How to Get More Comments on YouTube

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into creating the perfect YouTube video, meticulously edited it, and hit "publish," only to be met with... silence? A handful of likes is nice, and a rising view count is encouraging, but a barren comments section can feel like speaking into a void. It's that vibrant space below your video where a monologue becomes a dialogue, a viewer becomes a community member, and your channel truly comes to life.

If you're looking to transform that empty space into a bustling hub of conversation, you're in the right place. Fostering viewer feedback isn't about luck or a secret algorithm hack; it's about strategy, intention, and building genuine connections. Let's explore how you can turn silent viewers into active participants and unlock the full potential of your YouTube channel.

Why Comments Are the Lifeblood of Your YouTube Channel

Before diving into the "how," it's crucial to understand the "why." Comments are far more than just vanity metrics. They are a powerful signal to both the YouTube algorithm and potential viewers that your content is engaging, valuable, and worth watching. A video with a lively discussion happening below it is inherently more attractive and signals a healthy, active community.

First and foremost, comments are a key engagement metric. YouTube's algorithm aims to serve viewers content they will enjoy and interact with. When a video receives likes, shares, a high watch time, and comments, it tells the algorithm that this piece of content is sparking a reaction. This can lead to increased visibility in search results, on the homepage, and in suggested video feeds. Essentially, an active comments section helps your videos travel further.

Beyond the algorithm, comments are your direct line to your audience. This is where you receive invaluable feedback, understand what resonates, and discover ideas for future content. Viewers might ask clarifying questions about a complex topic—for instance, in a video explaining the benefits of a smart heat pump, a comment might ask about its compatibility with older homes. This is not just a question; it's a ready-made idea for your next video or a point to clarify in your video descriptions. This feedback loop is essential for growth and for creating content that truly serves your audience's needs.

Finally, comments build a community. They transform passive viewing into an active, shared experience. When viewers see you, the creator, actively participating in the discussion, they feel seen and valued. This fosters loyalty and turns casual subscribers into dedicated fans who are more likely to return for your next upload, share your content, and become advocates for your brand.

First Things First: How to Enable and Manage Comments

You can't get comments if viewers don't have a place to leave them. While comments are enabled by default on most new uploads, settings can sometimes be misconfigured, especially if you've ever marked content as "Made for Kids." Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure your comments section is open for business.

For New Video Uploads

When you're uploading a new video in YouTube Studio, the process is integrated into the upload workflow:

1. Navigate to the "Details" tab during the upload process.

2. Scroll down to the "Audience" section. It's critical that you select "No, it's not made for kids." Content designated for children has comments and other features disabled by law (COPPA).

3. Continue scrolling down and click on "SHOW MORE."

4. Find the "Comments and ratings" section near the bottom.

5. Here, you can choose your desired setting. For maximum engagement, select "Allow all comments." Alternatively, you can choose "Hold potentially inappropriate comments for review" (recommended) or "Hold all comments for review" if you want full control.

6. Finish the upload process and publish your video.

For Existing Videos

Need to check or change the settings on videos that are already live? No problem.

1. Go to your YouTube Studio.

2. From the left-hand menu, select "Content."

3. Find the video you want to edit and click on the "Details" (pencil) icon.

4. Scroll down to "SHOW MORE" to reveal the advanced settings.

5. Locate the "Comments and ratings" section and select your preferred setting.

6. Click "Save" in the top-right corner.

To manage these settings for multiple videos at once, you can use the bulk editor. In the "Content" tab, check the boxes next to the videos you want to modify, click "Edit" in the black bar that appears at the top, select "Comments," and apply your new settings to all selected videos.

A Note on "Made for Kids" Content

The "Made for Kids" designation is a legal requirement under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If your content is primarily directed at children under 13, you must mark it as such. This will automatically disable comments, personalized ads, and other features. This setting cannot be bypassed, so be sure you correctly identify your audience.

10 Actionable Strategies to Encourage More Viewer Comments

With your settings configured, it's time to actively invite conversation. Simply having the comments section open isn't enough; you need to create an environment and provide prompts that make viewers want to participate. Here are ten powerful strategies to boost viewer interaction.

