How to Handle It When Someone Else Is Using Your Photos or Videos on Social Media

Access Global legal experts
🕒 2 min read.

Series: Know What To Do – Legal Answers for Everyday People

Why This Matters

In the age of social media, your image can travel faster than you do. Whether it’s a vacation photo, a TikTok clip, or a family portrait — if someone uses it without your permission, you’re not powerless.

This guide explains, in plain terms, what you can do — whether you’re in Lagos, London, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between.

1. Document Everything — Before They Delete It

Before reacting publicly or reaching out to the person who posted your content:

  • Take screenshots of the post, including:

    • Username or profile link

    • Date/time

    • Captions, hashtags, or comments

  • If it’s a video, screen record it if you can

  • Copy the URL or post link

This is your digital evidence. If the content disappears, your case shouldn’t.

2. Report the Infringing Content

Every major social platform allows you to report posts that use your content without permission.

Look for the options under:

  • Copyright violation

  • Privacy violation

  • Impersonation (if they’re pretending to be you)

🔍 Quick links:

Most platforms will ask you to verify:

  • That you’re the original creator

  • That you didn’t give permission

  • A digital signature or statement under penalty of perjury (required in some jurisdictions like the U.S.)

3. Send a Formal Takedown Request (DMCA or Local Equivalent)

If reporting doesn’t work — or you want to take a more official route — consider filing a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request.

This works well if:

  • You’re the photographer, videographer, or creator

  • The platform is based in the U.S. (which many are)

For countries outside the U.S., similar notice-and-takedown laws may apply — especially across the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and others.

❗ You don’t need a lawyer to submit a DMCA request, but your notice must be legally accurate.

Need help? I can provide a sample template.

4. If It’s Malicious, Abusive, or Personal — Go Further

If your image or video was used in a harmful way — such as:

  • Deepfakes or manipulated content

  • Sexual or private content (“revenge porn”)

  • Identity theft

  • Online harassment or threats

Then additional legal options may apply:

  • Report to police or local cybercrime units

  • Contact a lawyer who practices online defamation, privacy, or harassment law

  • Request a court injunction in extreme cases (e.g., repeated posting)

Depending on where you live, there may be:

  • Criminal laws protecting image rights (e.g., Germany, France, South Korea)

  • Civil remedies for misappropriation or emotional harm

5. How to Protect Yourself Moving Forward

  • ✅ Add visible watermarks to your original content

  • ✅ Use platforms that allow you to restrict downloading/sharing

  • ✅ Save original files with metadata (this proves authorship)

  • ✅ Consider a Creative Commons license if you want to allow reuse with credit

What About Cross-Border Use?

This gets tricky. If someone in another country uses your content, and the platform is hosted elsewhere, whose law applies?

In many cases, you can:

  • Start with the platform’s home country rules (e.g., U.S. law for Meta or TikTok)

  • Enforce your rights in your own country if the harm occurred locally

  • Work with international organizations or digital rights groups

But enforcement varies — that’s why takedown notices to platforms are often the most practical route.

💬 Final Word: You Have Rights Online

Even though social media feels like the Wild West at times, you still own your photos and videos — unless you signed them away or posted them under a license.

And if you’re unsure what to do based on your country, ask.