Whether you can use video game content for monetization depends on the commercial use rights

Whether you can use video game content for monetization depends on the commercial use rights granted to you by licenses of video game publishers. Some video game publishers may allow you to use all video game content for commercial use and state that in their license agreements. Certain video game publishers may require you to credit them in a specific manner for your gameplay to be monetized. Videos simply showing game play for extended periods of time may not be accepted for monetization.


You can monetize videos showing software user interface only if you have a contract with the publisher or you have paid a licensing fee. Otherwise, showing software user interface on your video has to be minimal unless providing instructional or educational value.


If you can prove that the content in your video is in the public domain, you may be able monetize it on YouTube depending on the scope, limitations, and commercial permissions of the license. For more information, we encourage you to read these public domain resources.