Introduction
YouTube was introduced to the world in late 2005, and if you’ve been on the platform for a while, you’ve probably left a lot of comments on a lot of different videos. Whether you want to take a trip down memory lane and revisit your old comments, or you want to find a specific comment to remove it, YouTube makes it possible to see your entire YouTube comment history. The only downside is that it’s presented chronologically and there’s no easy way to search it or filter it down to see a specific date range.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to See YouTube Comment History
- Open a web browser and navigate to MyActivity.Google.com. You’ll land on your My Google Activity screen.
- Click “Other Google Activity” in the menu on the left side of the screen. The Other Google Activity screen is displayed.
- Scroll down to the Other Activity section. In this section you can choose to see your comments on YouTube videos, your comments on YouTube Community posts, or your comments in YouTube live chats. Click “View Comments” beneath the specific comment history you want to see. In this example, I’ll click “View Comments” associated with Comments on YouTube Videos.
You’ll land on the Your YouTube Comments screen, where if you scroll down you can see your YouTube comment history in chronological order.
If there’s a specific comment you find that you want to delete, simply click the “X” next to it to delete it. Additionally, if there are comments you made that you don’t see they may have been automatically filtered out as spam by YouTube, or the YouTube channel moderator may have removed them.
Reasons to See Your YouTube Comment History
1. Accountability
Everyone leaves a digital footprint, and comments on YouTube are part of this. Checking one’s comment history is a way to practice self-accountability. It can help a user verify they have maintained a positive and respectful tone online. This can also act as a self-audit, ensuring no harmful or offensive remarks have been inadvertently posted. It’s a necessary practice in today’s online culture where communication is key.
2. Reference
People often share interesting links, details, or resources within YouTube comments. On revisiting, these can be hard to find without viewing the comment history. It might be a song recommendation or an insightful article. Having access to these past comments can prove extremely useful. It serves as a personal catalogue of shared information, a treasure trove of user-specific knowledge.
3. Engagement Tracking
Engaging with the YouTube community includes tracking the reactions to one’s comments. Has a comment sparked a conversation, or received likes or dislikes? Monitoring these responses encourages further engagement, inviting the user to take part in the broader discussion. This can lead to fruitful discussions, sharing of ideas, and an overall enriched user experience.
4. Self-Analysis
The evolution of a person’s viewpoints can be observed in their comment history. It becomes a timeline of opinions, thoughts, and interests. Tracing this progression is an act of self-analysis, a way to understand personal growth. It can highlight how a user’s understanding of a topic has deepened, or how their tastes have changed over time.
5. Content Creation
For content creators, comment histories can serve as invaluable feedback. They document a creator’s reactions to other videos, pinpointing what worked or didn’t work for them. This real-time feedback can help shape their own creative output, guiding the style, content, and tone of their videos. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
6. Moderation
Moderation is a key aspect of maintaining online etiquette. Users who routinely check their comments can ensure their posts are appropriate and respectful. It helps identify and rectify any slip-ups. Moderating one’s comments not only demonstrates personal responsibility but also respects the overall YouTube community.
7. Deletion
Privacy is important, especially online. Users might want to delete old comments for numerous reasons, from security to regret over past remarks. Reviewing comment history provides an opportunity for this. It’s a way to ensure one’s digital presence aligns with their current outlook, and it helps maintain online safety.
8. Learning
Observing how others respond to one’s comments is a learning experience. It teaches the user about the dynamics of the YouTube community. The feedback received—whether agreement, disagreement, or simple acknowledgment—can shape how a user communicates, tailoring their comments for more effective engagement.
9. Continuity
Conversations on YouTube often span days or even weeks. To maintain the flow of discussion, it helps to revisit past comments. This ensures the user’s replies remain relevant and coherent. Continuity fosters better conversations, making them more meaningful and enjoyable.
10. Copyright or Community Guidelines Issues
YouTube comments must adhere to platform policies. If a comment is reported or removed, the user should review their past comments. This helps them understand what crossed the line. It’s a way to ensure they remain in good standing, avoiding further violations and potential penalties.
