How to Find and Watch Deleted YouTube Videos

Whether it's because of copyright claims, policy violations, or a content creator's change of heart, sometimes our favorite videos vanish into the online abyss. But hope is not lost! In the dynamic landscape of 2024, there are still techniques and tools available to uncover these lost digital treasures. Whether you're a nostalgic viewer yearning to rewatch a beloved video or a researcher trying to retrieve critical content, this guide promises to arm you with the most updated strategies to find those elusive deleted YouTube videos. Let's dive into the digital detective work!

Can You Watch Deleted YouTube Videos?

Yes, under certain circumstances, it's possible to watch deleted YouTube videos, but with limitations. If a video was removed from YouTube, it's no longer accessible directly from the platform itself. However, there are a few workarounds and methods that can help you find and watch deleted content.

5 Methods to Find & Watch Deleted YouTube Videos

2: Using Google Search to Watch Deleted YouTube Videos

Using Google Search can be a clever way to find traces or even alternative sources of a deleted YouTube video. While you may not always be able to retrieve the full video using this method, you can often find related information, mirrors, or discussions about the video. Here's how to use Google Search effectively for this purpose:

1. 1. Keyword Search: Begin with a simple search by entering the exact title or any memorable keywords/phrases from the video. This can lead you to other platforms or websites where the video might have been shared or discussed.

2. 2. URL Search: If you have the exact URL of the deleted video, paste it into Google's search bar. Even if the video itself is deleted, there might be cached versions or references to the video on other sites.

3. 3. Use Google Video Search: On Google, click on the 'Videos' tab below the search bar. This will filter your search results to show only video-related content. It's a handy way to quickly locate any mirrors or reuploads.

4. 4. Cached Page: Sometimes, Google retains a cached version of web pages. If you find the YouTube video link in the search results (though it's deleted on YouTube), click on the small downward-facing triangle next to the URL and select 'Cached'. This will show you a snapshot of the page as captured by Google. Note: This method might not show the video itself, but often you can see the video's description, comments, and other details.

5. 5. Google Alerts: If you're keen on finding the video over time, set up a Google Alert for the video title or related keywords. This way, if someone reuploads or mentions the video in the future, you'll get a notification.

6. 6. Explore Related Discussions: Websites like Reddit, Quora, or niche forums often discuss specific YouTube videos. Your search might lead you to these discussions, and occasionally, users might have shared alternative links or provided more information about the video's content.

7. 7. Safety First: If you find links to websites claiming to host the deleted video, be cautious. Not every website is trustworthy, and some might be riddled with malware or phishing schemes. Always ensure the security of a website before downloading anything.

8. 8. Respect Content Ownership: As always, if you manage to find the video, respect copyright laws and the original creator's wishes. Avoid redistributing or reuploading the content without appropriate permissions.

4. Find Deleted YouTube Videos from Backups

If you suspect that a video you once had on your YouTube channel has gone missing, or if you're someone who routinely backs up content, you might have more options at your disposal. Backups, whether they're manual or automated, can serve as a lifesaver in such scenarios. Here's how to recover deleted YouTube videos from backups:

1. 1. Local Backups:

   • If you're the content creator, always make it a habit to save an original copy of your video on your computer or an external hard drive before uploading it to YouTube.
   • Browse through your folders, external drives, or any cloud storage services (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) where you might have saved a backup.

2. 2. Google Takeout:

   • YouTube, being a Google service, allows users to download all their data, including uploaded videos, through Google Takeout.
   • To access this:
     1. Visit Google Takeout.
     2. Deselect all data types and select only 'YouTube and YouTube Music'.
     3. Click on 'All YouTube data included' and select only 'videos' to reduce the amount of data you're downloading.
     4. Click 'Next step' and then 'Create export'. Once the export is ready, you can download it and retrieve your videos.
   • This is useful if you had the video uploaded at some point but deleted it or if your account faced issues.

3. 3. Automated Cloud Backups:

   • If you have automated backup solutions set up, such as cloud backup services that automatically store copies of your data, check there. Some services might have versions of files allowing you to restore to a previous date.

4. 4. Third-party Software:

   • DiskInternals Uneraser can recover deleted files from your computer, even if you didn't intentionally back them up. If you once had the video on your computer and it got deleted, Uneraser will help to retrieve it.

5. 5. Contact YouTube Support:

   • If you believe your video was wrongfully deleted or there's an error on YouTube's end, consider reaching out to YouTube Support. While they may not always be able to restore your video, they can provide guidance or clarify the reason behind the deletion.

6. 6. Beware of Scams:

   • If you're looking for backups of someone else's videos, be wary of websites or services claiming to have backups of every YouTube video. Many are scams that either want to distribute malware or capture personal information.

7. 7. Ethical Considerations:

   • If you do find backups of videos that aren't your own, respect the original creator's rights. There might be a reason they removed the video from YouTube. Don't redistribute or reupload without the original creator's consent.

Tips to Prevent YouTube Videos from being Deleted

Whether you're a content creator or an avid viewer, it's frustrating when a YouTube video gets deleted. While some deletions are intentional (by the uploader), others result from copyright strikes, community guideline violations, or other unforeseen circumstances. Here are some tips to help prevent YouTube videos from being deleted:

For Content Creators:

1. 1. Understand YouTube's Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with YouTube's Community Guidelines and ensure your content doesn't violate any rules, from inappropriate content to misinformation.

2. 2. Avoid Copyright Infringement:

   • Only use copyrighted material if you have explicit permission, or if you're certain it falls under "Fair Use".
   • Utilize royalty-free music and footage when possible. Many platforms offer free or paid resources for creators.

3. 3. Regularly Check Video Analytics:

   • If you notice a sudden spike in dislikes or negative comments, it could indicate that viewers find something problematic in your content. Addressing these issues early on can prevent potential reports.

4. 4. Backup Your Videos: Always keep an original copy of your uploaded videos on external hard drives or cloud storage. This ensures you have access even if they're removed from YouTube.

5. 5. Engage with Your Audience: A positive and interactive relationship with your subscribers can reduce the likelihood of malicious reports. It also helps you receive direct feedback about your content.

6. 6. Set Videos to Private/Unlisted First: Before publishing a video publicly, set it to private or unlisted. This allows you to share it with a select group to gather feedback and ensure there's no potentially problematic content.

7. 7. Use YouTube's Copyright Check Tool: Before publishing, YouTube scans your video for copyrighted material. If detected, you'll be warned, giving you a chance to make necessary changes before making it public.

8. 8. Stay Updated: YouTube's policies and algorithms change over time. Keep yourself updated with any new rules or best practices to ensure compliance.

For Viewers:

1. 1. Download Your Favorites: If there's a video you particularly love, consider downloading it for personal use. Remember, redistribution or public sharing might violate copyright laws.

2. 2. Engage Positively: Engaging with content creators positively can encourage them to keep their content up and also provide feedback that helps them adhere to community guidelines.

3. 3. Create Playlists: By adding videos to your playlists, you have a quick reference to them. If a video is deleted, you still have the title and can potentially search for it elsewhere.

4. 4. Connect with Creators: If you appreciate a creator's work, consider following them on other social platforms. If their content is removed from YouTube, they might share updates or alternatives on other channels.

5. 5. Report Malicious Content: If you stumble upon harmful or misleading content, report it. This not only helps YouTube maintain a safe environment but also alerts creators to potential issues.

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