How to Turn on Comments on YouTube – 2 Simple and Easy Ways
In this article, I will be showing you how to turn on comments on YouTube, as well as other commenting related issues that might come up as you make use of the YouTube platform; either as a beginner or a veteran.
Without an iota of doubt, YouTube is the biggest free video hosting website on planet earth, attracting billions of viewers monthly to their platform.
With such a large audience, YouTube has gotten the attention of both small and big brands, who provide video content on the platform in order to promote their brands, products and services.
However, to make use of YouTube and cash in on the immense traffic that it attracts, you will need to set up a YouTube channel, which is free by the way.
Setting up your YouTube channel is not a big deal; but where many Youtubers often have issues is with the YouTube comments features. The YouTube comments feature allows brands to relate to their visitors and customers on the go.
So, it becomes very important that the Youtuber, or business owner who owns a YouTube channel knows how to turn on comments on YouTube so as to ensure smooth communication via the platform.
Why Is It Important To Turn On Comments On YouTube?
Turning on comments on YouTube is pretty easy.
But, why would anyone want to enable or turn on comments on YouTube? Why is it important?
For you to see the need of turning on comments, you need to understand their importance.
- As a creator, you need comments to enable you interact better with the users of your content.
- From the comments, you are then able to provide targeted video and non-video contents.
Aside the above key reasons, comments also help with providing a particular video or channel authority. With loads of comments on a video, more people are then likely to watch your video, thus increasing your watch hours which is good for the YouTube algorithm.
Simple Ways To Turn On Comments On YouTube
There are simple ways to turn on comments on YouTube. You can either do it from your PCs using the YouTube studio or from the applications on your smartphones.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to use an iPhone or android smartphone, the methods are the same.
YouTube has made different methods available to enable comments on the YouTube platform.
These methods are:
- Turning on Comments For a Single Video
- Turning on Comments For New Videos
Now, we are going to take a look at each of these methods.
Turning on Comments For a Single Video
Perhaps, one of the easiest methods is the turning on of comments for individual YouTube videos; and this can be done using either your PCs or from your YouTube studio application on your smartphones.
The methods are similar for both the android and the iOS devices.
There are two options to take when you want to turn on comments on YouTube for single videos.
- From Your PC
- From Your Smartphone
Turning On Comments On YouTube From Your PC For Single Videos
To turn on comments on YouTube from your PC, you would need to make use of YouTube studio from your browser. No other application is needed. Any browser can be used to do this.
However, you need to be certain that the channel is not made for kids. If this is the case, then you would need to change both the video and channel type.
Below are the simple steps you need to take to enable comments on YouTube for single videos using your PC.
1. Open Up The YouTube Studio and Tap On ‘Content’.
2. Now, Click On ‘Details’ Icon For The Video You Intend Turning On Commenting For.
3. Next Step Is To Scroll Down And Then Click On ‘Show More’.
4. where you have ‘Comments and ratings’ choose ‘Allow all comments’ and then click ‘Save’.
As you can see, it is really easy to enable comments on YouTube for individual videos by making use of the YouTube studio. No third-party applications needed whatsoever.
The only catch is that you need to make sure that your videos are not made for kids. If it is made for kids, you will not be able to turn on the commenting feature.
Turning On Comments On YouTube From Your Smartphone For Single Videos
Just as with the PC we saw above, you can also enable comments on YouTube using the YouTube studio application from your smartphones. The same method applies both for androids and iOS devices.
However, the videos in question should not be for kids or minors; otherwise you would need to change the video and channel type.
To turn on comments on YouTube for single videos using just your smartphones, you would need to follow the simple steps below.
1. First, You Need To Open The YouTube Studio Application. Then Click On ‘Content’.
2. Next, Click On The Three Dots Beside The Video That You Want To Turn On Commenting On And Then On ‘Edit Video’.
3. Click On ‘More Options’ And Then Beneath ‘Comments Visibility’ Choose ‘Allow All Comments’.
That’s it!
It is quite easy to enable comments on individual videos on YouTube though the YouTube studio application using your smartphones.
However, I will repeat for emphasis, you need to ensure that the channel and videos are not meant for kids, otherwise you will not be able to turn on the commenting feature.
Turning on Comments For New Videos
This is another cool method you can use to turn on comments on YouTube. You can enable comments for all new videos uploaded.
This is easily done from your PCs or smartphones.
For smartphones, you will have to use the YouTube studio application. This applies both for an android and iOS devices.
We will examine the different methods that can be used to enable comments on YouTube for new videos.
You may do so:
- From Your PC or
- From Your Smartphone
Let’s take a look at each of the methods.
Turning On Comments On YouTube From Your PC For New Videos
This can be done using the YouTube studio from your browser. No third-party app is needed whatsoever. And it doesn’t matter the type of browser you are using, same method applies.
Just make sure that the videos and channel is not tailored for kids, in which case you would need to change the video and channel type.
To successfully turn on comments on YouTube for new videos you upload using your PC, all you need do is follow the simple steps below.
1. Open Up YouTube Studio and Click on ‘Settings’.
2. Click on ‘Community’ as above and then go to Defaults.
3. Beneath ‘Comments on your new videos’ select ‘Allow all comments’ and then Click on ‘Save’.
So, you see how easy it is to enable comments on new videos just uploaded using the YouTube studio. This can only be done using your browser, and not from YouTube studio directly when using your PC.
Again, for emphasis, make sure that the video and channel is not meant for kids, otherwise turning on comments will not be possible.
Turning On Comments On YouTube From Your Smartphone For New Videos
To enable comments on YouTube using your smartphone for new videos, you would need to make use of the YouTube studio application via browser. As at now, there is no means of doing this from your smartphone using the app.
