As a content creator on YouTube, you may have wondered about the visibility of your unlisted videos. Can your subscribers see them, or are they completely hidden from view? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of unlisted videos, exploring what they are, how they work, and most importantly, whether your subscribers can see them.
What are Unlisted Videos?
Unlisted videos are a type of video on YouTube that is not publicly visible. Unlike public videos, which can be seen by anyone with a YouTube account, unlisted videos are only accessible through a direct link. When you upload a video as unlisted, it won’t appear in YouTube’s search results, and it won’t be visible on your channel’s video list.
Why Use Unlisted Videos?
So, why would you want to use unlisted videos? There are several reasons:
- Private sharing: Unlisted videos are perfect for sharing private content with a select group of people. You can share the link with friends, family, or colleagues, and they can view the video without it being publicly visible.
- Collaboration: Unlisted videos are useful for collaborating with other creators or team members. You can share the link with them, and they can view and comment on the video without it being publicly visible.
- Testing and feedback: Unlisted videos are great for testing and getting feedback on your content. You can share the link with a small group of people and get their feedback before making the video public.
How Do Unlisted Videos Work?
Unlisted videos work differently than public videos. Here’s how:
- Upload and settings: When you upload a video, you can choose to make it unlisted by selecting the “Unlisted” option in the video settings.
- Video link: Once the video is uploaded, you’ll get a direct link to the video. This link can be shared with anyone, and they can view the video without it being publicly visible.
- Visibility: Unlisted videos are not visible in YouTube’s search results, and they won’t appear on your channel’s video list. However, if someone has the direct link, they can view the video.
Can Subscribers See Unlisted Videos?
Now, let’s answer the question: can your subscribers see unlisted videos? The answer is a bit complicated.
- No, subscribers can’t see unlisted videos by default: Unlisted videos are not visible to subscribers by default. They won’t receive notifications about unlisted videos, and they won’t be able to see them on your channel’s video list.
- But, subscribers can see unlisted videos if they have the link: If you share the direct link to an unlisted video with your subscribers, they can view the video. However, they won’t be able to find it on your channel or through YouTube’s search results.
How to Share Unlisted Videos with Subscribers
If you want to share unlisted videos with your subscribers, here are a few ways to do it:
- Share the link in a video description: You can share the link to an unlisted video in the description of another video. This way, subscribers can click on the link and view the unlisted video.
- Share the link in a community post: You can share the link to an unlisted video in a community post. This way, subscribers can click on the link and view the unlisted video.
- Share the link in a private message: You can share the link to an unlisted video in a private message with your subscribers. This way, they can view the video without it being publicly visible.
Best Practices for Sharing Unlisted Videos
When sharing unlisted videos with subscribers, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Use a clear and descriptive title: Make sure the title of the unlisted video is clear and descriptive. This will help subscribers understand what the video is about.
- Use a compelling thumbnail: Use a compelling thumbnail that will grab the attention of your subscribers. This will encourage them to click on the link and view the video.
- Provide context: Provide context for the unlisted video. Explain why you’re sharing it, and what subscribers can expect to learn or see.
Conclusion
Unlisted videos are a powerful tool for content creators on YouTube. They allow you to share private content with a select group of people, collaborate with other creators, and test and get feedback on your content. While subscribers can’t see unlisted videos by default, you can share the link with them and they can view the video. By following best practices and using unlisted videos strategically, you can create a more engaging and exclusive experience for your subscribers.
| Public Videos | Unlisted Videos |
|---|---|
| Visible in YouTube’s search results | Not visible in YouTube’s search results |
| Visible on your channel’s video list | Not visible on your channel’s video list |
| Anyone can view the video | Only people with the direct link can view the video |
By understanding how unlisted videos work and how to share them with subscribers, you can create a more engaging and exclusive experience for your audience.
What are unlisted videos on YouTube?
Unlisted videos on YouTube are videos that are not publicly visible and can only be accessed through a direct link. They are not searchable on the platform, and they do not appear in the video recommendations or the channel’s public video list. Unlisted videos are often used for private sharing, testing, or for sharing content that is not intended for a wide audience.
Unlisted videos can be shared with anyone who has the direct link, and they can be viewed by anyone with the link, regardless of whether they have a YouTube account or not. However, unlisted videos do not appear in the channel’s video count, and they do not contribute to the channel’s view count or engagement metrics.
Can subscribers see unlisted videos?
Subscribers to a YouTube channel cannot see unlisted videos by default. Unlisted videos are not publicly visible, and they are not included in the channel’s public video list. However, if a creator shares the direct link to an unlisted video with their subscribers, they can view the video.
It’s worth noting that creators can choose to share unlisted videos with their subscribers through a private link, but this requires them to actively share the link with their subscribers. Subscribers will not be able to find unlisted videos through the channel’s public video list or through search.
How do I share an unlisted video with my subscribers?
To share an unlisted video with your subscribers, you need to copy the direct link to the video and share it with them. You can share the link through a private message, email, or through a social media post. You can also share the link through a community post on your YouTube channel.
When sharing an unlisted video with your subscribers, make sure to include a clear description of the video and its content, so they know what to expect. You can also include a note explaining why the video is unlisted and what you hope they will get out of watching it.
Can I monetize an unlisted video?
Unlisted videos are not eligible for monetization through YouTube’s Partner Program (YPP). To monetize a video, it needs to be publicly visible and meet YouTube’s monetization policies. Unlisted videos do not meet these requirements, as they are not publicly visible and do not appear in the channel’s public video list.
However, creators can still earn money from unlisted videos through other means, such as sponsorships or affiliate marketing. For example, a creator could share an unlisted video with their subscribers and include a link to a product or service they are promoting.
How do I make an unlisted video public?
To make an unlisted video public, you need to change its visibility settings. To do this, go to the YouTube Studio, select the video you want to make public, and click on the “Visibility” tab. From there, you can select “Public” as the video’s visibility setting.
Once you make an unlisted video public, it will be visible to everyone on YouTube, and it will appear in the channel’s public video list. It will also be eligible for monetization through the YPP, if it meets YouTube’s monetization policies.
Can I delete an unlisted video?
Yes, you can delete an unlisted video. To delete an unlisted video, go to the YouTube Studio, select the video you want to delete, and click on the “Delete” button. Once you delete an unlisted video, it will be permanently removed from YouTube, and it will no longer be accessible through its direct link.
Before deleting an unlisted video, make sure you have a copy of the video file, if you need it for future use. Also, keep in mind that deleting an unlisted video will not affect your channel’s public video list or your subscribers’ access to your public content.
Are unlisted videos private?
Unlisted videos are not entirely private, as they can be accessed by anyone who has the direct link. However, they are not publicly visible, and they do not appear in the channel’s public video list. Unlisted videos are often used for private sharing, but they are not as secure as private videos, which can only be accessed by specific users or groups.
If you need to share a video privately with specific users or groups, you may want to consider using YouTube’s private video feature instead of unlisted videos. Private videos can only be accessed by users who have been specifically invited to view them, and they are not accessible through a direct link.