How to Copy YouTube Comments on Mobile: A Deep Dive

Want to copy and paste a witty comment you found on YouTube, or perhaps archive insightful discussions? It’s not as straightforward as copying text elsewhere on your phone, but don’t worry, this guide lays out the methods with clarity and finesse.

The simple answer is: There’s no direct built-in functionality within the YouTube mobile app to copy comments. However, resourceful users have discovered clever workarounds to bypass this limitation. The most common approaches involve utilizing browser versions of YouTube or employing third-party apps and tools designed for this specific purpose.

Methods to Copy YouTube Comments on Mobile

Let’s explore these methods in detail, dissecting their pros and cons to empower you with the optimal solution for your needs.

1. Utilizing the Mobile Browser Version of YouTube

This is generally the most reliable and universal method, working across both Android and iOS devices.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open your preferred mobile browser: (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).
2. Navigate to YouTube.com: Ensure you are not automatically redirected to the YouTube app. If you are, you might need to temporarily disable the YouTube app or try using a private browsing window.
3. Find the video with the comment you want to copy: Search for the video or navigate through your subscriptions/history.
4. Locate the comment: Scroll down to the comment section beneath the video.
5. Long-press on the comment: This action should trigger your browser’s text selection tool.
6. Select the desired text: Use the selection handles to highlight the specific portion of the comment you want to copy.
7. Tap “Copy”: This option usually appears in a small menu after you’ve selected text.
8. Paste the comment: You can now paste the copied text into any other app or document on your phone.

Pros:

• Universally applicable: Works on most smartphones and browsers.
• No need for third-party apps: Eliminates privacy concerns associated with downloading potentially untrustworthy software.
• Free and accessible: Requires no additional cost.

Cons:

• Slightly more cumbersome: Requires navigating away from the YouTube app.
• May require disabling the YouTube app: Can be inconvenient if you regularly use the app.
• Text formatting might be lost: The copied text might not retain the original formatting (e.g., bold text, line breaks).

2. Using Third-Party Apps and Extensions

Several third-party apps and browser extensions claim to offer the ability to copy YouTube comments directly. However, proceed with caution when using these tools.

Important considerations:

• Security and privacy: Always research the app’s reputation and read user reviews before downloading. Be wary of apps that request excessive permissions.
• Functionality: Many apps that claim to copy YouTube comments are either outdated or simply don’t work as advertised.
• Potential malware: Downloading apps from untrusted sources can expose your device to malware and viruses.

Example (Disclaimer: Use with extreme caution and at your own risk):

Some users have reported success with specific browser extensions (for desktop browsers, accessed through mobile browsers that support extensions). However, these extensions are not officially endorsed by YouTube and may violate their terms of service. We strongly advise against using them unless you are completely comfortable with the potential risks.

General Recommendation:

We strongly recommend avoiding third-party apps for copying YouTube comments unless you have thoroughly researched their security and functionality. The browser method is generally safer and more reliable.

3. Taking a Screenshot and Using OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

This method is a bit more involved but can be useful when other options fail.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Take a screenshot of the comment: Use your phone’s standard screenshot function.
2. Use an OCR app or website: Download an OCR app (e.g., Google Lens, Adobe Scan) or use an online OCR tool.
3. Upload the screenshot to the OCR tool: Follow the instructions of the OCR app or website.
4. Convert the image to text: The OCR tool will analyze the image and attempt to extract the text.
5. Copy the extracted text: You can then copy the converted text to your clipboard.
6. Paste the comment: Paste the copied text into your desired app or document.

Pros:

• Can work even if text selection is disabled: A useful fallback option when other methods fail.
• Doesn’t rely on direct YouTube integration: Can be used on images from any source.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Requires multiple steps and additional software.
• Accuracy can vary: OCR accuracy depends on the image quality and the complexity of the text.
• Formatting is usually lost: The extracted text will likely lack the original formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to copying YouTube comments on mobile:

1. Why can’t I directly copy comments from the YouTube app?

YouTube’s mobile app design prioritizes content consumption and engagement over text manipulation. The absence of a direct copy function is likely a design choice to streamline the user experience.

2. Is there a setting in the YouTube app to enable comment copying?

No, there is no such setting. The functionality simply doesn’t exist in the current version of the app.

3. Does YouTube offer an API (Application Programming Interface) to access comments programmatically?

Yes, YouTube has an API, but accessing and copying comments via the API typically requires coding knowledge and compliance with YouTube’s terms of service. It is not a practical solution for the average user.

4. Will YouTube ever add a direct copy function to the mobile app?

It’s impossible to say for certain what YouTube’s future plans are. However, user feedback plays a role in product development, so expressing your desire for this feature through YouTube’s official channels might influence future updates.

5. Are there any jailbreak tweaks or rooted apps that can enable comment copying?

While jailbreaking or rooting your device might allow for greater customization, it also voids your warranty and exposes your device to significant security risks. We strongly advise against jailbreaking or rooting your device solely for the purpose of copying YouTube comments.

6. Can I copy comments from YouTube videos that are embedded on other websites?

The ability to copy comments from embedded videos depends on the website’s design and the way the comments are integrated. You may be able to use the long-press method on the website itself, but it’s not always guaranteed.

7. What if the comment is very long and I can’t select all of it in my browser?

You may need to scroll the comment section in your browser while keeping the text selection active. Some browsers might automatically scroll the page as you drag the selection handles.

8. Does this method work for copying comments from live streams?

Yes, the browser method generally works for live streams as well, as long as the comments are displayed in the standard YouTube comment section.

9. Is it legal to copy YouTube comments?

Copying short excerpts of comments for personal use is generally considered fair use. However, copying entire comment threads or using comments for commercial purposes without permission could potentially infringe on copyright laws.

10. What if I accidentally paste the copied text as plain text instead of with the original formatting?

Unfortunately, retaining the original formatting (bold, italics, etc.) when copying from a mobile browser can be tricky. You may need to manually re-apply the formatting in your target application.

11. Are there any browser extensions specifically designed for mobile browsers to copy YouTube comments?

Mobile browser extension support is limited compared to desktop browsers. Check your browser’s extension store, but be very cautious when installing extensions, ensuring they are reputable and trustworthy.

12. Why does YouTube make it so difficult to copy comments?

The primary reason is likely to maintain control over the platform’s content and user experience. Enabling easy copying might lead to increased spam, plagiarism, or misuse of user-generated content. The focus remains on viewing, interacting, and engaging within the YouTube ecosystem itself.

Ultimately, while copying YouTube comments on mobile requires a bit of ingenuity, these methods provide viable solutions. Choose the approach that best suits your needs and remember to prioritize your security and privacy when exploring third-party options. Happy commenting!