Q. What is the difference between linking and embedding?

Typically, linking is an acceptable form of sharing information with others and is not seen as making a copy of the content; therefore, linking to sites/images/media urls is not seen as breaking copyright law. It is actually preferred that you link to an article, blog post, image, or etc. over downloading and uploading a file copy of the material to share with students. 

However, be sure that what you are linking to was posted legally. Just because it is online does not mean the poster had the rights to the content. It could be that the copyright holder does not know the material was posted and just hasn't issued a takedown notice, not that they have given the poster permission. Scenarios like this are why the DMCA exists; copyright holders can issue takedown notices to those who upload content to other platforms (which holds the poster liabile, not the platform). Learn more on our Copyright Guide's DMCA box. It is important to verify the credentials of posters on any website/platform. If you need help doing that, please contact the Copyright Education area liaison in the Access Services office of the TCC Library and they can help research and investigate. 

Please see this video for more information on linking to content in courses: 

Also, there is a slight difference in linking vs. embedding. Sometimes, embedding can be problematic and lead to copyright issues. There are different types of embedding. Essentially, embedding populates an image or other copyrighted material within another page/site (like Blackboard or your blog) but the image is controlled by someone else/another platform. This is sometimes called "framing" or "inlinging" - types of embedding. Many platforms, like YouTube, offer embed codes so you can share content in this way and make your posts visually attractive around their content. Sharing via embed codes offered on sites could imply an offered license to do so.

Embedding also keeps people on your site, instead of, say, opening in a new tab for them to view the content with just a link. The content is embedded in yours. Becuase, depending on how you embed, content can look like you've uploaded it or it can alter the appearance of the original content, this could present legal grey areas. That said, depending on how and where and why you embed content, embedding could fall under Fair Use. Learn more about Fair Use by searching our FAQ. 

See the links below to more information.