment to ordinary people have utilized to promote their products or work and build a career. With YouTube turning into a business for many of its users, there are legalities to consider when uploading content. 

Yes, YouTube thumbnails are copyright protected automatically. This copyright applies whether it is original work or when using copyrighted work within your thumbnail.

Copyright on YouTube thumbnails can be tricky, depending on how they were created. If the work is entirely original, then you have nothing to be concerned about, apart from someone who might use your work without your permission. If you are using any image you did not create or have ownership of in your thumbnail; you could be committing copyright infringement if not done correctly.

How Does Copyright Work on YouTube Thumbnails?

Thumbnails are the image you see when scrolling through the feed of YouTube videos. The purpose of the thumbnail is to entice a viewer to click on the video and watch. Sometimes the image used in the thumbnail won’t be in the video itself, but it markets the video to the audience nonetheless. Due to an oversaturation of content, YouTube video thumbnails are becoming more elaborate to intrigue the viewer to choose theirs over another content creator’s video. 

There are two main categories of copyright that you should be concerned about:

• Copyright of your own original work
• Using work that is copyrighted

Taking a deeper look into each of these topics will give you a better understanding of what to do to protect yourself and what not to do in order to avoid legal action.

Copyright of Your Own Original Work

The beauty of uploading content to the internet is the digital trail that follows your work. When creating an original image for your thumbnail, simply uploading it to YouTube automatically makes it protected by copyright. Therefore, you do not need to go through the registration process every time you make a new thumbnail for a YouTube video. 

Unfortunately, simply having copyright does not prevent others from trying to use your work. However, it does give you the right to lodge a complaint or make a request that the platform removes the work on your behalf. Every YouTube video has a flag icon at the bottom, right-hand corner of the video. 

1. Click on the flag, and a list of options for you to choose from will appear
2. The option that applies to copyright is “infringes on my rights”
3. Click on “invades my copyright,” then submit
4. Once it brings you to the next page, click on “a copyright complaint”
5. Answer the question, “who is affected?”
6. Copy and paste the URL of the video to be removed
7. Copy and paste the URL of your video with the original work
8. Follow the remainder of the prompts

YouTube will then investigate your claim and take the appropriate action based on their judgment of the information provided. There is no guarantee that the platform will see a violation and remove the video using your thumbnail, and if that is the case, you may look into taking further action outside of YouTube. 

Using Work that is Copyrighted

If you are attempting to make your thumbnail and you desire to use an image that you do not own or did not create, then the rule of thumb is to ask for permission. Track down the owner of the work and request to use their image for your thumbnail. If you can not locate the owner, it is best to find another image; otherwise, you risk copyright infringement. 

If you are found in violation of copyright, there will be consequences. At the very least, your content could be taken down, and all your hard work would be wasted. At the most, you may have to pay penalties, which vary in cost, as restitution. 

The process of requesting permission to use an image is simple and worth the effort.

1. Find the image you desire to use 
2. Find out if the image is copyrighted
3. Know the rights of use
4. Track down the owner
5. Ask if monetary compensation is required
6. Get a written agreement of use

It is rare that you will find copyright-free images on the internet, and those that are will typically be identified as copyright-free. Therefore, use these steps even if you were not able to determine if a work is copyrighted or not. Using the process is not just about avoiding penalties; this also crosses over to issues of morals and ethics. It is proper etiquette to ask for permission. 

Is There a Safe Way to Use a Thumbnail Image?

Because of copyright laws surrounding YouTube thumbnails, you’ll need to proceed with caution when using an image for your own channel. Luckily, there is a safe way to ensure your thumbnail is 100% original. 

The safest way to use a thumbnail image is to create it on your own. Though it may involve a little more work on your end, it is worth the peace of mind you will feel not having to worry about copyright infringement. 

Thankfully, because YouTube is so popular, there are YouTube thumbnail makers that are commercially approved. These thumbnail makers tend to be highly user-friendly so that anyone can create thumbnails safely, no matter their level of expertise. For the program educated, you can always use software like Photoshop or Illustrator to create original images as well. 

Conclusion

It is essential to know your rights to protect your own work and avoid any potential violations that could cause you penalties when it comes to copyright. The best practice is to create your own work or ask for permission to use the work of others. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Understand the tools you have at your disposal to make the process easier and have fun creating for your personal pleasure or your business.