YouTube Copyright Center

If you're like many other people, you have many questions concerning copyright and fair use. Can I use my favorite CD track as a background to a video I created for history? When do I need to get permission from the artist or producer? How do I get permission?

YouTube Copyright Center aims to help you with those questions by providing FAQ's and further resources to explore. As the site rightly points out:

YouTube cannot advise whether or not your video will ultimately qualify as fair use; this is something that can only be decided by a court.It is your responsibility to know the laws in your country, and to understand fair use before you decide to make a video incorporating copyrighted content without permission.