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How to Change Language on YouTube, Step by Step with Photos

Want to use YouTube in your preferred language? Luckily, customizing the platform‘s language only takes a few quick steps. Follow this simple guide to change the language on YouTube from mobile or desktop in no time. We‘ll walk through each step together using handy screenshots. Read on to learn how!

YouTube is enjoyed by over 2 billion logged-in users every month, according to YouTube‘s own statistics. With availability in over 80 different languages, users across the globe access the platform. But having the incorrect language set can create confusion and affect your browsing experience.

Changing your language settings allows you to view localized text and content catered to your region. This ensures you have the best YouTube experience possible!

YouTube Language Settings

Before diving in, it‘s important to understand what changing the language affects on YouTube. Altering your language settings changes the text that appears on the site, including:

  • Video titles, descriptions, and metadata
  • Menu options and icons
  • Search and browse filters
  • News and trending videos

However, it does not affect the spoken audio language of the videos themselves. Turning on closed captioning/subtitles can help provide text of audio in other languages.

According to YouTube, the top 10 languages available based on number of users are:

  1. English
  2. Spanish
  3. Hindi
  4. Portuguese
  5. Indonesian
  6. Japanese
  7. Russian
  8. German
  9. French
  10. Vietnamese

How to Change Language on the YouTube App

Ready to customize your language on mobile? Grab your smartphone or tablet and let‘s get started!

1. Open the YouTube App

First, locate the YouTube app on your device and tap it to launch the platform. Sign into your YouTube account if you aren‘t already logged in.

YouTube app home screen

2. Go to Your Profile

Once signed in, you need to access your account profile. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen to open the menu.

YouTube app profile

This allows you to adjust settings tied specifically to your account.

3. Select Settings

Next, scroll down and tap on the Settings option to open your account preferences.

YouTube app settings

This is where you can customize options like notifications, quality, and privacy.

4. Go to Location

In Settings, select General and scroll to the Location section at the very bottom.

YouTube app location

Location displays the region your YouTube app is currently set to by default.

5. Change the Language

Finally, tap on the Location to open up a list of all language and country options. Browse the list and select your desired language to change the YouTube app language.

YouTube app language options

If your country isn‘t available, choose the closest option to your region for the best results.

And that‘s it! The YouTube app will now display in your chosen language for localized text and content.

How to Change Language on Desktop

Switching your language is just as easy on a desktop browser. Follow along:

1. Access Your Profile

Go to YouTube.com and sign into your account if you aren‘t already logged in. In the top right corner, click on your profile picture to open the drop-down menu.

YouTube desktop profile

This allows you to access settings and options for your specific account.

2. Change the Language

From the menu, click on Language to open available options. Select your desired language from the list to change the YouTube site language.

YouTube desktop language

That‘s all there is to it! YouTube will now display localized text and filters in your chosen language.

See the process in action:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9Z1tuuluuI]

Changing Language as a Guest

You don‘t need to be logged into an account to change your YouTube language preference. From any browser, use the 3-dot menu in the top right corner.

YouTube guest language

Select Language and choose the one you want. However, without an account, your selection won‘t be remembered across browsing sessions.

Changing languages as a guest user can be helpful to quickly access local content without logging in. But having an account makes the process easier since your preference is saved automatically.

Why Change YouTube‘s Language?

Adjusting your YouTube language personalizes the platform to your region. It allows you to:

  • View text, titles, and metadata in your preferred language
  • See locally popular videos and channels
  • Filter searches and recommendations by your location
  • Access support content in your language
  • Avoid confusion from incorrect language settings

Customizing your settings ensures YouTube displays relevant content tailored specifically for you!

So if you ever notice YouTube seems a bit "off," don‘t hesitate to check your language settings. A quick update can instantly improve your browsing experience.

Ready to Master YouTube?

Choosing your ideal language is just one way to tailor YouTube to your preferences. Want to take full control over your viewing experience? Check out our in-depth guide to YouTube settings for more customization tips and tricks.

Happy YouTubing in the language of your choice!