Can I use NASA footage on a monetised YouTube channel?

Generally yes, with credit. NASA's guidelines allow commercial use of its media as long as you don't imply endorsement or use its insignia. Check each clip's credit line for third-party copyright.

Can I put the NASA 'meatball' logo in my video?

Not as decoration or branding. The NASA insignia and logotype are protected and reserved for official use; footage that happens to show the logo on a rocket is fine editorially, but keep it out of ads and thumbnails that suggest an association.

Is NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio footage treated differently?

Its visualisations are produced by NASA and public domain in the US; credit NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. They show data rather than people or logos, so they are the easiest NASA footage to use commercially.

Why are NASA clips marked editorial here?

Because of the endorsement, insignia and astronaut rules. The flag is a reminder that a NASA clip in an ad needs more care than in a documentary, not that NASA footage is off-limits.

Licensing

NASA footage: what you can and can't do with it

Updated October 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer

You can use most NASA footage in your videos, including commercial ones, without asking: NASA media is generally not copyrighted in the US. Credit NASA, don't use the NASA insignia or logotype, don't suggest NASA endorses you or your product, and get permission before identifiable astronauts or staff appear in an ad. Check the credit line: footage NASA distributes for a partner, such as a launch company, may be that partner's copyright.

Why NASA footage is (mostly) free

Works made by US federal employees as part of their jobs are not protected by copyright in the US. NASA’s own photos and video fall under that rule. NASA’s media guidelines say its material is generally not copyrighted, may be used for educational and informational purposes, and may be used commercially as long as the use doesn’t suggest NASA’s endorsement. That makes NASA one of the largest sources of free, high-quality footage: about nine thousand videos in the Image and Video Library, from launches and spacewalks to Earth seen from the International Space Station, and about ten thousand visualisation pages from the Scientific Visualization Studio.

The rules that still apply

Credit NASA. NASA asks to be acknowledged as the source. Use the item’s credit line when it has one (for example “NASA/Bill Ingalls” or “NASA/Goddard”).
No endorsement. Don’t use NASA footage in a way that suggests NASA endorses you, your product, your channel or your opinions.
No insignia or logotype. The NASA “meatball” insignia and the “worm” logotype are protected and not for general use. Footage that shows them on a rocket or a suit is fine in an explainer; using them as branding is not.
People. Identifiable astronauts and NASA employees have rights in their likeness: NASA asks for permission before they appear in advertising.
Third-party material. Some footage on NASA’s sites was made by partners: launch companies, universities, other space agencies. If the credit line names another organisation, that organisation may own the copyright.
AI wording. NASA’s guidelines also cover AI tools: their output shouldn’t be presented as “according to NASA”.

How it shows up here

Every NASA clip is Commercial use OK with credit, carries a ready credit line and has the editorial flag, which stands for the endorsement, insignia and astronaut rules above. Clips whose credit names an outside organisation are Unclear: check the terms. Visualisations from the Scientific Visualization Studio have no people or insignia in them, so they are not flagged editorial.

NASA videos come as a set of MP4 files: the original master (often 1080p or 4K) and smaller renditions down to a tiny preview. Pick the rendition that matches your timeline rather than the master, which can be large.

Outside the US

NASA states that its material is generally not copyrighted in the United States. Other countries can treat US government works differently. In practice NASA footage is used worldwide, but if you publish primarily under another country’s law and the stakes are high, check how it treats foreign government works.

Questions

Can I use NASA footage on a monetised YouTube channel?: Generally yes, with credit. NASA's guidelines allow commercial use of its media as long as you don't imply endorsement or use its insignia. Check each clip's credit line for third-party copyright.
Can I put the NASA 'meatball' logo in my video?: Not as decoration or branding. The NASA insignia and logotype are protected and reserved for official use; footage that happens to show the logo on a rocket is fine editorially, but keep it out of ads and thumbnails that suggest an association.
Is NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio footage treated differently?: Its visualisations are produced by NASA and public domain in the US; credit NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. They show data rather than people or logos, so they are the easiest NASA footage to use commercially.
Why are NASA clips marked editorial here?: Because of the endorsement, insignia and astronaut rules. The flag is a reminder that a NASA clip in an ad needs more care than in a documentary, not that NASA footage is off-limits.