Are you wondering what does unlisted mean on YouTube? Do you want to upload videos on YouTube and share them with your close friends only? Then this feature on YouTube is for you! Let’s understand what does unlisted mean on YouTube in detail!
What Does Unlisted mean on YouTube?
Here’s what is unlisted in YouTube, As you know, the platform is a very popular video-sharing platform. You can share videos publicly and privately as well. YouTube also allows you to create a playlist and share it with your friends.
You can now upload videos on YouTube and share them only with the people whom you want to access for the video. For example, If you want to share memories that you only want to share with your close family members, you can upload a video and select the ‘unlisted’ option. You can share the link with the people you want through social media apps. You can also copy the YouTube video link and share.
Also, for example, if you want to share a presentation with a batch, you can upload the video and share the link with the people you wish to view your training.
Why Creators use Unlisted Videos on YouTube?
Now that you know what is unlisted on YouTube, you should understand why creators use it. Unlisted video YouTube offer creators a flexible middle ground; they don’t have to choose between keeping the video in their drafts or uploading it. Here’s why YouTube creators use it:
- Instead of being exposed to everyone, its access is limited to the people you want.
- Unlisted videos don’t affect your channel metrics so that you can test videos easily.
- Unlisted videos provide convenience, privacy, and control without the pressure of public release.
How to Create Unlisted on YouTube?
To create and upload an YouTube unlisted videos via desktop you need to follow the below steps:
1. You need to sign in to your YouTube account.
2. Click on the ‘Camera-like icon’ in the right beside the search bar.
3. Select ‘Upload video’
4. Now click on ‘Select files’
5. Choose the video that you want to upload. You can also drag and drop the video.
6. Once you have selected your video and added the video title, description, and tags, click on ‘Visibility.’
7. You will see three options namely, ‘Private,’ ‘Unlisted,’ and ‘Public.’ You need to select ‘Unlisted.’
8. Then, click on ‘Save.’
You can now share the link through social media apps or simply copy the link.
YouTube Unlisted vs Private
There is a very thin difference between private and unlisted videos on YouTube. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Private video on YouTube
The private YouTube videos can only be seen by the uploader. The YouTube viewers can’t see them unless the uploader gives access to them. The videos are not recommended on YouTube or in search engines. The uploader can send video links to a maximum of 50 people who want to see the video.
Unlisted video on YouTube
The unlisted YouTube videos can be seen by anyone with access to the video link. The videos don’t have any view limit. Unlike private videos, viewers can comment on the unlisted video. The unlisted video can be embedded on landing pages and can be viewed by visitors. The unlisted video goes public once you add it to a YouTube playlist. Here’s Unlisted vs Private YouTube
| Parameters | Unlisted | Private |
| Who can view? | Viewers with Link | Viewers with Uploader Permission |
| Maximum Views | Unlimited | 50 |
| Comment | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Embedded Video | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Drawback | Becomes Public if added to a Playlist | Viewers need permission once. |
How to Find Unlisted YouTube Videos?
You can find unlisted videos of your account in the YouTube Creator Studio, or you can look for other people’s unlisted videos using a search engine. Here is a detailed overview.
How to view my unlisted YouTube videos?
Here’s how to see unlisted videos on YouTube:
- Firstly, sign in to your YouTube Account.
- Go to YouTube Studio. (Navigate to the Top-right corner, click the profile icon).
- On the left menu, select Videos.
- Use the Filter to see Unlisted videos from public, private, and unlisted videos.
The list will appear of all videos of your channel, including unlisted videos, filtering out videos with an unlisted status.
How to Find Others Unlisted YouTube Videos?
You can find other people’s unlisted videos using the advanced search. For instance, on Google, you can type site:youtube.com “this video is unlisted”. The search results will provide unlisted videos if these videos have been embedded or shared on social media, landing pages or forums.
If you want to look at an unlisted video of your favorite YouTuber, you can simply go to their playlist. The unlisted videos become public if added to a YouTube playlist.
How to Share an Unlisted YouTube Video?
You can share your unlisted videos with people via links. Follow the steps below:
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- Open the Videos section.
- Filter out the unlisted Videos.
- Hover over the desired video, and click the three dots.
- A dropdown will appear, select Get shareable link.
How to Download Unlisted YouTube Video?
By any chance you have lost your YouTube videos or you want to make changes, you can easily retrieve them by downloading from the YouTube Studio. Follow the steps below:
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- Open the Videos section.
- Filter out the Unlisted Videos.
- Hover over the desired video, and click the three dots.
- A dropdown will appear, select Download.
If you want to download unlisted videos of other uploaders. You can simply download using third-party apps or extensions. Make sure you have a direct link. Downloading unauthorized videos will result in a violation of YouTube’s privacy policies.
How to Change a YouTube Video From Public to Unlisted?
If you want to unlist your live video, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Sign in to YouTube Studio using your YouTube account. You’ll find the Content Tab or the Video Tab
Step 2: Locate the video you want to unlist and head to the search bar
Step 3: Click the visibility setting, click where it says Public, and change it to Unlisted. Save your changes after that.
Can You Earn Money From Unlisted YouTube Videos?
Yes, YouTube allows you to monetize unlisted videos, but they must meet the exact eligibility requirements as other videos. Here’s how monetization works for unlisted videos:
- Unlisted videos can display ads provided the YouTube Partner Program approves them.
- Revenue depends on views, so only people who have the link and can create ad earnings will see it.
- Unlisted videos don’t appear in search results, so you need to make sure they have enough views.
Conclusion
The unlisted feature on YouTube provides a flexible way for creators to share content in a controlled manner. The creator can easily switch the video status to public, private, or unlisted to make the content available for search engines, a chosen audience, or for the creator.
The unlisted videos can be shared with a direct link or embedded in landing pages. Or it can be made public by adding to an existing YouTube playlist. This is useful for sharing personal content or exclusive presentations with the intended audience only. The viewers can comment on unlisted videos, making it interactive yet private. In case the content gets lost. Then, uploaders can download unlisted videos from YouTube Studio.
At last, if you are a YouTuber and want an expert opinion on your content before making it public, then the YouTube Unlisted video feature is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Q1. What happens if a video is unlisted on YouTube?
An unlisted YouTube video will not appear in search results or be recommended to viewers. The unlisted video will only be visible to people who have the link.
Q2. Do unlisted YouTube videos affect the algorithm?
No, Unlisted videos do not influence the YouTube algorithm in the same way public videos do because they do not appear in search results or public videos.
Q3. What is the difference between unlisted and private on YouTube?
Anyone with the link can view unlisted videos, whereas private videos are visible only to people with access.
Q4. Do unlisted YouTube videos get deleted?
An unlisted YouTube video can get deleted if it violates the policy guidelines or contains copyrighted content.
Summary
- Unlisted videos on YouTube can be shared with selected individuals using a direct link, allowing for private sharing without public exposure.
- Creators use unlisted videos to maintain privacy and control over their content while avoiding the pressure of public release.
- Unlisted videos do not affect channel metrics and allow creators to test content without impacting their public profile.
- Unlike private videos, unlisted videos can be viewed by anyone with the link, allowing unlimited views and comments.
- Unlisted videos can be monetized through ads if they meet YouTube's eligibility requirements, but they must gather sufficient views since they are not searchable.
