Are comments off on your YouTube videos? I get it. Between the spam and snark, disabling them seems easier.
But blocking comments completely erases all potential benefits too! Allow me to persuade you to reconsider.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll overview the value comments provide, then walk through re-enabling them step-by-step. I‘ll also equip you with state-of-the-art moderation tips, so you can cultivate the supportive community vital for channel success.
Why Comments Matter for Growing Your Channel
Before diving into the how, let‘s explore why allowing comments is valuable:
Comments increase viewership and authority
According to in-depth YouTube analytics conducted by conversion optimization platform MonetizePros, videos with at least 10 comments per 1,000 views gain nearly 150% more watch time.
| Comments per 1k views | Avg % View Duration |
|---|---|
| 0-9 comments | 21.3% |
| 10-49 comments | 51.4% |
| 50+ comments | 61.2% |
Why such a drastic impact? Comment volume signals community interest and trust to YouTube‘s algorithm. This results in boosted impressions and viewership.
As YouTube confirms in its Creator Academy course:
"Comments send positive signals to the YouTube search and discovery algorithms… allowing comments can lead to increased engagement and viewership."
Comments build loyalty and connection
Picture this – a viewer stumbles onto your channel, likes your latest video, and posts a question in the comments looking for advice.
You reply with helpful info and they respond grateful for your insight. Over time, this back and forth fosters a relationship. Before you know it, they‘ve subscribed and eagerly anticipate your next uploads to continue the conversation!
This cycle repeats across committed viewers. Comment sections become the watering hole fans gather around, cementing bonds both with you and each other.
According to popular YouTube expert Sunny Lenarduzzi, an active comments section is vital for "building a community on YouTube that feels invested in you."
Comments attract new viewers
When deciding whether to subscribe, many viewers scan comments on videos that catch their interest. Seeing thoughtful discussion and replies from the creator indicates you take audience needs seriously.
85% of viewers read comments before hitting that red subscribe button as per research by Kicksta – an Instagram growth platform. The same likely holds true on YouTube.
Comments provide feedback
While praise feeds the soul, constructive feedback pushes creative boundaries. Your commenters offer a direct line for suggesting video ideas, improvements, and more. Pay attention and you‘ll discover exactly what content your community craves.
Now let‘s get to the technical details on how to grant your fans commenting privileges once again!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Enable YouTube Comments
Ready to switch comments back on? Log into YouTube Studio and let‘s navigate the settings:
Access YouTube Studio
- Go to YouTube.com and click your profile picture => YouTube Studio
- Alternatively navigate directly to studio.youtube.com
Locate Settings
- In left sidebar menu, click on Settings icon
Choose Community tab
- Under Channel, select Community
This houses all comment controls. Options here include:
- Adding moderators
- Restricting links/words
- Managing inappropriate comments
- Disabling/enabling comments
Let‘s focus on that last one!
Enable Comments
Under Defaults:
- Use dropdown menu to set desired visibility
Choose from:
- Allow all comments: No restrictions
- Hold potentially inappropriate comments for review: Manual checking before publication
- Disable comments: Turn off channel-wide
Select your preferred approach, then click Save at the bottom.
You‘ve now successfully re-activated comments! Repeat the above for any other channels under your account.
Toggle Comments On/Off Per Video
Can‘t commit channel-wide? Comments can be disabled on a per video basis too.
When editing video details, enable the ‘Made for kids‘ setting. This automatically turns off commenting as videos designated for children cannot include comments (for COPPA compliance).
Mastering YouTube Comment Moderation
Opening comment floodgates without precautions invites turbulence. Let‘s build the dams and filters needed to direct flow in constructive directions!
Heart constructive comments
The pinned ‘hearted‘ comment spotlights positivity. Look for viewer replies praising quality or thanking you for help. Hearting them keeps tone uplifted.
Add moderators
Trusted users can be assigned comment admin roles under Community settings. Lean on them to report/remove any inappropriate content.
Auto-filter spam terms
Services like Comment IQ auto-scan comments and flag potential spam using AI, saving manual effort.
Disable links
If spam links plague sections, disable all URL posting channel-wide under Community restrictions.
Report abusive users
Flag disruptive commenters to YouTube for account restrictions. Channels promoting hate/harassment get banned.
With the above best practices, you can nurture comments into the vibrant hub that bonds creators and fans. Now get commenting!
