Can I Use The Hide Away Lyrics Daya In Fan Videos?

I've got that spark-of-an-idea energy when I think about fan videos, so here's the practical scoop from someone who's made too many montage edits and learned the hard way.

Lyrics are text and those words in 'Hide Away' are protected by copyright. That means if you paste or display the lyrics in a video, or make the original recording part of your clip, you typically need permission from the rights holders. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, automated systems (Content ID) often flag such uses: videos can be muted, demonetized, blocked in some countries, or have revenue claimed by the publisher/label. Even a few lines shown on screen can trigger trouble — it's less about an exact number of words and more about whether the use reproduces copyrighted expression.

If you want to play it safe, there are a few routes I take depending on the vibe I want: ask for a sync license from the song's publisher (this is the formal path if you want official lyrics and the original recording), use a licensed lyric provider (services like LyricFind handle permissions for display in some contexts), or create a cover version and check platform rules for covers — covers can still need licenses and the original sound recording has to be cleared if you use it. Another creative workaround is to write your own short lines inspired by the song or make a parody that's clearly transformative — parodies can be protected, but they're risky and nuanced.

Personally, for most fan edits I either use a royalty-free track or record my own brief vocal take so I avoid the sync/legal maze. If the video is important and I plan to monetize or distribute widely, I email the publisher/label or use a licensing service. It’s a bit of effort, but it beats a takedown notice mid-boost when a post finally goes viral.

When I’m thinking about this more like someone who’s cautiously practical, my first step is always: identify the rights holders. For 'Hide Away' that means the songwriters/publisher (which control the lyrics and composition) and the record label (which controls the specific master recording). If you plan to use the original recording plus the lyrics on-screen, you need permission from both sides — a master use license from the label and a sync license from the publisher.

Fair use is often floated as a quick escape, but in my experience it’s not a reliable safety net for lyric usage in fan vids. Short quotes may sometimes slide, but platform policies and Content ID can still flag you. Parody or commentary that truly transforms the work has a chance, but it must be clearly different in purpose and character. If you want a cleaner route, ask the publisher for a sync license, use a licensed lyric display service, or swap in a cover where permitted and check what the platform itself allows for covers. For many creators, the simplest workable options are: (1) use instrumental royalty-free music and summarize your favorite lines in your own words, (2) create an original vocal performance and credit the songwriters, or (3) secure the proper licenses if you aim for wide distribution or monetization.

I’ll add a tiny tip from my own trial-and-error: document all communications if you request permission, and be prepared for fees or restrictions. It’s less fun than editing, but it keeps your work up and your channel healthy.

I usually answer these things like I’m chatting with a friend in the edit room: short version — you probably can’t just paste the lyrics from 'Hide Away' into your fan video without permission. Lyrics are copyrighted, and displaying them in a video is treated as reproducing the song’s text. Platforms often catch that automatically and will either block the clip or let the rights owner claim it.

If you don’t want drama, consider a few easy alternatives I use: narrate your feelings about the song instead of showing the words; make a cover (but check platform rules and possible license needs); or find a licensed lyrics service or get a sync license from the publisher if the video is important. Parody is a special case but only works if it’s actually transformative.

Honestly, for casual clips I frequently lean on royalty-free tracks or my own short vocal takes. It keeps things simple and fun — and I still get to celebrate the song without the legal headache.