YouTube boasts countless features that content creators can use to customize their experience on the popular platform. This amplifies YouTube’s appeal and explains the site’s reported 1,7 billion monthly users.

Net Influencer uncovers YouTube’s ‘Unlisted’ privacy setting and how to implement this. We look at how this setting option can aid strategy development, as well.

The Meaning and Usage of ‘Unlisted’

YouTube’s Unlisted is one of 3 privacy settings on the platform. This option prevents your video from showing in search results and on your channel. Your video can only be watched by users with the link to the post. This link can be shared with anyone, even users without a YouTube account. Unlisted is the middle ground of the 3 YouTube video privacy options. 

Read on for a more detailed definition of YouTube’s other privacy settings: 

Public 

This is YouTube’s default setting. With this setting, anybody can view, comment and share your video. Public videos appear in Google results. This setting helps grow subscriptions and increase engagement and reach. It is definitely for content creators and brands that want to be seen and known.

Private

This setting is more exclusive than Unlisted videos and more protected than the public setting. With YouTube’s Private privacy settings, only those invited to view the video can watch it. These users must be YouTube account holders. A maximum of 50 users is allowed. Uninvited users cannot view the video, even if they obtain a link. Private videos do not show up on YouTube and Google search results or your channel. 

When to use  ‘Unlisted’ 

Unlisted videos have their benefits. Knowing when to use this privacy setting is worth noting. 

The use of Unlisted and Private videos can sometimes overlap, with Unlisted content being more relaxed and requiring less confidentiality. We have listed the best use for both settings.

• For private video compilations or personal playlists not for others, change to Private Settings. However, if you wish to share it with a selected few, go Unlisted and provide them with a shareable link.
• For confidential company data, presentations, webinars, and virtual classes that you only want to share with company employees or selected people, keep it private and invite the chosen users. If the content is not too sensitive but specific to a few only, such as a particular department, you may opt for the Unlisted setting, with a shareable link.
• To store videos on YouTube and save space on your device, opt for private settings. You may even use Unlisted but not share a link.
• To re-organize your YouTube channel, you may archive older or less relevant videos by Unlisting them. 
• To conduct a survey in a distinct field on a small group of people, the unlisted setting will be extremely handy.

How to Change YouTube Video Privacy Settings

• Log in to your YouTube account.
• Click on your profile picture.
• Go to the YouTube Creator Studio option to access uploaded videos. Upload your content first, if you do not have existing videos.
• Click on the Content option.
• Select the video you want to change the privacy settings of.
• Click on the visibility option.
• Select from private, public, or unlisted.
• Click Publish.

These steps can be used for multiple videos simultaneously.

How to Use ‘Unlisted’ in Content Creation

Content Creators are always looking for alternate marketing methods. Exclusive content is one way to grab an audience’s attention or make them feel valued and special. Creators can use the ‘Unlisted’ privacy setting to target loyal subscribers and reward them with exclusive content, free tutorials, or limited offers. 

Creators can share links to Unlisted videos on other platforms, drawing followers to their YouTube accounts. The shareable link may attract more viewers than merely posting a public video. 

Content creators can also use this privacy setting to conduct market research on closed groups and generate data for future campaigns and their brands.

It is important to note that Unlisted and Private videos are not monetized, as they do not appear in the public domain. Use these settings tactfully and when necessary to reward your subscribers or for a quick boost or change in dynamics.

These suggestions should work with YouTube’s Private privacy settings which are more exclusive and secure. Remember, the viewer must be a YouTube account holder for private videos, yet anyone can view an Unlisted video. Unlisted video links can be shared and re-shared.

Conclusion

Let us recap YouTubes Unlisted privacy settings in comparison to Private and Public settings, using the table above. We see it is sandwiched between the other two. It offers a hybridized benefit that is neither as stringent as ‘Private nor open as ‘Public’.

‘Unlisted’ may not be the way to go viral or rake in tons of likes and views. It is better suited to premier content or videos targeted at a specific group of people. Either way, YouTube provides this option for creators and online entrepreneurs to customize their content and reach.