1. Ask Specific, Open-Ended Questions

The most common advice is to "ask a question," but the type of question matters immensely. A generic "What do you think? Let me know in the comments!" is often too broad. Instead, ask specific, open-ended questions that are easy to answer and encourage more than a one-word response.

A great question acts as a direct call-to-action (CTA). It should be related to the video's content and ideally posed at a moment of high engagement, such as the end of a key segment or in your closing remarks.

Think of it this way: just as we provide a detailed, step-by-step plan for a client's solar panel installation, you should provide a clear and simple prompt for your viewers. Make it easy for them to engage.

2. Create "Comment-Worthy" Content

Some video formats are naturally more conducive to discussion than others. While every niche is different, certain types of content inherently provoke a response.

• Opinion Pieces & Rants: Sharing a strong, well-argued opinion on a topic relevant to your audience is a fantastic way to spark debate.

• Myth Busting & Debunking: Content that challenges common misconceptions invites viewers to share their own beliefs or experiences. For example, a video titled "5 Myths About Home EV Chargers Busted" is a natural conversation starter. You can directly ask, "Which of these myths did you used to believe? Let me know below!"

• Tutorials & How-To Guides: These videos often generate questions. Viewers might ask for clarification on a step or suggest an alternative method. This is a goldmine for engagement. When we create content explaining the smart management of an energy system, we anticipate and welcome questions about specific settings or app features.

• Q&A and "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) Sessions: These formats are built entirely around audience participation. You can source questions from a previous video's comments, further reinforcing the value of commenting.

3. Pin a Provocative Comment

The pinned comment is prime real estate. It stays at the top of your comments section and is the first thing viewers see. Don't just use it for links or self-promotion. Use it to ignite the conversation.

You can pin a comment of your own that asks a follow-up question related to the video. This acts as a secondary, more visible CTA. For example, after a video about the financial benefits of renewable energy, your pinned comment could be: "Great to see so much interest! Fun follow-up question: If you had an extra €100 a month from energy savings, what's the first thing you'd spend it on?"

Alternatively, you can find an insightful, interesting, or funny comment from a viewer and pin that. This rewards the commenter, makes them feel valued, and can inspire others to write thoughtful comments in the hopes of being featured.

4. Engage with Every Comment You Receive

This is arguably the most important strategy of all. When you take the time to reply to comments, you signal to your entire audience that you are listening and that their input matters. This simple act can have a profound impact.

A YouTube comments section should be a conversation, not a monologue. When you reply, you're telling viewers that you're there to talk with them, not just at them. This transforms your channel from a broadcast medium into a community hub.

Try to do more than just "like" or reply with "Thanks!" Ask a follow-up question, offer additional insight, or simply acknowledge their point. This creates a back-and-forth that not only increases your comment count but also builds a genuine rapport with your audience. As your channel grows, it may become impossible to reply to everyone, but make an effort to engage with as many as you can, especially in the first 24-48 hours after a video goes live.

Expert Tip: The First Hour is Golden

Engagement in the first few hours after publishing is a particularly strong signal to the YouTube algorithm. Make it a habit to be present and active in your comments section immediately after your video goes live. Replying to early comments can kickstart a snowball effect of engagement that boosts your video's initial performance.

5. Run a Contest or Giveaway

A "comment to enter" contest is a classic and highly effective way to generate a massive number of comments quickly. The premise is simple: ask viewers to leave a specific type of comment for a chance to win a prize.

To make it more meaningful than just "comment to win," tie the entry to the video's content.

• Ask for ideas: "Comment with your best idea for our next video topic to enter!"

• Ask for feedback: "Tell us what you loved most about this video for a chance to win!"

• Ask a specific question: "Answer this question from the video correctly in the comments to be entered into the giveaway!"

This method not only boosts your comment count but can also provide you with valuable audience insights.

Comply with YouTube's Policies

Before launching a contest, be sure to read and comply with YouTube's official contest policies and guidelines. Key rules include stating that YouTube is not a sponsor of your contest and linking to your official contest rules. Failure to comply can result in penalties against your channel.

