How To Share a Private YouTube Video: The Definitive Guide

Sharing a private YouTube video doesn’t mean throwing open the doors to the entire internet. It’s about granting exclusive access to specific individuals. We’re not talking about unlisted videos here; private videos offer a far tighter grip on who gets to watch your content. So, how do you do it? The magic lies in inviting viewers directly via their Google accounts. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Sign in to YouTube: First, make sure you’re logged into the YouTube account that owns the private video.
2. Go to YouTube Studio: Click your profile icon, then select “YouTube Studio.”
3. Navigate to Content: In the left-hand menu, click “Content.” This will display all your uploaded videos.
4. Find the Private Video: Locate the video you want to share. It will be marked as “Private” under the Visibility column.
5. Access Visibility Settings: Hover over the video and click the “Options” icon (three vertical dots). Then, select “Share privately.” Alternatively, you can click on the video thumbnail to open the video details page, where you can find the visibility settings.
6. Enter Email Addresses: A pop-up window will appear. In the “Share privately” section, you’ll see a field to enter the email addresses associated with the Google accounts of the people you want to share the video with. Enter each email address, separated by commas or by hitting “Enter” after each one.
7. Notify Viewers (Optional): There’s a checkbox that allows you to notify viewers via email. This is highly recommended, as it sends them a direct link to the video and confirms they have access. If unchecked, they will only find the video in their “Shared with me” section of YouTube if they know where to look.
8. Grant Permission: Make sure the users you are sharing the video with have the correct permission. You can choose between “Can View” and “Is Editor.” The first one gives access to watch the video. The second one gives permission to change things about the video as well. Choose carefully.
9. Save Changes: Click “Save” to confirm the changes. YouTube will process the invitations, and your chosen viewers will now be able to watch the video.

That’s it! You’ve successfully shared a private YouTube video with select individuals. It’s a streamlined process designed for privacy and control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Private YouTube Videos

Here are some common questions people have about private YouTube videos, along with detailed answers to clarify any confusion:

How many people can I share a private YouTube video with?

You can share a private YouTube video with up to 50 email addresses. This limit is in place to maintain the exclusivity of the video and prevent mass distribution outside of your intended circle.

Can someone I’ve shared the video with re-share it with others?

No. One of the key benefits of a private video is that the viewers you’ve granted access to cannot re-share it with anyone else. The video is locked down to the specific Google accounts you’ve authorized. This prevents unauthorized distribution and protects your content.

What happens if someone tries to access a private video without permission?

If someone tries to access a private video without being explicitly granted permission via their Google account, they will see a message stating “This video is private.” They will not be able to watch the video or see any of its content.

Can I revoke access to a private video after sharing it?

Yes, you absolutely can. To revoke access, simply return to the “Share privately” settings for the video. You’ll see a list of the email addresses you’ve granted access to. Click the “X” next to the email address you want to remove. Save the changes, and that person will no longer be able to view the video.

Will a private video appear in YouTube search results?

No, private videos will not appear in YouTube search results, regardless of the search terms used. They are completely hidden from the public and only accessible to those you’ve specifically invited.

What’s the difference between a “private” video and an “unlisted” video?

This is a crucial distinction. A private video is only viewable by you and the specific Google accounts you’ve invited. An unlisted video, on the other hand, is not publicly listed on your channel or in search results, but anyone with the direct link can watch it. Unlisted videos offer less security than private videos.

Can I make a private video public later on?

Yes, you can change the visibility of a private video at any time. Simply go to the video’s settings in YouTube Studio and change the visibility from “Private” to “Public” or “Unlisted.” Once you make a video public, anyone can view it.

Will viewers need a YouTube account to watch a private video I share with them?

Yes, viewers must have a Google account (which is essentially a YouTube account) associated with the email address you use to share the video. YouTube uses this to verify their identity and grant access to the private content.

Can I share a private video on a website or blog?

You can’t directly embed a private video on a website or blog in a way that bypasses the privacy restrictions. Even if you embed the video, viewers will still need to be logged into a Google account that has been granted access to the video to watch it. Embedding a private video effectively only provides the video player, not the permission to view it.

What if I accidentally share a private video with the wrong email address?

If you accidentally share a private video with the wrong email address, the recipient will receive a notification (if you chose to send one), but they won’t be able to watch the video because the email address isn’t associated with your account. They can simply ignore the notification. You should immediately remove the incorrect email address from the sharing list and then reshare it with the correct email address.

Does YouTube notify me when someone watches my private video?

No, YouTube does not send you notifications when someone you’ve shared a private video with watches it. You won’t know if they’ve watched it unless they tell you directly.

What happens if someone changes their Google account email address after I’ve shared a private video with their old address?

If someone changes the primary email address associated with their Google account, they will lose access to private videos shared with their old address. You will need to re-share the video with their new Google account email address. This highlights the importance of ensuring you have the correct and current email address for each viewer.