The fastest way to copy a YouTube link

The quickest method is to right-click the video title or anywhere on the video player itself, then select Copy video URL from the menu that appears. The full link is now in your clipboard and ready to paste into a message, email, or document. This works on desktop computers running Windows, Mac, or Linux.

If right-clicking does not show that option, look for the Share button instead — it is usually near the video title, often shown as a box with an arrow pointing outward. Click it, then click Copy next to the link that appears. Both methods copy the same thing: the complete URL that takes someone directly to that video.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click the video player or title and select Copy video URL to copy the link in one step on desktop.
  • The Share button near the video title also copies the link and works on phones, tablets, and computers.
  • YouTube automatically copies a link that starts at the current moment in the video if you use the Share button and check the Start at option.
  • On mobile devices, tap the Share button, then tap Copy link to get the URL into your clipboard.
  • Pasting the link into a message or email will usually show a preview of the video automatically.

Copying a link on a Windows or Mac computer

Open the video in your web browser and position your mouse over the video player. Right-click anywhere on the video itself — not on the title or description below, but on the black area where the video plays. A small menu will pop up with several options. Look for Copy video URL and click it. The link is now copied to your clipboard.

If that menu does not appear, your browser may have a different setup. Instead, look above the video for the Share button — it looks like a box with an arrow. Click it and a panel will slide out showing the video link. Click the Copy button next to the link, and it goes into your clipboard. You can now paste it anywhere by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

Copying a link on iPhone or Android

Open the YouTube app or go to YouTube in your phone's web browser. Find the video you want to share and tap the Share button — it is usually below the video title, shown as a box with an arrow. A row of options will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Tap Copy link from that row. The link is now in your phone's clipboard. You can paste it into a text message, email, or any other app by opening that app, tapping where you want the link to go, and selecting Paste from the menu that appears. If you do not see Copy link as an option, look for a link icon or the word Share and tap that instead.

Copying a link that starts at a specific moment

If you want someone to watch the video starting from a particular moment — not from the beginning — use the Share button instead of the right-click method. Click the Share button below the video title. A panel will open showing the video link.

Look for a checkbox labeled Start at and check it. The time shown will be wherever the video is currently paused. If you need a different moment, pause the video at that exact spot first, then open Share and check Start at. The link will now include a timestamp, so anyone who clicks it will jump straight to that moment instead of watching from the start.

What to do if the link does not work

If someone tells you a link you copied is not working, the video may have been removed or made private since you copied it. Try copying the link again — sometimes a fresh copy fixes the problem. If the video still does not load, ask the person who uploaded it whether they changed the privacy settings.

Another common issue is that the link got cut off or changed when you pasted it. A YouTube link should always start with youtube.com/watch?v= followed by a string of letters and numbers. If your pasted link looks different or shorter, copy it again and paste it more carefully. Some messaging apps automatically shorten links, which can break them — if that happens, paste the link into a different app or send it as plain text instead.

Sharing the link directly from YouTube

Instead of copying and then pasting, you can share directly from YouTube. Click the Share button and you will see options to send the link through email, text message, Facebook, Twitter, or other apps installed on your device. Select the app you want and YouTube will open it with the link already filled in — you just add a message if you want and send.

This method is faster if you are sharing with someone right away, but copying the link is better if you want to save it for later or paste it into multiple places. Both methods send the same link, so choose whichever fits what you are doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a link to a specific part of a video?

Yes. Pause the video at the moment you want, click Share, check the Start at box, and copy the link. Anyone who clicks it will jump to that exact time instead of starting from the beginning.

Why does my copied link look different when I paste it?

Some apps shorten links automatically, which can make them look different but still work. If the link does not work after pasting, copy it again and paste it into a different app. YouTube links should start with youtube.com/watch?v= to work correctly.

Does the video have to be public for me to copy the link?

You can copy the link to any video you can watch, including unlisted and private videos. However, other people will only be able to open the link if they have permission to watch the video — private videos only work for people the uploader invited.

What is the difference between copying and using the Share button?

Both copy the same link. The Share button is faster if you want to send it through email or a messaging app right away. Copying is better if you want to save the link for later or paste it into multiple places.