The four ways
| Method | Setup | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web tool (like ClipComments) | Nothing to install — paste a link | One-off exports to Excel, CSV or JSON | A cap on comments per export |
| Browser extension | Install it in your browser | Saving comments while you browse | The permissions it asks for — some can read every page you visit |
| YouTube Data API | A Google Cloud project, an API key and some code | Large or repeated exports you automate | Technical setup and a daily quota |
| Copy and paste | None | A handful of comments | No columns — slow and messy beyond a few comments |
Exporting with ClipComments
- 1 Copy the video's link.
- 2 Paste it on the ClipComments home page and choose Excel, CSV or JSON.
- 3 Click Extract Comments, check the preview, and download the file.
For a step-by-step with the Excel columns explained, see Export YouTube comments to Excel. To work in Google Sheets, see YouTube comments to Google Sheets.
What can be exported
- Public comments and their replies on public videos, including Shorts.
- Not comments on private videos, or on videos where comments are turned off.
Using exported comments responsibly
Comments are written by real people. Keep exports for your own analysis, don't republish people's comments or usernames out of context, and follow YouTube's Terms of Service.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a built-in way to export YouTube comments?
Not for viewers — YouTube has no comment export button. You need one of the methods above.
What formats can I export to?
With ClipComments: Excel (XLSX), CSV or JSON.
Do I need to install anything?
Not with a web tool like ClipComments. Extensions need installing, and the API route needs a Google Cloud project and code.