Comments Disabled On Youtube Heres Why How To Fix It

It’s a common frustration: you watch a YouTube video, have something meaningful to say, and then realize—there are no comments. The section is grayed out, hidden, or simply missing. Whether you're a viewer trying to engage or a creator troubleshooting audience interaction, understanding why comments get disabled—and how to address it—is essential in today’s digital landscape.

YouTube allows creators full control over comment settings, and while disabling comments might seem counterintuitive for community building, there are valid reasons behind the decision. This guide breaks down the real causes, practical fixes for viewers and creators, and long-term strategies to maintain healthy engagement.

Why Creators Disable Comments on YouTube

Contrary to popular belief, most creators don’t disable comments out of disinterest. Instead, they make this choice after weighing the benefits of open discussion against potential risks. Understanding these motivations helps both viewers and fellow creators empathize with the decision.

• Spam and bots: Automated accounts flood comment sections with links, scams, and irrelevant content. Moderating thousands of spam messages is time-consuming.
• Toxic behavior: Harassment, hate speech, and personal attacks can escalate quickly, especially on controversial topics.
• Copyright claims: Some creators disable comments preemptively during sensitive periods (e.g., music releases) to avoid flagged user-generated content that could trigger strikes.
• Legal or brand safety: Companies or public figures may restrict comments to minimize liability from unmoderated third-party statements.
• Past abuse: Channels that previously experienced trolling or coordinated harassment often lock comments as a protective measure.

“After our team spent 15 hours a week filtering hate comments, we made the tough call to disable them temporarily. It was about sustainability, not silencing voices.” — Lena Torres, Digital Producer at VoxLens Studios

Tip: If you're a creator receiving constant spam, enable comment moderation instead of outright disabling them. This filters all new comments until you approve them.

How to Fix It: Solutions for Viewers

If you're a viewer unable to comment, your ability to act depends on whether the restriction comes from YouTube's system or the channel owner. Here’s what you can do:

Check Your Account Status

Sometimes, the issue isn't with the video—but with your account. YouTube may limit commenting privileges due to:

• Violation of Community Guidelines
• Being flagged by other users
• New or unverified accounts with limited activity

To resolve this, ensure your Google account is verified, review any past policy warnings in YouTube Studio (if applicable), and avoid posting aggressive or promotional content across platforms.

Wait for Scheduled Comment Windows

Some creators use timed comment rollouts. For example, comments may open 24 hours after upload to prevent bot floods during peak traffic. Check back later or look for pinned notes explaining the delay.

Engage Through Alternative Channels

If comments are permanently off, many creators redirect conversations elsewhere:

• Community tab posts
• Instagram or X (Twitter) threads
• Discord servers or Reddit AMAs

Look in the video description for links to alternative discussion spaces.

How to Fix It: Settings for Creators

If you're a creator who accidentally turned off comments—or want to re-enable them safely—follow these steps to restore functionality without inviting chaos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Re-enable Comments

1. Go to YouTube Studio.
2. Navigate to “Content” in the left sidebar.
3. Click on the video you want to edit.
4. Select “Settings” (gear icon).
5. Scroll to “Audience,” then click “Show more” under Advanced Settings.
6. Under “Comments,” choose one of the following:
   • Allow all comments
   • Hold potentially inappropriate comments for review
   • Approve all comments before showing them
7. Click “Save.”

Note: Changes apply immediately, but existing disabled comments won’t reappear unless manually restored via moderation tools.

Use Comment Moderation Tools

Instead of disabling entirely, leverage YouTube’s built-in filters:

• Auto-moderation: Block comments containing specific keywords, links, or symbols.
• Held for review: Flag suspicious comments automatically.
• Banned users: Permanently block repeat offenders.

These tools strike a balance between openness and control.

Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Comments

Do’s	Don’ts
Set up keyword filters for spam prevention	Leave comments completely unmoderated on high-engagement videos
Pin a friendly comment to encourage constructive discussion	Delete dissenting opinions just because they’re critical
Use “hold for review” mode during live streams	Disable comments permanently without notifying your audience
Redirect discussions to safer platforms when needed	Ignore community feedback just because it’s not in the comments

Tip: Create a custom moderation list with offensive terms, competitor names, or common scam phrases to auto-flag risky content.

Real Example: A Channel That Regained Engagement

Tech reviewer Marlon Reed ran a mid-sized YouTube channel focused on smartphone comparisons. After launching a video comparing two rival brands, his comment section exploded—not with insights, but with fan wars. Within hours, over 2,000 toxic comments flooded in, including personal attacks and threats.

He disabled comments within six hours and issued a community post explaining the move. Over the next week, he implemented stricter keyword filters, enabled pre-approval for new accounts, and created a Discord server for deeper tech debates. When he re-enabled moderated comments two weeks later, engagement returned—without the toxicity.

“I didn’t want to shut people out,” Marlon said. “I just needed tools to keep the conversation respectful.” His subscriber growth actually increased post-policy change, proving that smart moderation supports, rather than hinders, community trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report a video for having disabled comments?

No. Disabling comments is a creator preference protected under YouTube’s policies. You cannot report a video solely for lacking a comment section.

Why do some public figures disable comments even on official channels?

Public figures—including politicians, celebrities, and brands—often disable comments due to legal exposure. Under certain regulations (like FTC guidelines or defamation laws), companies can be held liable for unchecked user statements on their official pages.

Will enabling comments affect my video’s algorithm performance?

Yes—positively, if managed well. Videos with active, positive comment engagement tend to rank higher in recommendations. However, excessive negative sentiment or spam can hurt visibility. Focus on quality interaction, not volume.

Conclusion: Balance Freedom With Responsibility

Comments are the heartbeat of YouTube’s community—but only when they foster dialogue instead of division. Whether you're a viewer wondering why your voice isn’t heard or a creator managing an overwhelmed inbox, the solution lies not in removal, but in smarter systems.

For creators, thoughtful moderation preserves engagement while protecting mental health and brand integrity. For viewers, patience and alternative participation keep the conversation alive. Together, these approaches build a healthier, more sustainable platform for everyone.

🚀 Take action today: If you're a creator, audit your comment settings. If you're a viewer, support channels that encourage respectful discussion. Share this guide to help others understand the real story behind disabled comments.