How to Legally Monetize Other Creators' Content on YouTube

More and more creators on YouTube are translating popular foreign content for their own audiences. This is known as localization. But it’s crucial to understand: real localization isn’t just a fan translation — it’s a legally structured partnership with the original content owner, where rights, revenue, and responsibilities are clearly defined.

In this guide, we’ll break down how it works — using MrBeast as a prime example of official multilingual localization — and explain the legal models available to creators.

Localization Isn’t Just “Translate and Upload”

Many creators assume that if a video isn’t taken down, they’ve outsmarted YouTube’s system. But using someone else’s content without permission is a copyright violation — and it comes with real risks:

• DMCA takedowns and automatic video removals;
• Channel strikes or bans from YouTube;
• Legal action from copyright holders.
  

Even if you modify the video, dub it, or add commentary — that doesn’t make it legally safe. The only true protection comes from getting official permission from the copyright owner. So, how do you legally localize content and monetize it safely? There are three clear models that allow you to do this transparently — and profitably.

3 Legal Ways to Monetize Other People’s Content Without Getting Sued or Struck

1. Creator Consent + Attribution

This is the simplest and fastest option for getting started. You contact the original creator or their team (via email, social media, or their manager), explain that you want to translate their content for a different language audience, and ask for permission. Even a short written response like “yes, that’s fine” is enough. Ideally, clarify whether monetization is allowed, if crediting is required, and any usage limits. After that, you publish your localized video with clear attribution in the description and a link to the original.

Example: “Adapted into [target language] with permission from the original creator — @OriginalChannel”. This is a clean and ethical model that works well if the creator is open to non-commercial use or wants to grow their international reach. 

Example: Request Letter for Localization Permission

Subject: Permission to localize some of your videos

Hi [author's name], I really enjoy your videos — they’re creative, well-made, and truly engaging. I’d love to translate and adapt some of your content into another language so that it can reach a wider audience. To stay within YouTube’s guidelines and fully respect your copyright, I’m reaching out to ask for your permission first.

If you're open to this, I will:

— Credit you clearly as the original creator

— Add links to your original video and channel

— Include a note in the description that the content is used with your permission

Also, could you let me know:

— Which videos you’re comfortable sharing

— Whether monetization is allowed

— If basic edits (subtitles, voiceover, transitions) are okay

— And whether you'd like to see the adapted version before it goes live. Even a quick “yes, that’s okay under these terms” would be super helpful. Thanks again for your time — and for making such great content.

Best regards,

[your name]

[your contact info]

2. Official Licensing or Rights Purchase

This is a more structured and scalable option. You negotiate a license with the content owner or their agent — for one video, a series, or even an entire catalog. It can be exclusive or non-exclusive. A contract is signed, outlining:

• which videos you're allowed to localize;
• what languages and platforms are approved;
• the duration of the license;
• payment structure — flat fee, revenue share (% of ad income), or a hybrid.

This model allows you to work professionally with studios, brands, or creators looking to expand via localization — but who don’t have the time or resources to do it themselves.

Example: Request Letter for Licensing YouTube Content

Subject: Request to license and localize your YouTube content

Hi [author’s or agent’s name], My name is [your name], and I’m reaching out on behalf of [your channel or company name].

We’re currently developing a localized version of high-quality YouTube content for [target language] audiences. Your videos are incredibly well-produced and engaging, and we believe they would resonate strongly with this new demographic.

We’d love to discuss licensing a selection of your videos for official localization. Specifically, we’re interested in:

— Acquiring the rights to translate, dub, and adapt some of your content
— Publishing the adapted videos on a dedicated [language] YouTube channel
— Sharing revenue or paying a fixed licensing fee, depending on your preference

To proceed professionally and transparently, we’re happy to sign a license agreement outlining:

— Which videos are included
— Languages and platforms authorized
— License duration
— Revenue share terms (e.g., 70/30 split or flat fee per video)
— Any additional conditions you require

If this sounds interesting, we’d love to send over a short proposal and draft agreement for your review. We're flexible and open to adjusting terms to make the collaboration mutually beneficial.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you for your time — and for creating such standout content. Best regards,
[your name]
[your channel / company]
[email / contact info]
[optional: linkedIn or portfolio]

3. Three-Way Deal via an MCN or Partner Network

This is the most sustainable model if you want to build a long-term localization business. Here, a contract is signed between:

• the original creator or rights holder;
• you (the localizer);
• a media partner or Multi-Channel Network (MCN).

