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

Choosing the right category for your YouTube video helps describe its subject and gives viewers and YouTube more context about your content. Whether you upload tutorials, educational videos, gaming content, or technology guides, selecting a relevant category is an important part of setting up your video.

If you accidentally selected the wrong category, there is no need to delete your video or upload it again. You can update the category directly through YouTube Studio while keeping your existing video, URL, views, and comments.

In this guide, you will learn how to change YouTube video category, update multiple videos at once, set a default category for future uploads, 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 select a category that best matches the video’s topic.

Some common YouTube categories include:

• Education: Lessons, tutorials, and educational explanations.
• Science & Technology: Technology news, software guides, and gadget information.
• Howto & Style: Practical tutorials, DIY projects, and lifestyle tips.
• Gaming: Gameplay, gaming tutorials, and walkthroughs.
• Entertainment: Comedy, entertainment, and related content.
• People & Blogs: Personal videos, daily vlogs, and lifestyle content.
• Music: Music videos, performances, and related content.

Choosing a relevant category gives YouTube additional information about your video’s subject.

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 YouTube in your web browser.
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.
7. Scroll down to the video settings.
8. Click Show More if the category option is not visible.
9. Find 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. You do not need to upload the same video again.

3. 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 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.

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

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

If you regularly publish similar videos, you can save time by setting a default category for future uploads.

To set your upload defaults:

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.
7. Click Save.

This setting applies to eligible uploads made through a web browser on YouTube. Uploads through mobile apps or video editing software may not use these defaults.

You can still change the category of an individual video after uploading it.

5. 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.

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 change its URL. Simply open the video details in YouTube Studio, select a different category, and save your changes.

Your existing video remains on your channel with its existing views, comments, and engagement.

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

7. Is There a YouTube Channel Category?

YouTube allows creators to select a category for individual videos. This is different from assigning one permanent category to an entire channel.

If you want future uploads to use the same category, you can set a default category under Settings → Upload defaults → Advanced settings.

Remember that upload defaults do not automatically change the category of videos you have already published. You must edit existing videos separately or use bulk editing.

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 video description.
• Design 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. Common YouTube Category Problems and How to Fix Them

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

Problem 1: Category option is missing

Open the video’s Details page and click Show More to view additional settings.

Problem 2: Changes are not saving

After selecting a category, click Save and wait for YouTube Studio to finish updating the video.

Problem 3: You cannot edit the video

Make sure you are signed in to the correct account and have sufficient channel permissions to edit video details.

Problem 4: Bulk editing is unavailable

Return to the Content page, select the videos using their checkboxes, and look for the Edit option.

Problem 5: New uploads use the wrong category

Check your Upload defaults settings. Remember that these defaults apply to browser uploads, not necessarily uploads made through mobile apps or editing software.

Conclusion

Changing a YouTube video category is simple when you use YouTube Studio. Open your Content page, select the video, find the Category option, 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 browser uploads.

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