Does uploading your video as unlisted get you more views?
I think Mythical Bias played a BIG role in spreading this rumor…
Because in the “old YouTube days” there was the Unlisted Exploit.
My Dutch friend Wanner explains how it worked back then.
Obviously YouTube fixed this in the algorithm.
But many creators still suspect that uploading your video as unlisted has an effect on their video performance.
And they’re RIGHT!
But it has nothing to do with this old exploit OR any new part of the algorithm.
At least not in my experience of uploading videos like this unlisted, scheduled, and directly👇
Videos that are uploaded as unlisted get MORE views.
INDIRECTLY
NOT directly.
How?
Because you cannot write a PINNED COMMENT under a private OR scheduled video 👇
What happens if you can’t write your Pinned Comment right away?
You are more likely to forget it…right?
According to Gemini research >60% of YouTubers schedule their videos.
I suspect a LOT of creators FORGET to write their pinned comment (on time).
Those who forget…LOSE significant amounts of views 👇
When you upload your video as unlisted FIRST,
You CAN write your pinned comment,
So when you turn it back to your scheduled date,
It automatically shows once your video goes live.
Why does THIS increase views indirectly?
If you add a CTA + URL to one of your videos in your pinned comment,
You get more views on the video you link to.
I was actually surprised by my CTR % on my pinned comments.
It is much higher than I thought.
Just don’t ask me how I track the CTR% on comments (it’s a complex system).
Conclusion:
“You get more views if you upload your video as unlisted.”
Is actually true, just not for the reason many creators suspect.
May you use your Pinned Comments, my friend…
They are more powerful than you think.
Get my Thumbnail Pack here (Free for limited time) 👇
PS: I’m sure you will like THIS too 😉
