These Things Can Stop Your YouTube Video from Going Viral

By Chef LeeZ — September 25, 2025

After researching what not to do when posting a YouTube video, I found several eye-opening mistakes that can keep your video from ever reaching viral status. Here are seven key pitfalls to avoid, plus a few bonus insights.

1. Don’t delete old videos

Even if a video doesn’t perform well at first, don’t delete it. Years later, it could suddenly take off. Deleting removes any chance of long-tail growth.

Tip: If you don’t want it visible, switch the setting to Unlisted instead of deleting.

2. Avoid wrong visibility settings — use Unlisted first

Don’t upload directly as Public or Private. Use Unlisted while preparing your description, tags, and settings. This keeps early impressions organic and avoids incomplete metadata hurting your reach.

3. Wait until processing is complete

Always let YouTube finish processing (including HD/4K versions) before sharing. Posting too early may result in people only seeing the low-quality version.

4. Don’t pre-share links outside YouTube

Sharing the link elsewhere before posting through YouTube can confuse the algorithm. Let your first push come from YouTube’s native notifications and posts.

5. Don’t rack up partial views

Avoid watching your own video multiple times without finishing, and don’t ask friends to casually click. Early abandoned views signal poor retention.

Better approach: Watch once through to confirm quality, then let genuine viewers drive watch time.

6. Post properly to notify subscribers

Once processing is done:

1. Click Post from the video navbar.
2. Paste the video title.
3. On a new line, paste the video link with Watch Here: in front.
4. Publish immediately to notify subscribers.

7. Share by YouTube Community posts only

Spread your video via your YouTube community channels, This feature is limited to use every 3 days. Share strategically where your audience is most engaged. Share only on YouTube. Repost the full video on other social media.

Bonus tips

• Thumbnails: Some say they’re overrated, but a clear, honest thumbnail usually helps. Keep it simple and readable.
• Analytics: Don’t stress over data for at least 3 days. Early numbers fluctuate and can be misleading.
• Comments: Don’t delete every negative comment. Remove only spam, irrelevant, or harmful ones. Real feedback builds trust and engagement.

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Following these steps gives your video the stronger chance to gain traction and maybe even go viral.

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