6. Reply to Comments with a YouTube Short

A fantastic new way to engage is by replying to a viewer's comment with a dedicated YouTube Short. When you do this, the comment is featured as a sticker in your video, which is a powerful form of public recognition for the viewer.

This strategy is perfect for answering frequently asked questions or expanding on a particularly insightful point made by a community member. It shows that you're not only reading the comments but that they are directly inspiring new content. This creates a powerful incentive for others to leave thoughtful comments, hoping theirs might be the next one you feature.

7. Feature Top Comments in Your Videos

Give your community members their moment in the spotlight. Dedicate a small segment at the beginning or end of your videos to a "Comment of the Week" or "Top Comments" feature.

Read out the comment, show it on screen with the commenter's username, and offer your thoughts on it. This is a brilliant way to reward engagement and encourage high-quality, thoughtful contributions. It gamifies the comments section in a positive way, motivating viewers to write something more substantial than "great video." This fosters a cycle of positive reinforcement: great comments get featured, which inspires more great comments.

8. Directly Ask for Feedback and Suggestions

Your audience is your most valuable resource for content ideas. Make them feel like they are part of the creative process by explicitly asking for their input.

• "What topic should I cover next in this series?"

• "Is there a specific aspect of our turnkey installation service you'd like me to explain in more detail?"

• "What's the biggest challenge you're facing with [your niche]? I want to make a video that helps solve it."

When viewers see you acting on their suggestions, it builds immense trust and loyalty. They become invested in the success of your channel because they have a hand in shaping its direction.

9. End Your Video with a Strong, Clear CTA

Your call-to-action for comments should be as polished as the rest of your video. Don't let it be a mumbled afterthought as your end screen appears. Integrate it naturally into your conclusion.

Summarize the key takeaway of your video and then pivot to your question. For example: "So, that's how a virtual battery can help you maximize your solar energy usage. Now I want to hear from you: what's the most appealing part of this technology for your home? Let me know in the comments, and I'll be down there answering your questions."

Use verbal cues, on-screen text, and even gestures pointing down to draw attention to the comments section. Be enthusiastic and genuine in your request.

10. Cultivate a Positive and Safe Community

The overall tone of your comments section plays a huge role in whether people feel comfortable participating. If it's filled with spam, negativity, or arguments, many potential commenters will simply stay away.

As the channel owner, you are the community moderator. Set the tone by being positive and respectful in your own interactions. Use YouTube's moderation tools to filter spam and hide or remove hateful comments. You can also block specific words or phrases and assign other users as moderators to help you. When people see that you are actively curating a safe and welcoming space, they will be far more likely to join the conversation.

Ultimately, boosting comments on YouTube is about shifting your mindset from broadcasting to community-building. It requires a deliberate and consistent effort to invite, acknowledge, and reward viewer interaction. By implementing these strategies, you can transform your comments section from an empty space into the vibrant, beating heart of your channel, leading to deeper connections with your audience and greater success on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are comments important for my YouTube channel?

Comments are a critical engagement signal for the YouTube algorithm, helping to increase your video's visibility and reach. They also provide direct, invaluable feedback from your audience, giving you content ideas and helping you understand what resonates. Most importantly, they are the foundation of a strong community, turning passive viewers into loyal fans who feel connected to you and your brand.

What if I get negative comments?

Negative comments are an inevitable part of being a creator online. First, assess the comment. If it's constructive criticism, consider it valuable feedback. Thank the user for their perspective, even if you disagree. If it's purely hateful, abusive, or spam, do not engage. Simply use YouTube's tools to hide the user from your channel or delete the comment. Your mental health is a priority, and you have the right to curate a positive space. Remember that a few negative voices don't invalidate the positive feedback from the rest of your community.

How do I enable comments on my YouTube videos?

In YouTube Studio, you can manage comment settings on a per-video basis or in bulk. When uploading a new video, scroll down in the "Details" tab to "Comments and ratings" and select "Allow all comments" or "Hold potentially inappropriate comments for review." For existing videos, go to the "Content" tab, click the "Details" icon for a specific video, and adjust the settings in the same section. Ensure your video is not marked as "Made for Kids," as this will automatically disable comments.