How to Change YouTube Video Category: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right category for your YouTube video helps viewers understand what your content is about. It also gives YouTube additional context about your video. If you selected the wrong category while uploading, you can easily change it later through YouTube Studio.

You do not need to delete your video or upload it again. You can update the category while keeping the same video URL, views, comments, and existing engagement.

In this guide, you will learn how to change a YouTube video category, update categories for multiple videos, choose the right category, and avoid common mistakes.

1. What Is a YouTube Video Category?

A YouTube video category is a label that describes the general subject of your video. When uploading content, creators can choose a category that best matches the video’s topic.

For example:

• Education: Tutorials, lessons, and educational content.
• Science & Technology: Technology news, software guides, and gadget explanations.
• Howto & Style: Practical tutorials, DIY projects, and lifestyle tips.
• Gaming: Gameplay, gaming tutorials, and walkthroughs.
• Entertainment: Entertainment videos and related content.
• People & Blogs: Personal videos, vlogs, and lifestyle content.

Choosing a relevant category helps YouTube understand the type of content you publish.

2. How to Change YouTube Video Category on a Computer

You can change the category of an uploaded video directly from YouTube Studio. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open your web browser and visit YouTube.
2. Sign in to your YouTube account.
3. Open YouTube Studio.
4. Click Content in the left-side menu.
5. Find the video whose category you want to change.
6. Click its title or thumbnail to open the video details.
7. Scroll down and click Show More.
8. Find the Category section.
9. Open the category dropdown menu.
10. Select the category that best describes your video.
11. Click Save.

Your video’s category will be updated after you save the changes.

You can repeat this process for other videos whenever necessary.

3. How to Choose the Right YouTube Video Category

Selecting a suitable category is important because it should accurately describe your video’s main subject.

Here are some examples to help you choose:

Education: Choose this category for lessons, educational explanations, and learning tutorials.

Science & Technology: Use it for software reviews, technology guides, AI tools, and gadget-related videos.

Howto & Style: This category can suit practical instructions, DIY guides, and step-by-step tutorials.

Gaming: Select it for gameplay videos, gaming tips, and walkthroughs.

People & Blogs: Choose it for personal experiences, daily vlogs, and lifestyle content.

Entertainment: Use it for comedy, entertainment, and other general entertainment videos.

Always select the category that most closely matches the actual content. Do not choose a category simply because you think it will bring more views.

4. How to Change YouTube Video Category for Multiple Videos

If you have uploaded many videos with the wrong category, changing each one individually can take time. YouTube Studio includes a bulk editing feature that lets you update the category of multiple videos together.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. Select Content from the left menu.
3. Find the videos you want to update.
4. Check the boxes beside those videos.
5. Click Edit at the top of the page.
6. Select Category from the available options.
7. Choose the category you want to apply.
8. Click Update videos.
9. Confirm the changes if YouTube asks you to do so.

Review your selected videos before applying the change. Bulk editing is useful when several videos genuinely belong in the same category.

5. How to Set a Default Category for New YouTube Uploads

If you regularly publish similar videos, you can save time by setting an upload default.

To check this option:

1. Open YouTube Studio.
2. Click Settings in the left-side menu.
3. Select Upload defaults.
4. Open the Advanced settings tab.
5. Find the category option.
6. Choose your preferred default category, if available.
7. Click Save.

This setting can help apply your preferred category to future uploads. Always check the category of each video before publishing because individual videos may need a different category.

6. Can You Change a YouTube Video Category After Publishing?

Yes. You can change the category of a video even after it has been published.

You do not need to delete the video, create a new upload, or lose its existing URL. Simply open the video details in YouTube Studio, select a different category, and save your changes.

Your existing video remains on your channel.

This is useful if you accidentally selected the wrong category or if you want to correct your video’s settings after reviewing its content.

7. Common YouTube Category Mistakes to Avoid

Many creators make small mistakes when choosing video categories. Here are some problems you should avoid:

Choosing an unrelated category: Do not select a category that does not match your video’s subject.

Using the same category for every video: Different videos may cover different topics, even if they belong to the same channel.

Forgetting to save changes: Always click Save after updating the category.

Confusing video and channel categories: YouTube lets you choose a category for individual videos. This is different from your channel’s overall topic or niche.

Expecting instant views: Changing a category does not guarantee more impressions, views, or subscribers.

Choose categories carefully and focus on publishing useful content for your target audience.

8. Does Changing YouTube Video Category Improve SEO?

Selecting an accurate category gives YouTube additional information about your video’s subject. However, a category alone does not determine whether your video ranks in search results or receives recommendations.

Other factors, such as the video’s title, description, thumbnail, topic relevance, viewer engagement, and satisfaction, are also important.

For better video optimization:

• Write a clear and relevant title.
• Create a useful description.
• Use an attractive and accurate thumbnail.
• Choose the correct category.
• Make content that answers viewers’ questions.
• Organize longer videos with chapters when appropriate.

Treat the category as one part of your overall YouTube optimization process, not a shortcut to viral growth.

9. What to Do If You Cannot Change Your YouTube Video Category

If the category option is missing or you cannot save your changes, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure you are signed in to the correct YouTube account.
2. Confirm that you have permission to edit the video.
3. Open YouTube Studio in a desktop browser.
4. Go to the video’s Details page.
5. Click Show More to reveal additional settings.
6. Check whether the category dropdown is available.
7. Select a category and click Save.
8. Refresh the page and check whether the change was saved.

If the problem continues, try another browser or check your channel permissions.

You can also consult the official YouTube Help guide for more information about editing video settings.

Conclusion

Changing a YouTube video category is simple when you use YouTube Studio. Open your Content page, select the video, click Show More, choose the appropriate category, and save your changes.

You can also update several videos at once through bulk editing and set upload defaults for future videos.

Remember to choose a category that accurately describes your content. A relevant category helps provide context, but successful YouTube growth also depends on useful videos, strong titles, engaging thumbnails, and a positive viewer experience.