Are Liked Videos Private? (4 Settings to CHECK!)
Ever feel like you’re under a microscope?
I get it.
Let me paint you a picture:
Imagine Alex, a rising star on YouTube, prepping for a major video launch.
They’re sitting in their decked-out home studio, surrounded by ring lights and microphones, their computer screen buzzing with notifications.
But something’s nagging at them.
Comments are flooding in, not just about their upcoming video, but about their “Liked Videos” section.
Are those likes public?
What are people seeing?
And how does it impact their brand, their collaborations, and their connection with their audience?
This is the reality many of us face.
The question “Are liked videos on YouTube private or public?” is a critical one.
It impacts both content creators and viewers alike.
So, let’s dive deep into YouTube’s privacy settings and unravel this mystery together!
Understanding YouTube’s Liked Videos
YouTube has come a long way, hasn’t it?
Back in the day, privacy was almost an afterthought.
Now, it’s a central concern.
The “Liked Videos” feature has evolved too.
Initially, it was a simple way to bookmark content you enjoyed.
But now, it’s a reflection of your taste, your interests, and, potentially, your brand.
So, what exactly are liked videos?
They’re simply a list of videos you’ve clicked the “thumbs up” icon on.
This list is stored within your YouTube account.
Think of it as your personal playlist of approved content.
But why are liked videos so important for creators in 2025?
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Content Discovery: Your likes can influence YouTube’s algorithm. The more you like, the better YouTube gets at suggesting videos you’ll love.
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Audience Engagement: Your audience might peek at your liked videos to get a sense of your style and inspiration.
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Community Building: Sharing similar interests through liked videos can help you connect with other creators and viewers.
I’ve personally found that sharing my liked videos has sparked some amazing conversations and collaborations!
Privacy Settings Overview
Okay, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty: privacy settings.
YouTube offers several options, and understanding them is crucial.
Think of these settings as your control panel for your online presence.
Here are the four key settings related to liked videos:
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Public: This means anyone can see the videos you’ve liked. Your liked videos playlist is visible on your channel.
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Private: This setting keeps your liked videos hidden. Only you can see them.
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Unlisted: This is a bit of a hybrid. Your liked videos aren’t publicly listed on your channel. But if you share the direct link to the playlist, people can view it.
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Custom Settings: This is where things get interesting! YouTube allows you to create custom playlists with specific privacy settings. You can have some liked videos public and others private.
The best setting for you will depend on your specific goals and comfort level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Privacy Settings
Alright, let’s get practical.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking and modifying your liked videos privacy settings in 2025:
Step 1: Navigating to YouTube Studio
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First, sign in to your YouTube account.
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Then, click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
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Select “YouTube Studio” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Accessing the “Privacy Settings” tab
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In YouTube Studio, look for the “Settings” option in the left-hand sidebar. It usually has a gear icon.
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Click on “Settings.”
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In the settings menu, select “Channel.”
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Then, click on the “Advanced settings” tab.
Step 3: Identifying the “Liked Videos” section
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Scroll down the “Advanced settings” page. You’ll find a section labeled “Privacy.”
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Here, you’ll see two options: “Keep all my liked videos private” and “Keep all my subscriptions private.”
Step 4: Modifying settings as per the creator’s preference
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If the box next to “Keep all my liked videos private” is checked, your liked videos are private.
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If the box is unchecked, your liked videos are public.
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To change the setting, simply click the checkbox.
Step 5: Saving changes and confirming visibility
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After making your selection, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
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To confirm your settings, go to your channel page and see if your “Liked Videos” playlist is visible (if you set it to public).
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
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Forgetting to Save: This is a classic! Always double-check that you’ve clicked the “Save” button after making changes.
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Assuming Default Settings: Don’t assume your liked videos are automatically private. Take the time to check your settings.
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Ignoring Custom Playlists: If you’re using custom playlists, remember that each playlist has its own privacy settings.
I once made the mistake of accidentally making a playlist public that I intended to keep private. Let’s just say it led to some interesting feedback!
Implications of Privacy Settings in 2025
So, what does it all mean?
How do these privacy settings impact you as a content creator in 2025?
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Brand Image: Your liked videos can influence how people perceive your brand. If you’re a gaming channel, liking videos about cooking might confuse your audience.
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Audience Trust: Transparency can build trust. Sharing your liked videos can show your audience what inspires you.
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Collaboration Opportunities: Seeing what other creators like can spark collaboration ideas.
Audience Perception
Think about it: your audience is constantly analyzing your content.
They’re trying to figure out who you are and what you stand for.
Your liked videos are another piece of that puzzle.
If you’re consistent with your brand, your audience will appreciate the transparency.
If you’re all over the place, it might create confusion.
Changing Settings Based on Strategy
There might be times when you want to change your privacy settings.
For example:
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New Product Launch: You might want to make your liked videos public to showcase your research and inspiration.
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Controversial Topic: You might want to keep your liked videos private to avoid potential backlash.
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Audience Feedback: If your audience is asking for more transparency, you might consider making your liked videos public.
I’ve found that being open and honest with my audience has always been a winning strategy.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of YouTube privacy can feel like a maze.
But understanding your liked videos privacy settings is essential for content creators in 2025.
Managing this aspect of your channel can significantly impact your engagement, your brand, and your relationship with your audience.
So, take the time to review your settings.
Experiment with different options.
And most importantly, be intentional about the message you’re sending to your audience.
Now, I want to hear from you!
What are your thoughts on YouTube privacy?
Do you keep your liked videos public or private?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
And don’t forget to subscribe for more helpful tips and tricks for navigating the ever-evolving world of YouTube.
Keep creating, keep connecting, and keep crushing it!
