You can delete your own YouTube video on your computer through YouTube Studio. On your phone, use the YouTube app. First, check that you have selected the correct video and channel. Also keep a working copy of the video file, because deletion is permanent. Make a note of where you shared the link.
Below, you will read what to check beforehand, which steps to follow, and when private or unlisted is an alternative.
Check this before deleting a YouTube video
Open the copy you want to keep and play part of it. Is the content correct? A recognizable file name does not tell you everything. The file may be an older version or may not have been saved completely.
Then go through these points:
- The correct video: compare the title, the video thumbnail and the content. Pay extra attention if you have uploaded multiple versions.
- The reason: does the entire video need to be removed, or do you only want to change the title or description? You do not need to delete the video for that.
- Shared links: make a note of where you shared the video, for example on your website or in a group conversation.
- Comments and figures: save anything you may want to read or compare later. Add the date.
Is an address visible, for example? Do not share the link any further. First decide whether others should still be able to open the video.
How to delete a YouTube video on your computer
Follow the YouTube steps for deleting a video on your computer:
- Open YouTube Studio.
- Choose Content.
- Choose Options beside the video you want to delete.
- Choose Delete permanently.
- Read the notice and confirm.
Before confirming, check one more time that you selected the intended video.
Can’t see the video? Check that you are signed in to the correct account and have opened the correct channel. Do not simply choose a video that looks similar.
How to delete a YouTube video on Android or iPhone
The YouTube instructions for Android give these steps:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Open Your videos.
- Tap More beside the intended video.
- Choose Delete and confirm.
Button names may vary by app version. On your iPhone, the screen may also look different. Can’t see the options mentioned? Use the steps for your computer instead of tapping an unfamiliar option.
Deleting multiple YouTube videos
Want to remove multiple videos? First make a list with the exact titles. For each title, note whether you have a working copy and where you need to update shared links.
The steps above are for one video at a time. For a small series, you can repeat them for each video. Then check off the title on your list. This is therefore not a way to delete multiple videos at once.
Do you actually want to remove the entire channel? Then first read about deleting your YouTube channel. That is a different choice from deleting individual videos.
Set your YouTube video to private or unlisted
Do you no longer want to show the video publicly, but are unsure about deleting it? First review the settings for who can see your video.
| What do you want? | What can you consider? |
|---|---|
| You no longer want to keep the video on your channel. | Delete it after checking your own copy. |
| You do not want to share the video with others for now. | Review the private option and check who will have access. |
| You only want to share the video with certain people. | Review the unlisted option and check who can open the video through a link. |
For sensitive footage, pay particular attention to who can still view it. Do not rely only on the words private or unlisted. Read the explanation for the setting before saving it.
What happens after deleting your YouTube video?
Deletion is permanent. If you upload the video again, it will have a new URL, meaning a new web address. You cannot give a new upload the old URL.
Can you recover a deleted video?
Do not count on recovery afterwards. Therefore, save a working copy beforehand if you want to watch or upload the video again later.
What should you do with old links?
Are you uploading the video again? Then also update the links you shared previously. Think of a post on your website or a link in your profile.
Was the video itself on a web page? Then read how you can embed a YouTube video to place the new upload there.
What happens to comments and statistics?
Do not assume that comments and figures will return with a new upload. A copy of your video file does not preserve them. Therefore, make a note beforehand of what you want to keep, including the date.
Also do not assume that deleting the video changes your channel figures in a particular way. Do not use it to try to adjust specific statistics.
