Problems Playing Videos on Youtube
Video Player Error Message
Video player error message
If you’re getting a player error message, most of the time, the video should start working again in about 30 minutes. This error can sometimes happen if the uploader is making changes to the video, there’s an issue with your Internet connection speed, or the video is being removed or having other issues.
What you can do
Try again after 30 minutes
In most cases, the video should start working again in about 30 minutes. If that doesn’t work, try the following tips.
Reload the page
On many browsers, you can press the F5 key or Command+R keys on your keyboard to reload the current page.
Change your video’s quality
Click the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the video player and select a lower quality setting, like 240p or 360p. Wait for the buffer bar to start loading before clicking play in the video player.
Close other tabs or windows
If you have multiple tabs or windows open in your browser, try closing them.
Upgrade your browser
If you'd like the best YouTube viewing experience, upgrade to the most recent version of your browser.
Update your Flash Player
Most videos on YouTube are streamed through Adobe Flash Player, a plug-in for your web browser, so make sure to update to the latest version.
Turn on JavaScript
JavaScript is required for many features to work. Make sure JavaScript is enabled on your browser.
Clear your cache and cookies
Clearing your cache and cookies can improve the speed and performance of your browser.
Try viewing the video on a different browser or computer
Video Display Issues
Are you able to hear the audio of a YouTube video, but can’t see it due to one of the following problems?
video player is black, white or green
colors are splotchy
a green line is splitting the player in two
video progress bar is missing or displayed incorrectly
You Can Also Try These Things
Disable Hardware Accelaration
Update your Graphics Driver
Video is Choppy Or Ends Early
If a video doesn’t play continuously (it stops and starts while you’re watching), or stops early, try these troubleshooting steps:
Check your internet connection. You'll need a broadband connection with at least 500 Kbps for the best viewing experience.
Change the video quality to a lower setting to see if the video begins to load.
Pause the video, then change the quality. Allow the gray bar at the bottom of the player to load. Try playing the video again.
If the video still doesn’t load, clear your browser’s cache and cookies and try viewing the video again.
No Sound on Videos
If you don't hear sound when playing a YouTube video, try these troubleshooting steps:
Adjust the volume on your computer and speakers.
Adjust the volume control located in the lower left corner of the YouTube video player.
Restart your browser.
Try turning up the volume for other video players (like Quicktime, Real Player, or Windows Media player).
If you still have no sound after completing the steps above, these additional tips may help:
Update your Flash Player to the latest version.
Allow third-party Flash content on your computer. Learn more by visiting Adobe’s help page.
Check any Antivirus and Firewall software to see if its blocking third-party Flash content.
Make Sure your Browser is Up to Date
Surfing the web on an old browser can be a lot like running a steam engine along the tracks of a bullet train--it may still work, but it doesn't take advantage of the speed and security of the new technology.
If you’re not using the most up-to-date version of your browser, you’ll still be able to watch YouTube videos, but you may have problems using YouTube’s newer features.
Black Bars on Videos
Black bars on videos
You may notice some widescreen videos that have black bars on all sides. Here’s why this formatting may appear:
The video file includes horizontal black bars (letterboxing) at the top and bottom of the video player in order to fit a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Our 16:9 aspect ratio player then adds vertical black bars (pillarboxing) to fit a 4:3 formatted video to YouTube player dimensions.
The end result is black bars all around the video (windowboxing).
If you’re uploading widescreen videos, you can avoid windowboxing by cropping your video to the 16:9 format.
JavaScript or Flash Player error
If you're receiving the following error: "Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Macromedia's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player," it means that you either have JavaScript turned off in your browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari), or you need to install the latest version of the Adobe Flash player.
To find out how to enable JavaScript, visit the help resources for your browser to find instructions.
Video Not Available in my Country
Video not available in my country
Some YouTube videos may not be available in your country for the following reasons:
Video owners have chosen to make their content available only to certain countries (usually due to licensing rights)
YouTube may block specific content in order to comply with local laws
Videos Wont Play
Videos won’t play
Here are some of the most common problems playing a video:
video doesn’t start (load)
video loads slowly
video gets stuck
video player is blank with no video
Problem not listed above? If the video is playing, but just not displaying correctly, read these tips on fixing video display issues.
Specific videos won’t play
If you’re able to watch some videos, but not others, below are a few troubleshooting tips that may fix the issue. After trying each tip, check whether the video will play.
Refresh your browser's page.
Change your video's quality to a lower setting. Wait for the buffer bar to start growing before clicking play in the video player and switching back to your preferred setting.
Upgrade your browser to the most recent version.
Update your Flash Player to the latest version.
Clear cache and cookies and restart your browser before accessing your video again.
Enable Javascript in your browser.
No videos play
If you’ve tried viewing a number of videos and none of them play, try these additional troubleshooting steps:
Change Firewall Settings
Temporary Disable Ad Or Pop Up Blocker Software
