How long can I use a copyrighted song before I break the copyright?

Question

Well I need to use a song in a video i'm going to make. Then I'm going to post it on youtube. I think I have read somewhere that if you use a song less than a period of time for example 10-20 seconds, you would be not breaking the copyright. Would someone please confirm my suspicions.

Please if you have an answer back it up with some evidence.

Answer 1

Unfortunately no, royalties must be paid for any part of the song.  You cannot play that song without paying royalties or have artists permission.    However, there are some exceptions, like educational purposes.

But seriously, do you think the FBI is going to show up on your doorstep just because you played a fraction of a song.  I mean I made a slideshow of Beatles songs that were my top ten, I made each song about 30 seconds to one minute long.  Don't be afraid to use it.  Everybody does it.   Theres one guy who created a slideshow of stairway to heaven and it has like 8 million views. Unless you put a full album on youtube, you will get a warning from youtube to take it off, or else your account will be suspended if you don't.