YouTube has an array of privacy settings to choose from. Among these are Public, Unlisted, and Private. So, what is the difference in private vs unlisted YouTube videos?
It’s crucial to make the right YouTube private vs unlisted choice. Doing this you ensure that your content is protected according to your needs. Let’s learn more about unlisted YouTube videos, private YouTube videos, and which is right for you!
How to Choose The Right Settings For YouTube – Private vs Unlisted
Each time you upload a video, you’ll be able to choose how to share it. But what is the difference between private vs. unlisted YouTube videos? How does this setting control who can view and share your videos?
Unlisted YouTube videos are accessible with a link and private YouTube videos are closed off from the public eye. Public YouTube videos are out in the open, appearing in search results. Let’s look further at each of these three categories in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
What is an Unlisted YouTube Video?
So, what is an unlisted YouTube video? I like to think of this as the bridge between public and private clips. With an unlisted video, your footage won’t be indexed by search. In other words, no one can find the clip via YouTube or Google’s search tools.
However, this doesn’t mean that access is fully controlled. When you upload an unlisted video, you’ll have a direct link to share with others. This link takes them to your video and allows them to watch.
While this makes unlisted videos harder to find than public videos, anyone can still technically see the clip. That’s because the link works for anyone who has it.
Thus, be careful about sharing links to unlisted videos. If they’re shared without your knowledge, your video may be viewed by people you didn’t expect.
What is a Public YouTube Video?
Public YouTube videos are likely what you think of when you imagine a video on YouTube. These are the clips that anyone can see. They’re indexed by Google Search, making them widely accessible. Anyone with access to YouTube will be able to watch a public clip.
Keep in mind: public is the default setting for any YouTube upload. Always keep this in mind, especially if you’re choosing between YouTube – private vs. unlisted. Unless you make an alternate selection, your video will be visible to everyone on Earth.
What is a Private YouTube Video?
Private YouTube videos are the most secure. The difference of private vs. unlisted YouTube really lies in the level of security. Think of a private YouTube video as a private club. It can only be viewed by your own, direct invitation. In other words, you can select the YouTube accounts that are able to watch your video.
Similarly, there is no sharing link to a private video. This helps you control unwanted sharing. Accounts you share a private video with cannot, in turn, share the video with other accounts. In short, it lets you curate and choose exactly who can and cannot watch the video that you have uploaded.
Currently, YouTube caps the number of accounts that you can share with at 50. This is another way to limit the access of private videos. If you need a broader reach, going with unlisted videos is your best bet.
How Do I Choose Between YouTube Unlisted vs. Private?
YouTube makes it easy to change between public, unlisted, and private settings. You have two ways to do it. One is when you upload your video initially. The other is to change the setting later.
This is sometimes useful: you may want to keep a video private for a time. Then, you may want to expand its reach by making it public.
Let’s look at how to choose between public, unlisted, and private YouTube video settings. You’ll see Envato Elements stock footage in use, which you can download here today.
1. Open Your YouTube Studio
When you’re working on YouTube, videos that you upload are controlled with the YouTube Studio panel. To change visibility settings between private and public, you’ll need to navigate there. To begin, click on your avatar in the upper right corner of YouTube’s homepage.
From the dropdown, click YouTube Studio. You’ll be taken to your Channel Dashboard. On the left side, click Content.
2. Choose a Video to Edit
From the Content panel, you’ll see a list of past and current uploads to your YouTube channel. This is how you’ll select what video to change to public, unlisted, or private.
Once you’ve selected a video, go ahead and click on its title. You’ll see the editing menu open, which we’ll use to control privacy and visibility settings.
3. Find the Visibility Settings and Adjust Them
Once you’ve opened the editing menu, click on the Visibility tab. Once you do, you’ll see the Save or Publish group. Here is where you choose privacy settings. Simply click the appropriate bubble to choose from private, unlisted, or public.
Once you’ve made your choice, click Save! That’s all it takes. You’ve chosen between YouTube private vs. unlisted, along with public. Privacy for your video sharing is a power left up to you on YouTube.
The Best Source For YouTube Templates (With Unlimited Downloads)
If you want to create a great video, we have the perfect supplement for you. Templates are your key to success. The best source for YouTube templates is Envato Elements, an all-you-can-download creative library.
No matter what video editor you use, you’ll find great templates on Envato Elements. These are pre-built with YouTube in mind to make it easy. You can simply download a template, adjust the specifics, and you’re finished! Plus, you can supplement it with great extras like stock footage and audio – all included.
With so many assets, it helps to have an assistant to find what you need. The newly launched AI search assistant gives you everything you need with one simple search. It’s your key to navigating Elements effectively.
Elements is a can’t beat offer. One price gives you unlimited access. Join today and you’re on your way to your best video yet.
Now You Know YouTube Unlisted vs Private Settings
Private vs unlisted YouTube videos are an important choice. Now you know more about private YouTube videos that aren’t publicly visible. What is an unlisted YouTube video? You can access it, but you won’t find it in searches or a channel page.
It’s your turn to do a check-up on your YouTube channel. Open your account, and ensure that every file has proper access. It’s a great way to practice YouTube private vs unlisted settings!