The fastest way to copy a YouTube link

Open the video you want to share. Right-click anywhere on the video player and select Copy video URL from the menu. That's the quickest method on a computer — the link goes straight to your clipboard, ready to paste anywhere.

If right-clicking doesn't show that option, look at the address bar at the top of your browser. Click once on the URL, press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac), and the full link is copied. You can then paste it with Ctrl+V or Command+V.

On a phone or tablet, tap the Share button (it looks like an arrow pointing out of a box, usually near the video title). Select Copy link from the options that appear. The link is now in your clipboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click the video player on a computer and select "Copy video URL" to copy the link in one step.
  • On a phone, tap the Share button and choose "Copy link" to get the URL into your clipboard.
  • YouTube links can be pasted into messages, emails, documents, or social media posts immediately after copying.
  • A copied YouTube link includes the video ID and timestamp if you paused the video before copying, which is useful for sharing a specific moment.
  • The Share button also offers options to copy links that start at a particular time in the video if you want to direct someone to a specific part.

Copying a link to a specific moment in the video

If you want someone to watch from a particular point rather than from the start, pause the video at that moment first. Then right-click and select Copy video URL at current time. The link will include a timestamp (shown as ?t= followed by seconds) that makes the video start at that exact spot when someone opens it.

On a phone, tap Share, then look for an option like Start at or Share at current time before you select Copy link. The timestamp gets added automatically.

Where to find the Share button on different devices

On YouTube's website or app, the Share button sits below the video player, usually to the right of the thumbs-up icon. It's the same location on computers, phones, and tablets, though the exact position shifts slightly depending on your screen size.

If you're watching YouTube through a smart TV or gaming console, the Share button may not be available. Instead, open the same video on your phone or computer and copy the link from there. You can find the video by searching for its title or looking in your watch history.

Copying a channel or playlist link

To copy a link to a creator's channel, go to their channel page and look for the Share button near the channel name and subscriber count. Click it and select Copy channel URL.

For a playlist, open the playlist and right-click on the page (not on a specific video). Select Copy video URL — YouTube will copy the link to the entire playlist rather than a single video. You can also tap Share at the top of the playlist on a phone and choose Copy link.

What happens when you paste a YouTube link

When you paste a YouTube link into a message, email, or social media post, most platforms show a preview of the video — the title, thumbnail, and a play button. The person receiving it can click the preview to watch without leaving their app.

Some platforms, like text messages or older email clients, may not show a preview. The link still works — the person just sees the raw URL. They can click it or copy and paste it into a browser to watch the video.

Troubleshooting when copy doesn't work

If right-clicking the video doesn't show a copy option, you may be using an older browser or an extension that blocks the menu. Try clicking the address bar, selecting all the text with Ctrl+A (or Command+A on Mac), then copying with Ctrl+C or Command+C.

On a phone, if the Share button doesn't appear, make sure you're using the official YouTube app or a current version of your browser. Close the app completely and reopen it. If the button still doesn't show, try opening the video in your phone's web browser instead of the app.

If you copy a link and it doesn't work when you paste it, check that the entire URL came through — sometimes only part of it pastes. Look for youtube.com/watch?v= followed by a string of letters and numbers. If part is missing, select and copy the link again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a link to a private or unlisted video?

Yes, you can copy the link the same way. However, only people who have the link and permission to view the video can watch it. If the video is private, only the creator and people they've invited can access it, even with the link.

Does copying a YouTube link give the creator any information about who shared it?

No. YouTube doesn't track who copies and shares links. The creator can see view counts and traffic sources in their analytics, but they won't know which specific viewers shared the video or where it was shared.

What's the difference between a short YouTube link and a regular one?

YouTube sometimes generates short links (starting with youtu.be) instead of the full youtube.com address. Both work identically — they point to the same video. You can copy either one, and they'll work the same way when pasted.

Can I copy a link to a live stream while it's happening?

Yes. Right-click the live video and copy the URL the same way you would for a regular video. The link works whether the stream is live, finished, or archived. If the creator saved the stream as a video, the link continues to work after the live broadcast ends.