YouTube Video Privacy: Public, Unlisted or Private
Unlisted is not private. Anyone with the link can watch an unlisted video.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 22, 2026YouTube has three visibility settings. Public videos can be seen by anyone and appear in search. Unlisted videos can be seen and shared by anyone with the link, but do not appear on your channel or in search. Private videos can only be seen by you and people you choose. Change a video in YouTube Studio under Content, Visibility. Unlisted is not a substitute for private sharing, and private videos can still be reviewed by YouTube.
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Every YouTube upload has a visibility setting, and the name of each option is easy to misread. This guide uses YouTube’s own help page to explain what each one really allows.
The three settings
Public. Anyone on YouTube can see a public video, and it can be shared with anyone. It appears on your channel and can show up in search results and related video lists. People can comment on it, and it appears in subscriber feeds.
Unlisted. YouTube says unlisted videos and playlists can be seen and shared by anyone with the link. They do not appear on your channel’s Videos tab or in search results, unless someone adds the video to a public playlist. Viewers do not need a Google Account.
Private. A private video can only be seen by you and the people you choose. It does not appear on your channel or in search results. Comments are not available on a private video.
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Why unlisted is not private
Because anyone with the link can watch, an unlisted video is only as private as the people who receive the link. Links get forwarded, posted and copied. YouTube’s page is clear that unlisted videos are not hidden from anyone who has the link. If a video is a family clip or anything you would not want strangers to watch, choose private and share it with named people.
How to change a video’s visibility
- Sign in to YouTube Studio and select Content in the left menu.
- Find the video. For live uploads, use the Live tab.
- Click the arrows under Visibility and choose Public, Private or Unlisted.
- Click Save.
To share a private video with specific people, open the video, click the Visibility box, choose Share privately, enter their email addresses and save.
Defaults for younger creators
YouTube says creators aged 13 to 17 default to private uploads, while creators 18 or older default to public. Anyone can change the setting, so check what a young person’s channel is actually set to.
What private still allows
YouTube says its systems and human reviewers may still review private videos for ad suitability, copyright and abuse prevention. Private means private from other viewers, not hidden from the platform.
Before you upload
- Check the thumbnail, title and description for names, addresses and school or work details.
- Look at the background. A street sign, a house number or a car plate can identify where you are. See how photos reveal your location.
- Think about children in the frame. Our guide to sharenting explains the long-term footprint.
Sources
- YouTube Help: Change video privacy settings (public, unlisted and private definitions, Studio steps, defaults, review note)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between unlisted and private?
Unlisted videos can be seen by anyone with the link. Private videos can only be seen by you and people you choose.
Do unlisted videos appear in search?
No. YouTube says they do not appear on your channel or in search results unless added to a public playlist.
Can people comment on a private video?
No. Comments are not available on private videos.
How do I make a video private?
In YouTube Studio, choose Content, find the video, set Visibility to Private and click Save.
Can YouTube still see my private videos?
YouTube says systems and human reviewers may review them for ad suitability, copyright and abuse.
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