This applies, whether you are using an android or iOS devices, and the methods are the same.
Just follow the steps below.
1. Open YouTube Studio on your browser and set it up for desktop mode.
2. Now, click on ‘Settings’ and then on ‘Community’ and go to Defaults.
3. Beneath ‘Comments on your new videos’ choose ‘Allow all comments’.
So, that’s how you can easily enable comments on new video uploads using YouTube studio from your smartphones.
There is absolutely no need for any third-party applications. One key reason why you might not be able to turn on comments with this method is if the channel or video is tailored for kids.
But, Why Can’t I Still Turn on Comments on YouTube?
Now, if you have tried all the methods we listed above, and you still discover that you can’t enable comments on YouTube, then any of the reasons below might be responsible.
- If the video, audience and channel are meant for kids, then you will not be able to enable comments on YouTube
- Also, if the video is set on PRIVATE, you will not be able to make changes to the settings.
- YouTube could, at times, disable your commenting features for any reason whatsoever; for instance, for security reasons.
- If you are on a restricted mode, then you will not be able to enable comments on YouTube.
How To Disable YouTube Comments
Having seen how to turn on comments on YouTube, it is also very important for us to see how we could disable comments on YouTube if we so choose to.
But, why would anyone choose to disable the comments feature?
Well, there are a good number of reasons why you might choose to not allow comments on a particular video, or on the whole channel generally.
- When the comments on a particular video have become a real nuisance and problem; and it is making you restless. In this scenario, you might want to disable it.
- When there are so many haters and attacks on your content.
- When you are holding a live stream and don’t want any random comments, or you are not very familiar with the audience
Any of the above could make you want to disable comments.
So, how do you disable the comment feature on YouTube?
Disabling YouTube Comments Using A Browser
You can disable your YouTube video comments straight from your browser and without the need of any third-party applications by following the steps below:
- Login to your YouTube account
2. On the left-hand side of your screen, select “Your videos.” And then Click on the “hamburger icon” to expand the options.
3. The YouTube Studio will open automatically. Now, Click on “Settings” at the bottom left corner.
4. On the window that pops up, select “Community” and then click on “Defaults.”
5. Select “Disable comments.”
6. Finally, save changes by clicking on the “Save” button in the lower right corner.
And that’s it, the comments have been disabled.
How to Easily Disable Comments on YouTube Live
If you make use of YouTube Live, there is every likelihood that you might want to disable the comment feature on there, as you wouldn’t want random comments flying around; especially if you are not very familiar with your audience.
But, how do you do this?
By following the steps below which will enable you to turn ON or turn OFF Live Chat to control the comment section during a YouTube live.
- Open the “Live Control Room.”
2. Go on to “Stream and Webcam,” and click on “Edit.” on the upper right corner,
3. Now, click on “Customization” and then uncheck “Live chat.”
If you have already started your live stream, before deciding to turn off live chat, YouTube does allow you to hide users that are giving problems. You can also hide their messages as well from your channel.
All you need do is hold the “Alt” on your keyboard to pause the chat and tackle particular messages.
Should You Enable or Disable Comments on YouTube?
For YouTube creators and users, the comments feature is a very important and key part of YouTube marketing.
If you ask a seasoned and veteran Youtuber this question, you are going to find varied opinions on the subject. This is because there is no definite answer to the question.
It all depends on prevailing circumstances.
Truth is, and as we have already discussed in this article, comments are a great way to not just connect with your audience and users, but get solid tips and suggestions on what content to provide for them in the future.
When people know that they can reach out to, and connect with you, it becomes easier for them to press that subscribe button as they eagerly follow you.
They actually feel more connected to your content; and this is very important especially when you are just starting to build a community on YouTube…and in need of many viewers as much as possible.
On the other hand, allowing everyone and anyone to comment on your videos attracts both bots and haters, who are out to both troll and make bad and hateful comments; and not just for your videos alone, but in your live chat.
That’s why YouTube made available the option to either enable or disable comments on YouTube.; and even the ability to report and remove comments.
So, you see…the answer to this one is not set on stone. During the course of your journey as a Youtuber, you are going to end up either enabling or disabling comments depending on the prevailing circumstance.
Why Did YouTube Disable My Comments?
Recently, YouTube made the announcement that they will be removing all comments from channels that have content specifically tailored for children and minors.
This was in a bid to protect children from predatory comments.
They will also be removing comments from any channel that posts videos that relates to minors who are below the age of 18, as there is a risk of attracting unfriendly comments.
And they equally announced the launch of a new algorithm that detects, identifies and deletes unfriendly and problematic comments automatically.
So, if you own a channel that creates contents for kids or minors, your comment feature will be automatically turned off.
In Conclusion – Keep on Commenting
In conclusion, YouTube comments remains a viable way for brands and creators to interact with their audience and followers, and build an on-going relationship.
But YouTube comments requires a lot of moderation that can easily turn into a very time-consuming venture; especially if you have a channel that is growing really fast.
Now that you have learnt how to enable and disable comments on YouTube, you are now in full control; and very ready to control your channel, and create real connections.
You can easily choose to hide, remove or report offensive comments, as well as manage your live streams chat box.
The ball is in your court!
So, if I may ask, what is the most annoying or worst comment a user has ever dropped on your channel?
And do you often comment on other people’s videos?
Well, let us know in the comment section below.
References and Citations:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9482556?hl=en
https://www.wikihow.com/Enable-Comments-on-YouTube
https://www.tubics.com/blog/how-to-turn-on-comments-on-youtube
