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Research Guides@Tufts

MyTERN Podcast Project

Special Considerations When Using Images, Audio, and Video

Using creative media (like images, audio, or videos) made by other people is different from using other people's research. Here are some things to consider when choosing what you include in your video:

1. Go ahead and use images, audio, and video that have a Creative Commons (CC) license. Creative Commons licenses are a way for authors to allow people to re-use their works without the restrictions of traditional Copyright.

2. Go ahead and use images, music, and video that are in the public domain. Public domain means that these documents are no longer restricted by copyright. Most works produced by the US government are also in the public domain.

3. If something does not have a CC license/is not in the public domain, it should be assumed to be protected under Copyright and you must either:

  • Ask permission before using it, OR 
  • Determine whether your use is considered a "fair use

Downloading audio

File Format

When looking for audio to include in a multimedia project, it is important to be aware of how format and sample rate can impact the quality of your audio.   Mp3 files compress sound files while .wav files are uncompressed and can store higher quality audio. 

The standard sample for a project that combines video, image and audio elements is 48kHz.  It is important that you make sure all of the files you download and record are the sample sample rate.  You can check your files resolution by opening in a media player or video application and checking the properties of the audio file.

Music

Music can be used in a number of ways in a podcast.  It can be used at the intro and/or outro of your podcast, between segments to mark a transition or under an interview or narration to help supplement a particular emotion you are trying to evoke.  But the music shouldn't distract your listeners, it should compliment the story.  Remember that music carries a lot of cultural meaning so make sure the genre and style you choose is appropriate for your topic.  Doing research of specific types of music you are using can help add another layer of content to your story.

To download from Pixabay

  • Search for the genre of music you are looking for.

           

  • Click the download button. The file should automatically start downloading to your downloads folder on your computer.

            

  • In the download window, click the two squares on the right of the pop-up window to copy the name of the artist so we can give attributions if published.