How to See Comments on YouTube: Your Definitive Guide

So, you want to dive into the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, but always engaging world of YouTube comments? You’ve come to the right place. The good news is, seeing comments on YouTube is usually a straightforward process. Here’s the core answer:

To see comments on a YouTube video, simply scroll down below the video player on the video’s watch page. The comment section is typically located beneath the video description and suggested videos. You’ll find a stream of comments, ordered by either “Top comments” (determined by algorithms) or “Newest first” (chronological order), selectable via a drop-down menu above the comment section.

However, the path to comment nirvana isn’t always smooth. Sometimes, comments are missing, hidden, or require a bit of digging to uncover. That’s why we’re diving deep, offering a comprehensive guide and answering common questions to ensure you never miss a witty remark, insightful discussion, or inevitable troll again.

Exploring the Comment Landscape

The YouTube comment section is more than just random thoughts thrown into the digital ether. It’s a dynamic space where creators interact with their audience, viewers debate ideas, and communities are forged. Knowing how to navigate this landscape effectively is crucial for any YouTube user, whether you’re a casual viewer or an aspiring creator.

Different Viewing Platforms

The way you access and interact with comments can vary depending on the platform you’re using:

• Desktop/Laptop: This is generally the most straightforward. Comments are readily visible beneath the video.
• Mobile App (Android/iOS): Scroll down below the video description to find the comment section.
• Smart TVs/Consoles: The layout might be slightly different, but you should find a dedicated comment section accessible through your remote or controller. The precise location can vary depending on the app version on your specific device.

Comment Sorting and Filtering

YouTube offers options to sort and filter comments, allowing you to customize your viewing experience:

• Top Comments: YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes comments based on various factors, including likes, replies, and engagement. This is often the default sorting.
• Newest First: This displays comments in chronological order, with the most recent comments appearing at the top. This is ideal for staying up-to-date on ongoing discussions.
• Filtering: Creators can moderate their comment sections, hiding potentially offensive or spammy comments. Some channels also have approved users and comments from these users are prioritized.

Troubleshooting Comment Visibility

Sometimes, you might encounter situations where comments seem to have vanished. Let’s explore some potential causes and solutions.

• Creator Has Disabled Comments: Creators have the option to completely disable comments on their videos. If this is the case, you won’t see any comment section at all. The text Comments are turned off. Learn more will be displayed.
• Comments Are Being Held for Review: YouTube’s moderation tools may flag certain comments as potentially inappropriate. These comments are held for the creator’s review before being publicly visible.
• Comment Filters Are Enabled: Creators can set filters to automatically hide comments containing specific keywords or phrases. This can inadvertently filter out legitimate comments.
• Technical Glitches: Occasionally, technical issues can prevent comments from loading. Try refreshing the page or restarting your browser/app.

Creator’s Role in Comment Management

It’s important to remember that creators have significant control over their comment sections. They can:

• Moderate Comments: Approve, delete, or hide individual comments.
• Set Comment Filters: Automatically filter out specific types of comments.
• Disable Comments Entirely: Prevent viewers from leaving comments.
• Pin Comments: Highlight a specific comment at the top of the comment section.
• Approve Users: Enable the approved user feature for a more controlled experience.

Understanding these controls provides valuable context when navigating the comment landscape.

FAQs: Your Burning Comment Questions Answered

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about viewing and interacting with comments on YouTube:

1. Why can’t I see any comments on some YouTube videos?

The most likely reason is that the video creator has disabled comments for that specific video. This is a setting creators can control in the YouTube Studio. Another reason may be that comments are being held for review or a technical glitch.

2. How do I sort comments on YouTube to see the newest ones first?

Above the comment section, you’ll find a drop-down menu labeled “Top comments” or similar. Click on it and select “Newest first” to sort the comments chronologically.

3. Can I see comments on YouTube Shorts?

Yes, you can! The comment section is usually located at the bottom of the screen or accessible through a comments icon, similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels.

4. How do I find my own comments on YouTube?

Go to your YouTube History page. Navigate to the “Comments” tab to view a list of all your past comments. Alternatively, you can find your comments through your Google Activity page if you have web and app activity tracking enabled.

5. How can I reply to a comment on YouTube?

Below each comment, there’s a “Reply” button. Click on it to open a text box where you can type and submit your response.

6. Is it possible to block someone from commenting on my YouTube channel?

Yes, you can block a user from commenting on your channel. Go to the user’s channel, click on the “About” tab, and then click the flag icon. Select “Block User” from the drop-down menu.

7. How do I report an inappropriate comment on YouTube?

Below each comment, there are usually three dots. Click those and select “Report“. You’ll be prompted to provide a reason for the report, such as hate speech, harassment, or spam.

8. Can I edit or delete my own comments on YouTube?

Yes, you can. Locate your comment, click on the three dots next to it, and select “Edit” or “Delete” as needed.

9. Why does YouTube sometimes hide comments with certain words?

YouTube uses automated moderation systems to detect and hide comments that violate its community guidelines, including those containing hate speech, harassment, or spam. Creators can also set their own filters to hide comments containing specific words.

10. How do I know if a creator has pinned a comment on their video?

Pinned comments appear at the very top of the comment section, often highlighted or with a “Pinned by [Channel Name]” label.

11. Can I see comments on YouTube videos that are set to private?

No, you can’t see comments on private YouTube videos. Only the video owner can view private videos and their associated comments.

12. Is there a way to see deleted comments on YouTube?

Unfortunately, there’s no official way to see deleted comments on YouTube. Once a comment is deleted, it’s permanently removed from the platform. However, third-party archiving tools might have captured the comment before it was deleted, but this is not guaranteed.

The Future of YouTube Comments

The YouTube comment section is constantly evolving, with ongoing efforts to improve moderation, combat spam, and foster more positive interactions. Expect to see further advancements in AI-powered moderation, enhanced filtering options for creators, and potentially new features designed to promote constructive dialogue.

Mastering the art of navigating YouTube comments is essential for anyone who wants to fully engage with the platform’s vibrant community. By understanding the different viewing options, troubleshooting common issues, and being aware of creator control, you can unlock a wealth of insights, discussions, and connections. So, dive in, explore, and remember to always engage respectfully!