The Youtube watch later feature allows users to save videos to watch at a later time. However, there is a limit to how many videos can be added to the watch later list. In this article, we’ll examine what that limit is, why it exists, how to check your current watch later count, and what to do if you hit the maximum number of videos.
What is the Youtube Watch Later limit?
The watch later limit on Youtube is 5000 videos. Once your watch later list reaches 5000 videos, you cannot add any more. This limit has been in place for several years and applies to all Youtube accounts.
The watch later cap exists to ensure optimum performance and prevent issues caused by overloaded lists. Storing an endless number of watch later videos would put a strain on Youtube’s infrastructure. The limit allows Youtube to balance server capacity and user experience.
Checking your current Watch Later count
To view how many videos are currently in your watch later list:
- Go to Youtube and click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Watch later” from the dropdown menu.
- Look for the number displayed next to “Videos” at the top of your watch later list.
This counter shows your total number of watch later videos. Keep an eye on it as you approach the 5000 limit.
What happens when you hit the limit?
Once your watch later list reaches 5000 videos, you’ll get an error message if you try to add another video. The “Watch later” button will be grayed out and display the text “Limit reached” when hovered over.
At this point, you cannot add any more items until you delete some existing videos in your watch later queue. The list will remain capped at 5000.
Removing watch later videos
To avoid hitting the limit, periodically clear out watched or unwanted videos from your list. Here’s how to remove videos:
- Go to your watch later list and click the “Edit” button.
- Check the box next to each video you want to remove.
- Click the “Remove” button to delete the selected videos.
You can remove individual videos one by one or bulk delete multiple at a time. This will open up space to add new videos.
Using playlists instead of Watch Later
Once you reach the watch later cap, you may want to start using playlists instead. Playlists have a 200 video limit per playlist, allowing you to sort videos into topics or categories.
To add a video to a playlist rather than Watch Later:
- Click the “Save” button below a video.
- Select “Add to playlist”.
- Choose an existing playlist or create a new one.
With playlists, you can still save videos without being constrained by the global watch later limit.
Using alternate accounts
Users who want to accumulate lots of watch later videos may create additional Youtube accounts. Each separate account will have its own watch later queue and 5000 video allotment.
However, switching between multiple accounts can be inconvenient. You’ll also lose video access if you forget login credentials.
Using the subscription feed instead
For channels you regularly watch, subscribing may be better than relying on Watch Later. Subscription feeds automatically aggregate new uploads from your subscribed channels.
To use your sub feed:
- Go to Youtube and click on “Subscriptions” in the sidebar.
- New videos will display chronologically.
This allows you to easily stay updated on your favorite channels without filling up your watch later list.
Third party watch later apps
Some third party apps provide unlimited watch later queues connected to your Youtube account. Options include Wistia’s Video Atlas and Bring’s Unlimited Watch Later.
However, these may involve data privacy tradeoffs. Make sure to carefully review privacy policies before using third party services.
Petitioning Youtube to increase the limit
Some longtime users have petitioned Youtube to raise or remove the 5000 video cap. However, Youtube has shown no signs of changing this limit.
Server infrastructure and technical limitations likely make it impractical for Youtube to substantially increase the per-user watch later ceiling.
Managing your Watch Later queue
Here are some best practices for managing your Watch Later queue:
- Check your watch later count regularly and delete videos after watching.
- Clear out old, irrelevant videos that you no longer need saved.
- Avoid using Watch Later as a bookmarking feature.
- Create playlists for categorizing videos on recurring topics.
- Remove watched videos from Watch Later to make room for new ones.
With some ongoing maintenance, you can comfortably use Watch Later without bumping into the 5000 video limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my watch later count stuck below 5000?
If your watch later list appears to max out well before 5000 videos, it may be due to deleted or private videos still counting against the limit. Try removing all videos and re-adding to reset the tally.
Can I transfer my watch later videos to a new account?
Unfortunately, there is no way to transfer your existing watch later queue to a new Youtube account. You’ll have to manually add each video again.
Does the limit apply to unwatched videos only?
No, the 5000 video cap includes both watched and unwatched videos. You’ll need to manually remove watched videos to make room for new additions.
What if I accidentally delete videos from my Watch Later list?
Once you delete a video from Watch Later, there is no way to retrieve or undo the removal. However, you can search for the video and add it back if needed.
Can I get banned for creating multiple accounts?
Creating multiple accounts solely to exceed watch later limits is discouraged by Youtube. However, moderate use of alternate accounts within policy guidelines is unlikely to provoke bans.
Exceeding the Watch Later limit
Hitting Youtube’s 5000 video watch later cap is annoying but manageable. With some ongoing list maintenance and the use of playlists or subscriptions, most users should be able to work around this limitation.
Removing watched videos and old content will provide room for new additions. Just be diligent about periodically clearing out your queue.
For convenience,Third party apps offer unlimited capacity, but avoid potential privacy issues. Overall, the watch later limit exists for technical reasons and is unlikely to change anytime soon.
