Definition
Unlisted is a video privacy setting where the video is accessible via direct link but doesn't appear in search, recommendations, or on your channel page. Useful for sharing privately without full public exposure.
Privacy Settings Compared
| Setting | Who Can View | Appears In |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Everyone | Search, recommendations, channel |
| Unlisted | Anyone with link | Nowhere (only via direct link) |
| Private | Only you + invited | Nowhere |
When to Use Unlisted
- Client work: Share video drafts for approval
- Course content: Videos for enrolled students only
- Embeds: Videos for specific websites without YouTube discovery
- Testing: Check how video looks before going public
- Archiving: Keep old videos accessible but hidden from channel
Unlisted Limitations
- No algorithm promotion
- Won't appear in search results
- Link can be shared by anyone who has it
- Still publicly viewable if link is shared
- Doesn't count toward channel browse features