Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
If you are seeing the “failed to post, tap to retry” error on YouTube, you are not alone. This common glitch can happen on both smartphones and desktop browsers, usually because of a temporary issue with your app, network connection, or account session. Similar posting delays can happen on other platforms too, such as why Instagram Reels take so long to upload.
💡 PRO TIP: Copy Your Comment First!
Before trying any fixes, copy the text of your comment and paste it into a notes app. Most troubleshooting steps (like clearing your cache or restarting the app) will erase your drafted text, and you don’t want to write it twice!
Step 1: Quick Diagnostic (Is it you or the video?)
Before changing your settings, determine where the problem lies:
- Try a “Test” Comment: Attempt to post a simple word like “Nice” or “Thanks.” If it works, your original comment may have been blocked by a spam filter (usually due to links or specific words).
- The Incognito Test: Open the video in an Incognito/Private window. If you can comment there, the issue is likely a problem with your stored browser data or app cache.
- Check if Comments are Disabled: Some videos are marked “Made for Kids” or have comments turned off by the creator. If the comment box is missing or grayed out, no amount of troubleshooting will fix it.
Step 2: Fixes for iPhone and Android
Most mobile errors are caused by temporary app files interfering with your connection.
For Android Users
- Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Select Clear Cache. This removes temporary files but keeps your settings and downloads safe.
- Restart the YouTube app.
For iPhone (iOS) Users
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Find YouTube and tap Offload App. This refreshes the app’s core files without deleting your personal data.
- Tap Reinstall App.
Step 3: Account and Network Troubleshooting
If the app itself is fine, the issue might be how you are connecting to YouTube’s servers.
- Refresh Your Account Session: Sometimes your login “times out.” Sign out of YouTube and sign back in to refresh your account permissions.
- Check for “Rate Limiting”: If you have posted many comments quickly, YouTube may temporarily limit your ability to post. Wait 15–30 minutes and try again.
- Disable VPNs: Some VPNs interfere with YouTube’s security checks. Turn off your VPN temporarily to see if the comment posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my comment disappear after I posted it?
This is different from a “failed to post” error. If it disappears, the comment was likely held for review by the creator or flagged by automated moderation for violating community guidelines.
Does clearing cache delete my YouTube history?
No. Your watch history, playlists, and subscriptions are saved to your Google Account. Clearing cache only removes temporary “scratchpad” files on your specific device.
What if I’m on a computer?
If you are using a browser, clear your browser cookies for YouTube or try disabling any ad-blocking extensions, which can sometimes break the comment submission button.
When to Check for a YouTube Outage
If none of these steps work and the error is happening on every video you try, there may be a platform-wide issue. Check sites like DownDetector or the @TeamYouTube social media account to see if other users are reporting the same problem.