The MCN acts as the intermediary: verifying rights, handling legal docs, managing revenue sharing, and helping with technical integrations. At SubSub, we not only support creators in setting up legal localization deals — we also localize content ourselves when we see strong potential in untapped language markets.

MrBeast: The Gold Standard of Professional Localization

MrBeast (or “Bist” as he’s often searched) is one of the few YouTubers actively investing in localization. He licenses his videos to trusted partners, with full legal structure. His localization is handled by:

• Unilingo — a company with experience adapting TED, Nas Daily, and more;
• Creator Global — the team managing most of MrBeast’s foreign-language channels (Spanish, French, Japanese, etc.).

These partners work under contracts that grant them:

• exclusive rights to translate and publish;
• access to raw files and scripts;
• high-quality dubbing and editing;
• clear revenue splits (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30).

How the Localization Process Works

• The partner receives video files, scripts, and editing materials;
• They translate, record, and culturally adapt the content;
• The localized video is published either: on a language-specific channel (e.g. MrBeast en español), or on the localizer’s channel — depending on the deal;
• Monetization runs as usual (ads, sponsors, integrations);
• The original creator is paid based on the agreed model:
  — Free use with attribution;
  — Paid license;
  — Shared revenue from the localized version.

How Much Can Localized Content Earn? It depends on the language and market.

• MrBeast’s Spanish channel regularly gets millions of views per video;
• some channels hit 3–7 million views weekly;
• while CPM is lower than in the U.S., the scale makes up for it;
• estimates suggest localized MrBeast channels can earn $10K–$100K+ monthly.

By comparison: unofficial translation channels with 1–2M views/month may get zero revenue. YouTube’s system often detects reused content, redirecting earnings to the original creator — or disabling ads entirely.

Everyone Wins in a Licensing Model

• The Creator keeps full control, gains global reach, and earns more from untapped regions;
  
• The Localizer accesses proven content with legal monetization, no strikes, and real revenue;
  
• The Viewers get high-quality videos in their native language — and may even support via tips or subscriptions (e.g., Sub Funding on YouTube);
  
• The Platform (YouTube) benefits from clear copyright compliance and better user experience.
  

Pro Tip

Don’t Rely on Just One Creator. You can build a full content hub by partnering with multiple creators — interviews, compilations, shows — and serve your local audience while staying flexible to trends and safer from over-reliance.

Important: You MUST Have Usage Rights. 

For creators worldwide, this is a real opportunity to work legally with top-performing content — through partnerships that benefit all parties. But there are still many who take a different approach.

Unofficial Localization = Content ID Violation

Some channels adapt content without permission. Here’s how that typically works:

• download a famous creator’s video (e.g., MrBeast);
• transcribe and translate the script;
• record new voiceover — often solo or with volunteers;
• add subtitles, reaction cuts, and new edits;
• upload the finished product.

The result looks professional: dynamic dubbing, slick edits, good pacing. It may even bypass YouTube’s Content ID thanks to the changes. Viewers appreciate hearing it in their language — and the channel may start earning revenue.

But if the original creator files a manual complaint, the video can be taken down and the channel gets a strike. This method can work short-term — but it's unstable, risky, and unscalable in the long run. 

Choosing the Right Language for Localization

Not all languages are equally effective. Some bring fast growth, others offer better ad revenue. Choose based on your content and goals.

• English: High CPM, global reach, tough competition.
  
• Spanish: Massive growth potential, loyal audience, low acquisition cost.
  
• Hindi: Explosive mobile viewership, low CPM, but massive volume.
  
• Portuguese, Indonesian, Arabic: Underrated markets with high engagement.
  
• Chinese: Niche opportunity — YouTube is blocked in mainland China but active in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the diaspora.
  

Start small: test with subtitles or multiple audio tracks. If engagement is strong — consider full localization or launching a new channel.

Conclusion

Localization is a powerful growth strategy that can take your channel global. For creators, it’s a chance to:

• Build a niche on YouTube;
• Work with proven content that already has demand;
• Reach international viewers
• Join the larger media ecosystem
  

And most importantly — to give your native language a voice where it hasn’t been heard before.