When you first upload a YouTube video, it’s easy to forget about the visibility settings — and suddenly realize your content is private when it should be public. Luckily, switching a video’s status only takes seconds. In my latest tutorial, I walk through how to turn a private video public using the YouTube Studio dashboard.
Whether you’re fixing a mistake or finally ready to release a video, here’s the step-by-step process:
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Log Into YouTube Studio: Go to studio.youtube.com.
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Open the “Content” Tab: This lists all your uploaded videos.
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Find the Video You Want to Publish: You’ll see visibility options next to each upload.
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Click the Visibility Column: Change the setting from “Private” (or “Unlisted”) to “Public.”
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Click “Save”: Once you confirm, your video becomes live and visible to everyone.
That’s it! Your video is now viewable on your channel and can be shared via link or embedded on websites.
Quick notes to keep in mind:
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If the video was previously unlisted, existing viewers with the old link will still be able to access it after you make it public.
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Private videos are completely hidden — only people you’ve invited via email can see them before you switch.
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You can also use bulk edit tools in YouTube Studio to change visibility for multiple videos at once.
I use this workflow all the time when I’m scheduling uploads ahead of time. It allows me to upload several tutorials privately, make sure everything (titles, thumbnails, and subtitles) is finalized, and then publish them manually on release day.
In 2025, YouTube Studio continues to make video management effortless, and changing a video’s visibility is one of the fastest adjustments you can make. It’s perfect for creators who want total control over when — and how — their content goes live.