Ever stumbled upon a witty, insightful, or simply hilarious comment on YouTube and wished you could save it for later or share it with your friends? Or maybe you’re a content creator and need to analyze the feedback you’re receiving on your videos? Whatever the reason, knowing how to copy comments on YouTube can be a handy skill.
Image: outscraper.com
Luckily, copying YouTube comments is a pretty straightforward process, but the method you use will depend on your device and the specific circumstances. In this article, we’ll walk you through various ways to copy comments, from using simple copy-paste techniques to employing browser extensions, sharing the best practices for each method. Let’s dive in!
Method 1: The Classic Copy-Paste
If you’re on a desktop computer or laptop, the most straightforward way to copy a YouTube comment is using the good old copy-paste method.
- Locate the comment: Find the comment you want to copy on the YouTube video page.
- Select the comment text: Click and drag your mouse cursor over the text you want to copy. This will highlight the selected text.
- Copy the selection: Right-click on the highlighted comment text and select “Copy” from the context menu. Or, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy the selection.
- Paste the comment: Open the document or application where you want to paste the comment and use Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste the copied text.
This method is simple and efficient for copying single comments. But, what if you want to copy multiple comments or long, thread-like responses? Let’s explore other options.
Method 2: Browser Extensions for Efficient Comment Copying
If you regularly copy comments or you’re looking for more advanced features, browser extensions can be game-changers.
Here are a couple of recommendations:
YouTube Comment Copier:
This extension lets you copy multiple comments at once by simply selecting the checkbox beside each comment. It’s also useful for copying entire comment threads, including all replies. You can download it for Chrome or Firefox from the respective web stores.
Image: www.creatorhandbook.net
Comment Extractor:
This extension offers a more comprehensive solution that goes beyond basic copying. You can copy specific comment sections, extract comment content into a CSV file for further analysis, or even export comments with the user’s profile picture and username. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
These extensions offer additional features like the ability to filter comments by specific criteria (like top comments, newest comments, etc.) and customize the copied output format.
Method 3: Copying Comments on Mobile Devices
If you are using your smartphone or tablet, copying comments is just as easy. Although the user interface differs between Android and iOS, the core steps remain similar.
- Locate the comment on the YouTube app: Open the YouTube app on your device and find the comment you wish to copy.
- Long press the comment: Press and hold your finger on the comment text until a menu pops up.
- Select “Copy”: Tap the “Copy” option in the menu.
- Paste the comment: Open the app or document where you want to paste the comment and use the paste function (usually a long press and then tap “Paste”).
For Android users, there might be a “Select All” option instead of “Copy.” Select “Select All” to copy the entire comment, then use the “Copy” option in the menu.
Method 4: Direct Linking to Comments
If you want to share a comment directly with someone, you can link to it. This way, they can access the comment without having to search for it on the YouTube video page.
- Locate the comment: Find the comment you want to link to on the YouTube video page.
- Right-click the comment: Right-click on the comment text and choose “Copy Link Address” or “Copy Link” from the context menu.
- Paste the link: Open the document or application where you want to paste the link and use Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste the copied link.
Be aware that the direct link might become inactive if the comment is deleted or the video is removed. However, it’s still a useful way to share specific reactions or discussions.
Method 5: Using Screen Grabs for Comment Screenshots
Sometimes copying the text isn’t enough, and you need to capture the comment’s context—the author’s profile picture, the time stamp, or the surrounding comments. In such cases, taking a screenshot is the best option.
- Select the comment area: Scroll to the comment you want to capture and make sure the comment is visible with its context.
- Take a screenshot: On a desktop computer, press the “Print Screen” key or the “PrtScn” key to take a screenshot of the entire screen. You can also use the “Alt” key and the “Print Screen” key to capture only the active window. On a mobile device, use your device’s screenshot function.
- Crop and Edit the screenshot: Once you have the screenshot, you can use an image editor to crop it, highlight specific parts, or add annotations to the comment section for easier understanding.
When to Copy YouTube Comments: Real-World Applications
Now that you know various ways to copy YouTube comments, let’s explore some real-world scenarios where this skill can be handy:
1. Saving Interesting or Funny Comments:
You encounter a comment that makes you laugh or sparks a thought; you can copy it to share it with friends or save it for later reference.
2. Analyzing User Feedback:
Content creators can copy comments to analyze viewers’ responses and identify common themes, concerns, or suggestions. This data can help improve future content.
3. Documenting Discussions:
Researchers or journalists may copy comments relevant to specific topics to document online discussions or public opinions.
4. Collecting Quotes and Statements:
Copy comments that provide insights, opinions, or unique perspectives on a subject. These quotes can be used in blog posts, articles, or research papers.
5. Identifying Trending Topics:
By observing popular comments and their responses, you can identify trending themes and topics within a specific community or on a particular video.
Remember, when using copied comments, respect copyright and attribution. Always cite the original source and the author of the comment.
Ethical Considerations
While copying comments can be useful for various purposes, it’s essential to use this knowledge ethically and responsibly.
- Respect privacy: Do not copy or share personal information from comments, such as email addresses or phone numbers.
- Obtain consent: If you intend to use a comment in your own work, especially for commercial purposes, seek permission from the author.
- Avoid deception: Do not misrepresent the context or meaning of a copied comment. Use it honestly and transparently.
- Understand copyright: YouTube comments are protected by copyright. If you intend to use a comment for commercial purposes, seek permission from the author or ensure it’s under a creative commons license.
How To Copy Comments On Youtube
Conclusion:
Copying comments on YouTube is a useful skill with many potential applications. By understanding various copying methods, you can easily save insightful comments, analyze user feedback, or simply share interesting discussions with others. Remember to use these methods ethically and responsibly while respecting copyright and user privacy. Go forth and capture those intriguing comments!
