YouTube is one of the most popular video sharing platforms and has over two billion monthly active users. YouTube not only allows you to watch videos from different parts of the world but also allows creators to upload their videos for their audience. However, sometimes creators find themselves in situations where they need to replace a video on their channel without deleting the old link. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods to replace a Youtube video without deleting the old link and the benefits of doing so.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we get into the different methods of replacing a Youtube video without deleting the old link, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- A Youtube account
- The video that needs to be replaced
- The new video that you want to upload
- A video editor (optional)
What Requires Your Focus?
Replacing a Youtube video without deleting the old link requires your focus on two things:
- The video metadata and settings
- The new video that you want to upload
Different Methods to Replace Youtube Video Without Deleting The Old Link
Here are some different methods to replace a Youtube video without deleting the old link:
Method 1: Replace Video Using Youtube Studio
Youtube Studio is a tool that allows creators to manage their YouTube channel, including uploading, editing videos, etc.
Steps:
- Log in to your Youtube account and click on your profile picture.
- Click on "Youtube Studio".
- Click on "Videos" from the left-hand menu. You will see all your uploaded videos.
- Select the video you would like to replace and click on the three vertical dots on the right-hand side.
- Click on "Replace video".
- Click on "Select file" and select the new video that you want to upload.
- Make any changes to the video title, description, and other metadata that you want to make.
- Click on "Save" to upload the new video and replace the old one.
Pros:
- The metadata for the video will remain the same.
- The old URL of the video remains the same.
- This method does not affect the video statistics.
Cons:
- Replacing a video using this method is not suitable when there are significant changes in the video content.
- You must have the original video file to upload the new video.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Service to Replace Your Video
There are various third-party services like Wistia, Vimeo, and others that allow creators to replace their videos without losing the original link.
Steps:
- Log in to your account on the service provider’s website.
- Navigate to the video that you want to replace.
- Upload the new video.
- Update any metadata or information about the video.
- Save the changes, and the video will be replaced without losing the original link.
Pros:
- You can get more control over the video playback experience.
- It allows you to change the video’s look, settings, and privacy options.
- You do not need to have the original video file to replace it.
Cons:
- Some third-party services require a subscription fee for advanced features.
- You may lose all the data associated with the video if you decide to switch to another service.
Method 3: Use the Replace Video Option in YouTube Classic Studio
If you are still using YouTube Classic Studio, there is an option to replace a video without deleting the original link.
Steps:
- Log in to your YouTube account and click on your profile picture.
- Click on "Creator Studio Classic".
- Click on "Video manager" from the left-hand menu. You will see all your uploaded videos.
- Select the video you would like to replace and click on the "Edit" button.
- Click on the "Actions" button and select "Replace video".
- Upload the new video.
- Make any changes to the video metadata that you want to make.
- Click on "Save" to upload the new video and replace the old one.
Pros:
- You do not have to delete the original video link.
- It won’t affect the existing views, likes, or comments on the video.
- It maintains the original upload date and content ID.
Cons:
- YouTube Classic Studio is no longer available for new users.
- Method may require changings to the "uploader’s video manager options" that ends up in data loss when later on replacing the video.
Method 4: Use Annotations to Direct Viewers to the New Video
You can use Annotations, the text boxes that pop up during the video, to redirect users to your new video and avoid deleting the original link.
Steps:
- Log in to your YouTube account and click on your profile picture.
- Click on "Youtube Studio".
- Click on "Videos" from the left-hand menu. You will see all your uploaded videos.
- Select the video you would like to replace and click on the "Edit" button.
- Click on "Annotations" from the top menu.
- Add an annotation that directs viewers to the video’s new location.
- Click "Save" and publish the video to include the annotations.
Pros:
- You can divert your viewers to the new video without deleting the old one.
- You can link to any other video on YouTube, regardless of the channel it’s on.
- Annotations can drive engagement to your new video.
Cons:
- Annotations are not clickable on mobile devices.
- This method can affect the video engagement in the long run.
Why Can’t I Replace Youtube Video Without Deleting The Old Link
There may be several reasons why you cannot replace a Youtube video without deleting the original link. Here are some of them:
- You have shared the video on other platforms, and changing the link would make it unavailable on those platforms.
- You have deleted the original video file or do not have access to it.
- You do not have permission to use the video from another creator or source.
There are still ways to fix this. Here are some techniques of solving the problem:
Techniques of Solving the Problem
- Use the "unlisted" option on the new video. This way, only users with the video link will see it.
- Use a third-party service to host the video.
- Direct users to the new video using annotations or other methods.
Implications and Recommendations
Replacing a Youtube video without deleting the old link can be beneficial for your channel. Here are some implications and recommendations:
Implications:
- It allows you to replace a video without disrupting engagement
- You can update old content with new information to keep it relevant
- You can fix any errors on the video without deleting the original link.
Recommendations:
- Keep the metadata and video information consistent between the old and new video. This helps with searchability.
- Choose the right method that suits your needs and requirements for replacing the video.
- Ensure that the new video is an improvement in content and quality from the original.
5 FAQs About Replacing Youtube Video Without Deleting The Old Link
Q1: Does replacing a video using the above methods change its view, likes, or comments counts?
A: No. These methods do not affect view, likes, or comment counts on the original video.
Q2: Can I use annotations to redirect users to a new video without replacing the original video?
A: Yes, you can use annotations to direct users to a new video without replacing the original video.
Q3: Can I use these methods to replace any video on Youtube?
A: Yes, you can use these methods to replace any video on Youtube.
Q4: Which method is the best to use for replacing a Youtube video?
A: The "best" method depends on your needs and preferences. Consider your requirements carefully before deciding on which method to use.
Q5: Does Youtube allow creators to delete videos?
A: Yes, Youtube allows creators to delete a video permanently from their channel.
Final Words
In conclusion, replacing a Youtube video without deleting the original link can be a critical factor in maintaining engagement for your channel. We have discussed different methods to replace a Youtube video without deleting the original link. By choosing the right method and keeping the video metadata consistent, you can ensure that the new video is an improvement in content and quality from the original, while maintaining continued engagement from your audience.