Answer a few questions to find out if you can remix a specific YouTube video or Short.
What type of video do you want to remix?
Is the video public?
Does the video have a copyright claim (Content ID)?
Check the video description for a "Licensed to YouTube by..." notice, or check YouTube Studio for copyright claims.
What type of remix do you want to create?
What type of remix do you want to create?
Content ID claims restrict some remix types. Choose below to see what is available.
Is this your own video or someone else's?
Is this your own video or someone else's?
Remix Not Available
Private and unlisted videos cannot be remixed. Only public videos are eligible for remixing on YouTube. If you want to remix this video, the creator would need to make it public first.
Yes, You Can Remix This!
Since this is your own public video with no copyright claims, all 5 remix types are available to you: Sound, Green Screen, Cut, Collab, and Reimagine. You can freely create derivative content from your own videos.
Yes, You Can Remix This!
This public video with no copyright claims is eligible for the remix type. YouTube will automatically add an attribution link back to the original video, giving the creator credit.
What happens when you remix:
- Your new Short will show a "Remix" badge linking to the original
- The original creator gets notified and can see remix analytics
- Revenue from your Short may be split if you use licensed music
- The original creator cannot remove your remix (it is your content)
Likely Not Available
Visual remix types (Green Screen, Cut, Collab, and Reimagine) are typically blocked on videos with Content ID claims. The rights holder has restricted how this content can be reused.
Your alternatives:
- Try Sound remix instead - audio-only remixes may still work if the sound is marked "Shorts-eligible"
- Find a similar video without copyright claims
- Create your own original content inspired by the video
- Check if the "Remix" button appears when you open the video in the YouTube app
Maybe - Depends on the Claim
Sound remix on your own video with a Content ID claim depends on whether the rights holder has made the audio "Shorts-eligible." Many music labels allow this, but some do not.
How to check:
- Open your video in the YouTube mobile app
- Look for the "Remix" button below the video
- If "Use this sound" appears, the audio is Shorts-eligible
- If not, the rights holder has restricted audio remixing
Maybe - Depends on the Claim
Sound remix on a video with Content ID depends on whether the rights holder has made the audio "Shorts-eligible." You cannot check this from YouTube Studio since it is not your video.
How to check:
- Open the video in the YouTube mobile app
- Tap the "Remix" button below the video
- If "Use this sound" appears as an option, you can use the audio
- If the remix button is missing or greyed out, the audio is restricted
YouTube offers 5 ways to remix content. Tap any card to learn more about each type.
Sound
Sample audio from any video to use in your own Short
How it works
Extract the audio track from any eligible video and record your own video on top of it. Perfect for reaction content, dance trends, and audio-driven formats.
Best for
- Music-based trends and challenges
- Voiceover reactions ("responding to...")
- Educational content using quotes or clips
- Comedy formats with popular audio
Restrictions
- Content ID music may be blocked by the rights holder
- Maximum 90 seconds of audio
- Available on mobile app only
Green Screen
Use another video as your background while recording
How it works
The original video plays as your background while you record yourself in the foreground. You can include or exclude the original audio. Great for commentary and reaction content.
Best for
- Commentary and reaction videos
- Educational explainers over visual content
- "Watching this for the first time" reactions
- Adding your perspective to trending content
Restrictions
- Blocked on videos with Content ID claims
- Not available for private or unlisted videos
- Available on mobile app only
Cut
Clip a 1-5 second segment from any video
How it works
Select a 1-5 second segment from the original video. This clip becomes part of your new Short, with the rest filled by your own recorded content. The clip includes both audio and video.
Best for
- Highlighting a specific moment
- Building on a punchline or key statement
- "Watch what happens next" formats
- Before/after comparison content
Restrictions
- Maximum 5-second clip length
- Blocked on videos with Content ID claims
- Available on mobile app only
Collab
Side-by-side split screen with the original
How it works
The original video plays on one side of the screen while you record yourself on the other. Similar to TikTok's duet feature. The layout can be top/bottom or left/right.
Best for
- Duets and reaction content
- Singing or performing alongside another creator
- Agree/disagree commentary
- Tutorial follow-alongs
Restrictions
- Blocked on videos with Content ID claims
- Not available for private or unlisted videos
- Available on mobile app only
Reimagine
AI transforms a frame into a new 8-second video
How it works
Select a single frame from an eligible Short, optionally add up to 2 reference photos and a text prompt, and YouTube's Veo AI generates a brand new 8-second video. Launched in 2026.
Best for
- Creative reinterpretation of existing content
- Style transfer and artistic experimentation
- AI-enhanced storytelling
- Generating unique variations of trending formats
Restrictions
- Maximum 8-second output
- Only available on eligible Shorts (not long-form)
- Rolling out gradually, may not be available to all users yet
- Blocked on videos with Content ID claims
Remix Types at a Glance
| Feature | Sound | Green Screen | Cut | Collab | Reimagine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uses audio | Optional | ||||
| Uses video | AI-generated | ||||
| Max length | 90 seconds | Full Short | 1-5 seconds | Full Short | 8 seconds |
| Works on long-form | |||||
| Content ID impact | May work | Blocked | Blocked | Blocked | Blocked |
| Creator can disable | Long-form only | Long-form only | Long-form only | Long-form only | Long-form only |
Estimate how much extra exposure you could get by enabling remixing on your content or by remixing popular creators.
Learn where to find and change remix settings in YouTube Studio.
How to Change Remix Settings (Long-Form Videos)
Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in. Click "Content" in the left sidebar to see your uploaded videos.
Click the pencil icon (edit) on any long-form video. This opens the video details editor.
Scroll down in the details tab and click "Show more" to reveal additional settings including the remixing options.
Look for the "Remixing" or "Allow remixing" section. You will see three options.
Select your preferred option and click "Save" at the top right. The change takes effect immediately.
The 3 Remix Permission Levels
Allow audio and video remixing
Other creators can use both the audio and video from your content. This is the default setting and gives you maximum exposure through remixes.
- Sound remix: allowed
- Green Screen: allowed
- Cut: allowed
- Collab: allowed
- Reimagine: allowed
Allow only audio remixing
Others can use your audio but not your video footage. Good if you have unique music, voiceovers, or soundbites but want to protect your visual content.
- Sound remix: allowed
- Green Screen: blocked
- Cut: blocked
- Collab: blocked
- Reimagine: blocked
Off (disable remixing)
No one can remix this video. Use this for content with strict intellectual property requirements, client work, or content you do not want reused in any form.
- Sound remix: blocked
- Green Screen: blocked
- Cut: blocked
- Collab: blocked
- Reimagine: blocked
When to Enable vs Disable Remixing
Keep remixing ON when:
- You want maximum exposure and discovery
- Your content is trend-friendly (challenges, reactions, commentary)
- You are trying to grow your channel
- You create educational or how-to content
- You want attribution links driving traffic back to your channel
Turn remixing OFF when:
- The video contains client or commissioned work
- You have strict IP or licensing agreements
- The content is highly personal and you do not want derivatives
- You are a music artist who wants to control how your music is used
- The video contains sensitive demonstrations or proprietary methods