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How to Bookmark a YouTube Video: A Definitive Guide for the Avid Watcher

Want to keep track of that hilarious cat video, insightful documentary, or crucial tutorial you stumbled upon on YouTube? You’re in luck! Bookmarking a YouTube video is easier than you might think. The platform offers several built-in methods for saving videos for later viewing, ensuring you never lose track of valuable content amidst the sea of uploads.

So, how do you bookmark a YouTube video? There are primarily three main approaches:

“Watch Later” Playlist: This is the simplest and most direct method. Underneath the video, you’ll see a “Save” button (it might also appear as three vertical dots). Clicking this button opens a menu, usually presenting a “+ Create new playlist” and the “Watch Later” option. Select “Watch Later” to add the video to your dedicated watch list.
Custom Playlists: For more organized bookmarking, create your own playlists. Again, click the “Save” button and choose “+ Create new playlist.” Give your playlist a descriptive name (e.g., “DIY Projects,” “Comedy Skits,” “History Lectures”). You can then set the playlist visibility to “Public,” “Private,” or “Unlisted,” depending on whether you want to share it or keep it for personal use.
“Like” Button: While not strictly a bookmark, clicking the “Like” button also saves the video to your liked videos playlist. To access this playlist, navigate to your YouTube history or the “Liked Videos” section on your channel page. This method is best for videos you genuinely enjoy and want to easily find again.

Understanding the Nuances of YouTube Bookmarking

Choosing the right method depends on your specific needs. The “Watch Later” playlist is excellent for temporarily saving videos you plan to watch soon. Custom playlists are ideal for categorizing and organizing content based on subject matter or personal interests. Using the “Like” button is a quick way to save videos that resonate with you, even if you don’t need to watch them repeatedly.

Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to address potential queries and provide additional insights:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the “Save” button on YouTube?

The “Save” button is typically located below the YouTube video player, near the “Like,” “Dislike,” and “Share” buttons. On mobile devices, it may be represented by three vertical dots. Tapping these dots will often reveal the “Save” option. Remember it is not called Bookmark.

2. How do I access my “Watch Later” playlist?

You can access your “Watch Later” playlist in a couple of ways:

YouTube Website: On the left-hand sidebar, look for the “Watch Later” option under the “Library” section.
YouTube App: Tap the “Library” tab at the bottom of the screen. You’ll find your “Watch Later” playlist listed there.

3. Can I remove videos from my “Watch Later” playlist?

Absolutely! To remove a video from your “Watch Later” playlist, navigate to the playlist, hover over the video you want to remove, and click the three vertical dots that appear. Select “Remove from Watch Later.” On mobile, tap the three vertical dots next to the video and choose “Remove from Watch Later.”

4. How do I create a new playlist on YouTube?

As mentioned earlier, you can create a new playlist by clicking the “Save” button below a video and selecting “+ Create new playlist.” You’ll be prompted to enter a name for the playlist and choose its privacy setting. You can also create playlists from your YouTube channel page. Go to “Library” and choose “+ New playlist”.

5. What are the privacy settings for YouTube playlists?

YouTube offers three privacy settings for playlists:

Public: Anyone can find and view the playlist.
Unlisted: Only people with the direct link to the playlist can view it.
Private: Only you can view the playlist.

6. Can I add videos to a playlist that aren’t on YouTube?

No, you cannot add videos to a YouTube playlist if they are not hosted on YouTube. Playlists are designed to organize content within the YouTube platform.

7. Is there a limit to the number of videos I can add to a playlist?

While YouTube doesn’t publicly state a hard limit, it’s generally accepted that there’s no practical limit to the number of videos you can add to a playlist. You can add hundreds or even thousands of videos without issue.

8. How can I share a YouTube playlist with someone?

To share a YouTube playlist, open the playlist and click the “Share” button. This will generate a link that you can copy and share via email, social media, or any other method. If the playlist is set to “Private,” only you can view it, regardless of who has the link.

9. Can I reorder the videos in a YouTube playlist?

Yes, you can reorder videos in a YouTube playlist. Open the playlist, and you should see a “Sort” button, (it can be three horizontal lines side to each other). Click this button and choose to manually reorder the videos. You can then drag and drop the videos into your desired order.

10. How do I find videos I’ve liked on YouTube?

To find videos you’ve liked on YouTube, navigate to your “Library” tab. You should see a “Liked Videos” playlist listed there. Click on it to view all the videos you’ve liked.

11. What happens if a video I’ve bookmarked is removed from YouTube?

If a video you’ve bookmarked is removed from YouTube, it will no longer be accessible in your playlist or “Watch Later” list. You’ll see a message indicating that the video is unavailable. Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover a deleted video.

12. Are there browser extensions or third-party tools for better YouTube bookmarking?

Yes, several browser extensions and third-party tools offer enhanced YouTube bookmarking features. Some popular options include:

Pocket: Allows you to save articles and videos from across the web to read or watch later.
Raindrop.io: A versatile bookmarking tool that can be used for YouTube videos and other content.
Video Bookmarker: A browser extension specifically designed for creating and managing YouTube bookmarks with timestamps.

Before using any third-party tool, be sure to research its reputation and security to protect your privacy and data.

Mastering the Art of YouTube Bookmarking

By mastering these techniques, you can efficiently manage and organize your YouTube viewing experience. Whether you’re a student researching educational content, a hobbyist seeking inspiration, or simply someone who enjoys watching videos in your spare time, effective bookmarking will significantly enhance your ability to find and revisit the content that matters most to you. Happy watching!