01
Who holds what in a recorded talk?
The organiser typically holds the recording, the speaker typically holds the material presented, and the venue sometimes restricts filming entirely. A clip can therefore be cleared with one party and still be a problem with another, which is why speaker permission alone is often not enough.
02
Three parties, three different holds
A clip can be cleared with one party and still be a problem with another, which is why speaker permission alone is often not enough.
| Party | Typically controls | Ask them about |
|---|---|---|
| The organiser | The recording itself | Publishing any extract |
| The speaker | Their material and slides | Reusing what they presented |
| The venue | Whether filming was allowed at all | Any recording you made yourself |
| The audience | Their own likeness | Anyone identifiable in shot |
| A sponsor | Occasionally, branded segments | Anything carrying their marks |
03
Clipping your own talk
Speakers often want to share clips of their own presentation. Check the speaker agreement you signed, which may say who owns the recording and what speakers may do with it. Many organisers allow speakers to share short clips with credit, but some require permission or a waiting period.
If the agreement is silent, ask the organiser in writing.
04
Asking the organiser
A short, specific request works best: which talk, which moments, where you plan to post and how you will credit the event. Offer to link to the full recording or the event page. Organisers often welcome the promotion.
Keep their reply with your files.
05
Venue restrictions
Some venues restrict filming or publishing footage of their spaces, especially museums, theatres and private buildings. The organiser usually knows these rules; ask if in doubt.
Restrictions may cover backgrounds and architecture, not just people.
06
Audience members in the footage
Audience shots, questions from the floor and people visible in the background did not necessarily agree to appear online. Crop them out or choose moments without identifiable attendees.
Questions can be summarised on screen instead of showing the person asking.
07
Planning for next time
If you speak regularly, ask organisers before the event about recording and clip rights. Agreeing up front is easier than negotiating afterwards.
Some speakers include a clip clause in their own speaking terms.
08
Crediting the event
Whenever you post a conference clip, name the event, the date and the speaker on screen or in the post text. It helps viewers find the full talk and shows the organiser that you respected the arrangement.
Tag the event's official account where the platform allows it; organisers often reshare clips that credit them properly.
09
Clear it with the right party
- Start with the organiser. They usually hold the recording itself.
- Check the speaker's own terms. Some speakers restrict reuse of their slides or material.
- Look for a filming policy. Venues and events often publish one.
Clip your own talk with permission in hand.
Questions people ask
- I spoke at the event, can I clip my own talk?
- Usually with the organiser's agreement, and it is commonly granted since it promotes the event.
- What about audience members in shot?
- Anyone identifiable adds a privacy question that is separate from copyright and varies by country.
- Does a public event mean public rights?
- No. Publicly attended is not the same as public domain.
- What if the talk is already online?
- Being published does not license further use. It does tell you who published it, which is who to ask.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Event contracts vary widely and this is a description of the usual shape rather than of your situation.