How to Find & Watch Deleted YouTube Videos

Why Do Videos Get Deleted?

Before we discuss retrieval methods, it’s crucial to understand why videos get removed in the first place.

• Policy violations: YouTube has strict community guidelines. Videos that violate these rules, such as those containing inappropriate content, hate speech, or misinformation, are taken down
• Copyright claims: Content uploaded without the necessary permissions or licenses often faces removal due to copyright strikes
• Account terminations: If a creator’s account is suspended or terminated, all their videos are removed
• Voluntary deletion: Sometimes, creators delete their videos for personal reasons, such as rebranding, privacy concerns, or dissatisfaction with their content

Understanding the reasons behind deletions can help set expectations for recovery. Removing a video is often final, and its availability depends on the tools and methods outlined below.

Is It Legal to Access Deleted YouTube Videos?

Accessing deleted YouTube videos isn’t always straightforward, and there are some legal and ethical things to remember. For starters, re-uploading or sharing a deleted video without the creator’s permission is illegal under U.S. copyright laws—even if the video is no longer available. 

In some cases, the Fair Use Doctrine might allow limited use of copyrighted material, like for commentary, education, or criticism. Still, it doesn’t give you free rein to access or distribute content however you want. On top of that, it’s important to think about the ethical side. Watching deleted videos for personal use is usually fine, but respecting the creator’s rights and avoiding misuse of their work is key. Staying mindful of these factors helps ensure you’re doing the right thing.

Steps to try before searching elsewhere

Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the most effective.

• Check other platforms: Creators often re-upload their content on alternative platforms like Vimeo or Dailymotion. Social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook) can also provide clues about where to find the missing video
• Contact the creator: If the creator is active online, consider politely contacting them. Explain why the video is important and ask if they plan to re-upload or share it elsewhere. Many creators appreciate their audience’s support and may provide direct access
• Use a VPN: Sometimes, videos are region-locked rather than deleted. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help by masking your address and changing your virtual location, potentially granting access to content that’s restricted in your area

Methods to Recover Deleted Videos

When a YouTube video you value is deleted, it can feel like a loss. Fortunately, several methods exist to recover or locate such videos, depending on whether you have the video URL or not. Below are detailed, actionable methods specifying when a URL is necessary for each:

Using the Wayback Machine

Requires URL
The Wayback Machine is a digital archive that stores snapshots of websites, including YouTube videos. If the video page was archived before its deletion, you may retrieve metadata and thumbnails or even watch the video.

Steps:

1. Visit archive.org/web.
2. Paste the video URL into the search bar and hit "Enter"
3. Select a date on the calendar showing an archived snapshot
4. Open the snapshot and check if the video is playable

Playback is rare, as the Wayback Machine doesn’t always save video files. However, metadata and thumbnails can often be accessed.

Google search operators

Requires URL or keywords
Google’s search engine can uncover cached pages or indexed information about deleted YouTube videos.

Steps with a URL:

• In Google's search bar, enter “cache:” followed by the video URL (omit "https://")
• Review the cached page if available

Steps with keywords:

• Use the video title or keywords in quotes, e.g., "deleted video title" + site:youtube.com
• Look for related results, including reuploads or cached content

Browser history or playlist

If you’ve watched or saved the video before, your browser history or YouTube playlists might still store the URL.

1. Open your browser history (Ctrl+H or Command+Y)
2. Search for the video by title or channel name
3. Copy the URL and use it with tools like the Wayback Machine or Google search

Alternatively, check your YouTube playlists or the “Liked Videos” section for saved links to deleted videos.

Searching for reuploads or mirrors

Deleted videos are often reuploaded by other users or mirrored on alternative platforms.

• Search YouTube with variations of the video’s title or keywords
• Expand your search to platforms like Vimeo, Dailymotion, or social media
• Niche forums, Reddit threads, or fan groups often save or share deleted videos. Being respectful in these spaces can lead to helpful results or make it easier to ask for help

Use Google with terms like “site:vimeo.com” or “site:reddit.com” with the keywords to streamline your search. It is important to be careful with unofficial reuploads. Some sources might include malware, altered content, or misleading links, so verify the uploader's or website's reliability before proceeding.

Recovering videos from your device

Sometimes, the deleted YouTube video you’re searching for might already be saved on your device. Here are a few methods to check:

Steps to try:

• Check your browser cache: If you watched the video recently, your browser may have stored temporary files of the video. Search your browser’s cache or history for traces of the content
• Look in your downloads folder: If you legally downloaded the video in the past, it may still be saved in your device’s downloads or media folders
• Use recovery tools: Data recovery software can help retrieve files accidentally deleted or lost due to device errors. However, this works only if the video was previously saved locally

While these methods aren’t guaranteed, they’re worth exploring if you suspect the video was stored on your device. A quick search could save you time and effort.

Using third-party tools

Some tools and websites claim to help recover deleted YouTube videos, but it’s essential to proceed cautiously.

What to know

• Legitimate tools: Some browser extensions or services can help locate cached versions of deleted content. These tools may be useful for finding snapshots or partial information
• Potential risks: Many third-party tools can be unreliable, illegal, or even contain malware that risks compromising your device or data
• Ethical considerations: Always ensure the tools you use comply with copyright laws and respect the rights of content creators

Stick to reputable tools and sources; consult online forums for recommendations from experienced users when in doubt. Prioritizing safety and legality is key when exploring third-party solutions

Preventing Future Content Loss

Losing access to your favorite YouTube videos is a hassle, but you can take simple steps to prevent it from happening again. Consider legally downloading videos through YouTube Premium or getting the creator’s permission. Additionally, it’s helpful to save key details like video titles, creator names, and descriptions—bookmarking or writing them down ensures you can easily reference them later. 

Another effective strategy is organizing your favorite videos into playlists, which makes them easier to find and revisit. For videos you truly want to keep, creating legal backups allows you to access them when you’re offline. By taking these proactive measures, you can stay connected to meaningful content while continuing to support creators ethically.

Conclusion

Finding out that your favorite YouTube video got deleted can be frustrating, but if you use the right tools and methods, you may be able to recover or locate it legally. There are numerous options to explore, from using resources like the Wayback Machine and Google Search Operators to checking your device or reaching out to creators. However, it’s crucial to remain mindful of legal and ethical boundaries while accessing deleted content.

By understanding why videos get removed and taking proactive steps to prevent future content loss, such as saving metadata or legally downloading content, you can minimize disruptions and continue enjoying valuable videos. With these strategies in hand, you’ll be better prepared to handle and prevent such frustrations in the future.

If you’re curious about how VPNs can help, take a look at our reviews of different providers for trusted recommendations and explore our blog page for practical tips on using them effectively.

These tools can not only unlock content but also enhance your online privacy.