How to Ask Permission to Repost a Video from X

You found a great video on X and want to share it on your Instagram, your company's page, a newsletter or a website. The right way to do it is simple: ask the creator first. Knowing how to ask permission to repost a video takes the awkwardness out of it, and most creators appreciate being asked. A clear request protects you, respects the person who made the work, and often leads to better results, such as the creator sending you a higher-quality file.

This guide walks through finding the right person, what to include in your message, a template you can adapt, how to keep records, and what to do if they say no or don't reply. It applies to individuals, creators and businesses using content from X (formerly Twitter).

Why asking matters

The person who creates a video usually owns its copyright. Posting it publicly on X doesn't give others the right to repost it elsewhere. Asking permission:

• Respects the creator's rights and their control over their work, including the right to decide where it appears.

• Reduces legal risk, including copyright complaints and takedowns.

• Builds goodwill. Creators often share your post, which can help both of you.

• Gets you a better file. Many creators will send the original, higher-quality version.

For the wider legal background, see our guide on whether it's legal to download videos from X.

Step 1: Find the original creator

The account you saw the video on may not be the person who made it. Before asking:

• Look for credit in the post or a watermark in the video.

• Search X for the earliest version of the clip.

• Check the account. Does it regularly post original content, or mostly reposts?

• Ask the reposter where the video came from if you're not sure.

Permission from a repost account doesn't count. Only the creator, or someone authorized by them, can give it.

Step 2: Decide what you're asking for

Be specific. A vague request leads to misunderstandings. Decide:

• Where: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, your website, an email newsletter, an ad.

• How: as-is, trimmed, with captions, cropped to vertical, combined with other clips.

• How long: a single post, a campaign, or ongoing use.

• Commercial or not: is this for a business, an ad or anything that makes money?

• Credit: how you'll name them, such as their name and X handle.

If the use is commercial or long-term, consider offering payment and a short written agreement.

Step 3: Send a clear, friendly message

You can reply publicly to the post or send a direct message. A direct message keeps things private, but some people don't accept messages from accounts they don't follow, so a short public reply asking them to check their messages can help.

A template you can adapt

"Hi [name], I loved your video of [short description]. I run [your account or business] and would love to share it on [platform/website] as a single post. I'd credit you as [name and @handle] in the caption and tag you. I'd [use it as-is / trim it to the first 20 seconds / add captions]. Would that be okay? If yes, could you reply with a quick 'yes'? Thanks either way!"

Keep it short, polite and specific. Avoid pressure, and make it easy to say no.

Adjusting the message for businesses

If you're asking on behalf of a company, say so clearly and use your brand account, so the creator can see who you are. Mention whether the post is organic or paid, and if it's an ad, offer a fee or ask what they would charge. Creators are much more comfortable when they know exactly how a business will use their work, and transparency at this stage avoids awkward conversations later.

Step 4: Get a clear yes and keep records

A clear "yes" in writing is what you want. Then save:

• A screenshot of the conversation, showing the date.

• A link to the original post.

• Notes on exactly what was agreed: where, how and for how long.

A simple spreadsheet works well for businesses handling many requests. Our guide on using user-generated content from X the right way covers record-keeping in more detail.

Step 5: Get a good copy and credit properly

Ask the creator if they can send the original file, which is the highest quality. If not, download it from the post: paste the link into the X video downloader, or the X GIF downloader for GIFs, and choose the highest quality. Avoid screen recording, which looks worse; our comparison of screen recording vs downloading explains why.

When you post, credit them exactly as agreed, near the start of your caption, and tag them where possible. Our guide on crediting creators has examples for each platform.

If they say no, or don't reply

• If they say no, thank them and don't post it. Respecting a no keeps your reputation intact, and the creator may remember your courtesy next time.

• If they don't reply, don't take silence as permission. You can follow up once after a few days, but if there's still no answer, don't use the video.

• Alternatives: share the original post by quoting or linking to it, which keeps the creator in control, or find a similar video you can license or create yourself.

A few things to avoid

• Posting first and asking later. Ask before you publish, not after.

• Changing the meaning. Don't edit a video in a way that misrepresents the creator or implies an endorsement they didn't give.

• Going beyond what was agreed. Permission for one Instagram post isn't permission for a paid ad campaign.

• Forgetting other rights. If the video contains someone else's music or footage, the creator may not be able to give permission for those parts.

Only download content you own or have permission to use. Learn how ClipDrift handles data on our safety and privacy page, and start any approved download from the ClipDrift homepage.

FAQ

How do I ask permission to repost a video from X?

Send the creator a short, polite message explaining where and how you want to use the video and how you'll credit them, then ask for a clear yes.

Is a direct message enough as permission?

For simple, non-commercial reposts, a clear written yes in a message is often enough. For ads or long-term use, a written agreement is safer.

What if the creator doesn't reply?

Don't use the video. Silence isn't permission. Share the original post by linking or quoting instead.

Can I repost if I give credit?

Not without permission. Credit is important, but it doesn't replace the creator's consent.

Should I offer to pay for a video?

For commercial or long-term use, offering payment is fair and often expected. For a one-off social post, many creators are happy with credit.

Can a repost account give me permission?

No. Only the original creator, or someone authorized by them, can give permission.