Can a YouTube Editor delete videos?
An Editor can delete drafts, but not published videos or live streams.
Is this your situation?
You gave someone Editor access and want to know how much they can remove from the channel. The answer depends on whether the video is still a draft or already published, and how roles compare matters too.
What it is
Editor is a channel permissions role that can view all channel data. An Editor can also edit everything on the channel. An Editor can upload and publish content on the channel. An Editor can delete drafts that have not yet been published. An Editor cannot delete the channel or published content.
How YouTube handles this
- Editors can delete draft videos that have not been published, as part of what the Editor role can do.
- Editors cannot delete the channel or already-published content.
- Editors cannot delete scheduled, live, or completed streams on the channel.
- Editors cannot delete or reset stream keys for the channel's live streams.
- Editors cannot manage permissions on the channel, including who else has access.
Side by side
| Role | Can delete drafts | Can delete published videos |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Can do everything, including deleting the channel. | Can do everything, including deleting the channel. |
| Manager | Can create, upload, publish, and delete content, including drafts. | Cannot delete the channel. |
| Editor | Can delete drafts. | Cannot delete the channel or published content. |
| Editor (Limited) | Cannot access revenue data, including chat revenue and viewer activity tab. | Cannot access revenue data, including chat revenue and viewer activity tab. |
| Subtitle Editor | Can add, edit, publish and delete subtitles on eligible videos. | Cannot edit anything except video subtitles. |
| Viewer | Cannot manage live streams. | Can view but not edit all channel details. |
Common mistakes
- Assuming Editor equals full control An Editor cannot delete the channel or published content.Why it happens: The role's broad editing power is mistaken for deletion power over published material.Already happened: If a removal you expected did not happen, check the Editor permissions reference. Someone removed me from my YouTube channel
- Expecting stream deletion An Editor cannot delete scheduled, live, or completed streams.Why it happens: Stream management is confused with general video management.
- Expecting permission changes from an Editor An Editor cannot manage permissions on the channel.Why it happens: Editing rights are assumed to include control over who else has access.
If this changes who is in control
The Editor role cannot delete the channel or published content. If you are unsure which role fits a collaborator, review how roles compare.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can an Editor delete drafts? | Yes, Editors can delete drafts. |
| Can an Editor delete published videos? | No, Editors cannot delete published content. |
| Can an Editor delete the channel? | No, Editors cannot delete the channel. |
| Can an Editor delete live streams? | No, Editors cannot delete scheduled, live, or completed streams. |
| Can an Editor delete or reset stream keys? | No, Editors cannot delete or reset stream keys. |
| Can an Editor manage permissions? | No, Editors cannot manage permissions on the channel. |
| Can an Editor upload content? | Yes, Editors can upload and publish content. |
| Can an Editor enter into contracts for the channel? | No, Editors cannot enter into contracts. |
Frequently asked questions
Can an Editor permanently remove a published video?
No, the Editor role cannot delete published content.
Can an Editor delete a draft before it goes live?
Yes, the Editor role can delete drafts.
Can an Editor remove a completed live stream?
No, the Editor role cannot delete scheduled, live, or completed streams.
Can an Editor reset or delete a channel's stream key?
No, the Editor role cannot delete or reset stream keys.
Keeping track of who has access
Confusion about what a role can delete builds as more collaborators are added over time. Delvia helps you keep a clear picture of who holds which role on your channel.
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