How to Rewind on YouTube: Your Complete Guide to Time Travel (Without the DeLorean)

So, you want to rewind on YouTube? Fear not, fellow digital traveler! The process is actually quite straightforward, regardless of the device you’re using. Here’s the lowdown:

The Quick Answer:

The most common ways to rewind on YouTube are by using the left arrow key (on a computer), tapping the left side of the screen (on mobile), or using the on-screen controls provided within the YouTube interface. The specific amount you rewind can often be customized through settings or by repeatedly pressing the rewind button.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and explore all the rewind options available to you, no matter how you access YouTube.

Mastering the Art of the YouTube Rewind

YouTube has become an integral part of our digital lives. From learning new skills to enjoying entertaining content, it’s a go-to platform for many. But sometimes, you miss a crucial point, want to re-watch a hilarious scene, or need to go back and clarify something. That’s where rewinding comes in. Let’s break down how to do it effectively on various devices.

Rewinding on Desktop/Laptop (Web Browser)

The classic desktop experience offers the most precise control over playback. Here’s how to rewind like a pro:

• Arrow Keys: The left arrow key is your best friend. Press it once to rewind a few seconds. Repeatedly pressing it will continue to rewind.
• J Key: Pressing the “J” key will rewind the video by 10 seconds. This is a quick and handy shortcut.
• Mouse Control: Hover your mouse over the video player. A progress bar will appear at the bottom. You can click anywhere on the bar to jump to that specific point in the video, effectively rewinding (or fast-forwarding) to your desired spot.
• Spacebar Trick: Press spacebar to pause. Use the left and right arrows to go frame by frame for ultimate control.

Rewinding on Mobile (Android & iOS)

YouTube’s mobile app is optimized for touch, making rewinding a breeze:

• Double Tap: The simplest method. Double-tap on the left side of the screen to rewind 10 seconds. Each double-tap adds another 10 seconds of rewind time.
• Progress Bar: Similar to the desktop experience, you can tap the progress bar at the bottom of the screen and drag the playhead backward to your desired point.
• Gesture Control: Some devices might offer additional gesture controls within the YouTube app’s settings. Explore these for potentially more personalized rewind options.

Rewinding on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, etc.)

Rewinding on these devices relies heavily on your remote control:

• Directional Pad/Arrow Keys: Use the left arrow key or the left side of the directional pad on your remote. Pressing it repeatedly will rewind the video. The amount of rewind per press often depends on the specific device.
• Rewind Button: Some remotes have a dedicated rewind button (usually depicted as two left-pointing triangles or arrows). Pressing this button will rewind the video.
• Progress Bar: Navigate to the progress bar on the screen using your remote. Select it and use the left/right arrows to move backward along the video timeline.
• Voice Control: If your device supports voice control (like Google Assistant or Siri), you can use commands like “Rewind 30 seconds” to control playback.

Rewinding on Gaming Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)

The process is similar to Smart TVs, using the controller as your primary tool:

• Directional Pad/Analog Stick: Use the left side of the directional pad or move the left analog stick to the left to rewind.
• Button Mapping: Check your console’s controller settings for YouTube to see if there’s a dedicated rewind button mapped to any specific key.
• Progress Bar: Navigate to the progress bar using the controller and move the playhead backward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YouTube Rewinding

Here are some common questions and detailed answers to further enhance your YouTube rewind mastery:

1. How do I change the default rewind time (e.g., from 10 seconds to 5 seconds) on the YouTube mobile app?

Unfortunately, the YouTube mobile app doesn’t offer a built-in setting to directly change the default rewind time of the double-tap gesture. The standard is 10 seconds. However, a workaround is to use the progress bar for finer control or explore third-party apps (use caution with these!).

2. Why is the rewind button not working on my Smart TV?

Several factors can cause this. First, ensure your remote has fresh batteries. Second, check if the YouTube app needs an update. Third, try restarting your Smart TV or streaming device. If the problem persists, it could be an issue with the remote itself or a software bug within the YouTube app.

3. Can I rewind live streams on YouTube?

Generally, you cannot rewind live streams on YouTube while they are actively streaming. However, once the live stream concludes and is archived as a regular video, you can rewind and watch it just like any other video. Some channels might offer “DVR” functionality, which allows limited rewinding during the live stream, but this is not a standard feature.

4. Is there a way to rewind frame-by-frame on YouTube?

Yes, but only on desktop! Pause the video (spacebar). Then, use the comma (,) and period (.) keys to go back or forward one frame at a time. This is super useful for analyzing details in high-speed footage or animations.

5. How do I rewind a YouTube video that’s embedded on another website?

The functionality depends on how the video is embedded. If the video is embedded using the standard YouTube embed code, you should be able to rewind using the on-screen controls within the embedded player, similar to watching directly on YouTube. However, if the website uses a custom player, the rewind functionality might be different or non-existent.

6. Is it possible to rewind YouTube videos using voice commands?

Yes, if you’re using a device that supports voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa. You can use commands like “Hey Google, rewind YouTube 30 seconds” or “Alexa, rewind the YouTube video” to control playback. Make sure your device is properly configured to control your TV or streaming device.

7. Why is the rewind quality blurry or pixelated?

This usually happens due to internet connectivity issues. When you rewind, YouTube might temporarily reduce the video quality to ensure smooth playback. Make sure you have a stable and strong internet connection for the best viewing experience. Let the video buffer for a few seconds after rewinding.

8. Can I rewind YouTube videos while casting them to my TV?

Yes, you can control the rewind functionality from the device you’re casting from (e.g., your phone or computer). The controls on your casting device will be mirrored on the TV screen, allowing you to rewind using the standard methods described earlier.

9. How do I rewind a YouTube video using keyboard shortcuts on a Chromebook?

The keyboard shortcuts are the same as on a regular desktop/laptop. Use the left arrow key to rewind, the “J” key to rewind 10 seconds, or click on the progress bar.

10. Is there a YouTube Premium feature that enhances rewinding?

No, YouTube Premium doesn’t directly enhance the rewinding functionality. It primarily focuses on ad-free viewing, background playback, and downloading videos for offline viewing. Rewinding methods remain the same for both Premium and free users.

11. My YouTube app keeps crashing when I rewind. What should I do?

First, ensure your YouTube app is up-to-date. Outdated apps often have bugs that can cause crashes. Second, clear the app’s cache and data in your device’s settings. Third, restart your device. If the problem persists, try reinstalling the YouTube app.

12. Can I rewind a YouTube video that’s playing in picture-in-picture mode?

Yes, on most devices, the controls for rewinding are still accessible within the picture-in-picture window. You can tap on the rewind button or use the progress bar to control playback even in this minimized mode.