You may want to rewatch a YouTube video, only to find that it’s been deleted. Fortunately, there are multiple ways that users can watch or rewatch deleted YouTube videos.
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- 1. Use the Wayback Machine
- 2. Use the YouTube Video Finder
- 3. Search for Reuploads
- 4. Check Video Aggregator Sites
- 5. Ask the Video Creator
1. Use the Wayback Machine
The Wayback Machine, as the name suggests, is a digital library that archives different forms of Web content, such as web pages, articles, blogs, and videos. This means that even if a YouTube video has been deleted, there’s a chance that the page containing the video was archived by the Wayback Machine, allowing you to access it to watch it.
You need to have the deleted video’s URL. If you have previously shared the link to it or even a specific part of the video, you can use that link to access the video. If you watched it recently, you may be able to find the URL in your browser’s search history, but not if you watched the video in incognito mode.
Once you have obtained the URL, go to the Wayback Machine and enter it. The Internet archive will display a timeline of dates on which the webpage was archived. Look for the highlighted date and click on it.
If there is a snapshot available, you can view the page as it appeared at that time. If the video is embedded in the snapshot, you should be able to watch it.
A disadvantage of this method is that even though the Wayback Machine has a comprehensive archive of web pages, there is no guarantee that every deleted video will have been archived. Additionally, even if the page is archived, you may not be able to play the video due to technical reasons.
2. Use the YouTube Video Finder
YouTube Video Finder is a another tool that can help you recover deleted YouTube videos. It works by searching through the vast archive of YouTube videos to find reuploads or copies of the deleted content.
Head to the YouTube Video Finder website. In the search bar on the website, enter the video ID or URL of the deleted video, and press Enter. Review the digital archives to see whether any reuploads or copies of the deleted video are available. Click on any relevant links to view the video.
3. Search for Reuploads
There is also a chance that someone else has reuploaded the deleted YouTube video you are trying to find. This method involves a bit of detective work but can often be successful.
First and foremost, we recommend using YouTube search to find the reupload. You can use the original title of the deleted video or relevant keywords. Type this information into the YouTube search bar to check whether any reuploaded versions appear in the results. If you wish, refine your research by using multiple filters, such as the upload date, video length, and other criteria.
If you are unable to find a reupload on YouTube, try using the same keywords to search on your browser, social media platforms (Facebook or Instagram), and even some online communities, like Reddit. Often, online forums and fan groups will share links to reuploaded content or alternative sources where the video can be found.
4. Check Video Aggregator Sites
You can also explore video aggregator sites to find deleted YouTube videos. These sites compile videos from various platforms and often include reuploads of popular content.
Some well-known video aggregator sites include DailyMotion and Vimeo. Visit any of these, enter the original title of the deleted video or related keywords into the search bar, and press Enter. If the site you are using categorizes its content by genre, popularity, or tags, browse through the categories to find the video.
5. Ask the Video Creator
You can also try reaching out directly to the video creator. The original uploader of the video is likely to have a copy of the video stored. Ask them if they can provide you with a way to view it.
The best way to find the creator’s professional contact details is through the creator’s YouTube channel. Many creators provide an email address, social media links, or a contact form in the About section of their channel.
Once you have their contact information, write to them and explain why you want to access the deleted video, that you found the content valuable, and ask whether they can share the video with you or reupload it.
Hopefully, one of these methods can help you find the deleted YouTube video you are looking for. If you don’t want to lose your favorite video, try using one of the best YouTube video downloaders for offline viewing.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.
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Zainab Falak –
Staff Writer
Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she’s not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you’ll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.
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