You're scrolling through your feed, watch a video that either blows your mind or makes your blood boil, and you decide it's time to speak up. You type out a witty response, hit send, and... nothing. No likes. No replies. Sometimes, your comment doesn't even show up when you log out and look again. It’s annoying. Most people think learning how to comment on videos on youtube is just about hitting a text box and typing, but if you actually want to be seen, there's a whole subterranean layer of moderation and etiquette you're probably hitting your head against.
YouTube isn't the Wild West anymore. It's a highly curated ecosystem.
If you’ve ever wondered why your comments seem to vanish into a digital void, it’s usually because of the "Held for Review" folder or the dreaded automated spam filter. This isn't just about being "nice." It’s about understanding the mechanics of the platform.
The Basic Mechanics of How to Comment on Videos on YouTube
First, let's get the technical stuff out of the way. You need a Google account. Obviously. But did you know your "handle" is now what shows up instead of your old display name? That @username is your identity now. To leave a comment, you just scroll past the video description and the "Up Next" suggestions (on mobile) or look right below the description on a desktop.
Type. Hit the arrow or "Comment" button. Done.
Wait.
Actually, there’s a nuance here. If you’re on a mobile device, the comment section is often collapsed. You have to tap the specific "Comments" area to expand it. Many users get confused and think comments are disabled entirely because they don't see the text box immediately. If you see "Comments are turned off," that's a creator choice or a YouTube safety setting for content featuring minors. There's no way around that.
Why Your Comments Might Be Invisible
YouTube uses an AI-driven system called "Jigsaw" and various Perspective API tools to scan what you write before it even goes live. If you use certain keywords, even if you aren't being mean, the creator’s custom filter might snatch your post away.
Creators can blacklist specific words. If a tech reviewer is tired of people arguing about "iPhone vs. Android," they might literally blacklist the word "Android." You post a thoughtful comparison, and boom—it's in the trash. This is the reality of how to comment on videos on youtube in an era of heavy moderation. You're playing by the creator's house rules.
Formatting Secrets for the Power User
Nobody likes a wall of text. It's ugly.
If you want to stand out, use Markdown-style formatting. It’s been around for years, but most people forget it exists. Want to bold a word? Wrap it in asterisks like *this*. Want italics? Use underscores like _this_. You can even do strikethroughs by using dashes like -this-.
It sounds small. But when a creator is looking at 500 comments, the one that is formatted correctly and uses bolding for emphasis is the one that gets the "Heart" or the "Pinned" status.
The Power of the Timestamp
This is the single most effective way to get engagement. If you want to know how to comment on videos on youtube like a pro, you use timestamps. Typing "2:45" automatically creates a clickable link that jumps the viewer to that exact second in the video.
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Why does this work?
- It shows the creator you actually watched the video.
- It provides value to other viewers who might want to re-watch a specific highlight.
- YouTube’s algorithm loves it because it creates "looping" behavior where people click the link and stay on the page longer.
Avoiding the "Shadowban" and Spam Filters
Let’s talk about the stuff that gets you "shadowbanned." YouTube doesn't usually tell you when you've been silenced. You'll still see your comment, but no one else will.
Common triggers include:
- Posting the same comment on five different videos in a row.
- Including external links (creators almost always have "Block links" turned on).
- Using "Sub4Sub" or "Check out my channel" language. This is the fastest way to get your account flagged as a bot.
- Typing in all caps. It’s 2026; everyone knows all caps is just digital screaming.
Honestly, the system is aggressive. Even if you're just trying to be helpful by linking to a source, you're likely going to get caught in the filter. If you absolutely must share a link, try describing how to find the site instead of posting the URL. "Search for 'Project Bluebook PDF' on Google" is safer than a direct link to a sketchy-looking site.
The Art of the Meaningful Interaction
If you're a creator trying to grow, or just someone who wants to be part of a community, the quality of your comment matters.
Generic "Great video!" comments are useless. They look like bot activity. Instead, ask a question. Or better yet, answer someone else's question. YouTube is increasingly trying to function like a forum. When you reply to someone else, you're building a "thread." Threads are gold for the algorithm.
Handling Trolls and Negative Replies
It’s going to happen. You’ll post a comment about a recipe, and someone will call your grandmother a name. It’s the internet.
You have three options:
- Ignore. This is usually best.
- Mute. You can actually "Hide user from channel" if you are the creator, but as a commenter, you can just block the individual profile so you don't see their nonsense.
- Report. Only do this for actual harassment or threats. Don't report people just because they have a different opinion on a video game.
YouTube's community guidelines are surprisingly specific. They’ve cracked down on "targeted harassment," which means if someone is following you from video to video to harass you, you have a legitimate case for a report that might actually result in an account ban for them.
Changing or Deleting Your History
Sometimes we post things we regret. Or we notice a typo.
To edit a comment, find your post, click the three vertical dots (the "kebab" menu) on the right, and hit edit. Easy. If you want to see every comment you've ever made since 2010, you can do that through the "History" section of your Google Account. It’s under "Comments" in the "Manage all history" tab. It’s a trip down memory lane that most people find slightly embarrassing.
Getting the "Pinned" Comment Status
The "Pinned" comment is the Holy Grail. It stays at the very top of the section, regardless of how many new comments come in.
How do you get one? You have to provide the absolute best value. Often, this is a "Correction" that the creator missed, a "Summary" of a long video, or a "Top 10 List" of things mentioned in the clip. If you're the first person to provide a useful resource that the creator forgot to mention, they’ll pin you to keep that info at the top.
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Actionable Steps for Better Engagement
If you want to master how to comment on videos on youtube and actually build a presence, follow these specific steps:
- Watch the whole video first. Don’t be the person who asks a question that was answered at the 5-minute mark.
- Use the creator's name. If their name is Sarah and they mention it in the video, use it. It makes the interaction feel human.
- Add a timestamp. Even if it’s just for a small 2-second joke.
- Check your "Likability." Before hitting send, ask: "Does this add anything to the conversation?" If the answer is no, maybe don't post it.
- Keep it brief. Two or three sentences is the sweet spot. Long essays get scrolled past.
By focusing on these specific behaviors, you move from being a "ghost" in the comments to being a recognized member of a community. It’s not just about typing; it’s about contributing. Stop shouting into the void and start actually talking to people.
To manage your existing comments more effectively, head to your YouTube Studio dashboard (if you're a creator) or your Google My Activity page (if you're a viewer) to audit your past interactions and see which of your comments have been flagged or removed by automated systems. This gives you a clear picture of what the algorithm thinks of your "voice" on the platform.