Set a Comment and Rating Policy in Upload Defaults

Decide the rules before the comments arrive

A comment and rating policy set in upload defaults keeps your channel consistent. The default decides whether comments are on, whether they need review, and who can leave them. Pick your rules once and stop re-deciding on every upload.

The alternative is moderating the same mess on repeat because each video started with whatever setting happened to be handy.

The settings that form a policy

• Comments on, off, or held for review before they appear.
• Whether you allow links in comments.
• Who can comment: everyone, subscribers, or no one.
• How the video can be rated, including hiding the like count if that fits your channel.

A policy is just a default you actually thought about.

Pick settings you can live with

Holding all comments for review sounds safe until you are approving hundreds a day. Balance protection against the workload it creates.

For most channels, comments on with a keyword filter and a blocked list does the job. It keeps the conversation open without inviting the worst of it.

If a topic attracts trouble, change the setting on that video alone. Your default should fit the normal case.

Make the rating choice deliberate

Hiding the like count can help on divisive topics and hurt on popular ones. Decide based on your channel, not on a trend.

Whatever you choose, keep it steady. Viewers notice when the rules shift from video to video and start to distrust the numbers.

Key takeaways

• Turn your comment rules into a default instead of a daily decision.
• Match review settings to the moderation time you really have.
• Use filters before you reach for full approval.
• Keep rating choices steady across the channel.