YouTube Character Counter
Count characters for YouTube video titles, descriptions, comments, and channel information. Free YouTube character counter with all limits.
Table of Contents
YouTube Character Limits Overview
YouTube provides generous character limits for video descriptions (5,000 characters) and comments (10,000 characters), allowing creators to provide detailed information about their content. However, video titles are limited to 100 characters, making concise, compelling titles essential for clicks and discoverability.
Character Limits for Videos
YouTube has specific character limits for video content to balance detail with user experience.
Video Titles (100 characters)
YouTube video titles can be up to 100 characters. However, only the first 60-70 characters appear in search results and suggested videos before being cut off. Make your titles clear, compelling, and keyword-rich.
Video Descriptions (5,000 characters)
YouTube descriptions allow up to 5,000 characters. Only the first 2-3 lines (about 100 characters) appear above the 'Show more' button, so front-load important information, links, and calls-to-action.
Comments (10,000 characters)
YouTube comments can be up to 10,000 characters. This generous limit allows for detailed discussions and feedback. Longer comments are truncated with a 'Read more' link.
Community Posts (1,000 characters)
YouTube Community tab posts are limited to 1,000 characters. Use this for updates, polls, and engaging with your audience between video uploads.
Character Limits for Channel Information
Your YouTube channel has specific character limits for branding and information elements.
Channel Name (50 characters)
YouTube channel names can be up to 50 characters. Choose a memorable, searchable name that represents your content or brand. Your channel name appears in search results and recommendations.
Channel Description (1,000 characters)
Channel descriptions (About section) are limited to 1,000 characters. Use this to explain what your channel is about, upload schedule, and include relevant keywords for search optimization.
Best Practices for YouTube Character Limits
Maximize your YouTube presence with these optimization strategies.
Optimize Titles for Click-Through
Use the first 60 characters of your title wisely since that's what appears in search and suggestions. Include your primary keyword near the beginning and create curiosity or promise value.
Front-Load Descriptions
Put your most important information, links, and calls-to-action in the first 100 characters of your description. This appears above the 'Show more' button and in search previews.
Use Timestamps in Descriptions
Add chapter timestamps in your description (within the 5,000-character limit) to improve user experience and watch time. This also helps with SEO and viewer retention.
Optimize Channel Description
Use all 1,000 characters of your channel description. Include keywords, explain your value proposition, mention upload frequency, and add links to social media or your website.
YouTube Character Limits Reference
Complete reference of all character limits for YouTube:
| Field Type | Character Limit | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Video Title | 100 | Over 70 characters get truncated |
| Video Description | 5,000 | Include timestamps and links |
| Comment | 10,000 | Stay within limit for best results |
| Channel Name | 50 | 10-15 characters is most common |
| Channel Description | 1,000 | Stay within limit for best results |
| Community Post | 1,000 | Stay within limit for best results |
Related Free YouTube Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YouTube video title character limit?
YouTube video titles can be up to 100 characters long. However, only the first 60-70 characters appear in search results and suggested videos before being truncated. Make sure your key information and keywords fit within the first 60 characters.
How many characters can a YouTube description be?
YouTube video descriptions can be up to 5,000 characters. Only the first 2-3 lines (approximately 100 characters) appear above the 'Show more' button, so place important information, links, and calls-to-action at the beginning.
What is the YouTube comment character limit?
YouTube comments can be up to 10,000 characters long. This generous limit allows for detailed discussions and comprehensive feedback. Longer comments are truncated with a 'Read more' link.
What is the YouTube channel name character limit?
YouTube channel names are limited to 50 characters. Your channel name should be memorable, searchable, and representative of your content. It appears in search results, recommendations, and when you comment.
How long can YouTube channel descriptions be?
YouTube channel descriptions (About section) can be up to 1,000 characters. Use this space to explain what your channel offers, your upload schedule, and include relevant keywords for better discoverability.
Does YouTube count spaces as characters?
Yes, YouTube counts spaces, line breaks, punctuation, and special characters as part of your character count for titles, descriptions, comments, and channel information.
What is the YouTube community post character limit?
YouTube Community tab posts are limited to 1,000 characters. Use community posts to engage with your audience between video uploads, share updates, create polls, and build community.
What happens if I exceed the YouTube character limit?
If you exceed YouTube's character limits, you won't be able to publish or save your content. YouTube will prevent you from uploading the video, posting a comment, or saving channel changes until you reduce the text to fit within the limits.
Can I use hashtags in YouTube titles and descriptions?
Yes, you can use hashtags in YouTube titles and descriptions. Hashtags are clickable and count toward your character limit. YouTube recommends using 2-3 relevant hashtags for best results.
How do I count YouTube characters?
Use our free YouTube character counter tool to instantly see how many characters you're using for titles, descriptions, comments, or channel information. Simply type or paste your text, and the counter updates in real-time.