YouTube Community posts can contain over 7,700 characters of text, but only the first 288 characters appear before the “Read more” link. Poll options are limited to 65 characters each, while quiz answers allow up to 80 characters. Most importantly, as of 2023, YouTube removed the subscriber requirement, making the Community tab accessible to all eligible channels regardless of subscriber count.

This guide covers everything you need to know about YouTube Community post character limits, eligibility requirements, and best practices for maximum engagement.

YouTube Community Post Limits Overview

YouTube Community posts have different character limits depending on the post type. Understanding these limits helps you craft engaging content that displays correctly across devices.

The most significant update came in 2023 when YouTube eliminated the subscriber threshold entirely. Previously, channels needed 500 or 1,000 subscribers to access Community posts, but this requirement no longer exists.

Text Post Limits (7,700+ Characters)

YouTube Community text posts support over 7,700 characters, allowing for substantial written content. Testing has confirmed this limit, though YouTube doesn’t officially document a maximum character count.

This generous limit means you can:

• Share detailed announcements and updates
• Write mini blog posts directly on YouTube
• Provide comprehensive behind-the-scenes insights
• Create story-driven content that builds connection

Practical considerations:

• Posts exceeding 288 characters get truncated with a “Read more” link
• Most viewers browse YouTube on mobile where long text appears overwhelming
• Engagement typically decreases with post length beyond 500 characters
• Breaking content into multiple posts often performs better than one long post

While you technically can write 7,700+ characters, the Community tab is designed for quick updates rather than long-form content. Save detailed content for video descriptions or blog posts linked from Community posts.

The 288-Character Preview

The 288-character preview is the most critical limit to understand for Community posts. Only the first 288 characters appear before YouTube adds a “Read more” link that users must tap to see the full post.

This preview limit means your opening sentence must capture attention immediately. Think of it like an email subject line or social media hook.

Effective preview strategies:

• Lead with your most compelling statement
• Ask an engaging question in the first sentence
• Create curiosity that makes users want to tap “Read more”
• Include emojis strategically (they count as 2 characters)
• Avoid burying your main point in the middle of the post

What fits in 288 characters:

• Approximately 50-60 words
• About 2-3 short sentences
• A question plus one supporting sentence
• A strong hook with a clear value proposition

Test your preview by counting characters before posting. If your key message appears after character 288, restructure your post to front-load the most important information.

Poll Character Limits

YouTube Community polls have stricter character limits than text posts, requiring concise wording for maximum impact.

Text poll limits:

• Each poll option: 65 characters maximum
• Number of options: 2-4 choices
• Poll question: Uses your main post text (subject to 288-character preview)

Image poll limits:

• Each image caption: 36 characters maximum
• Number of options: 2-4 images
• Image requirements: JPG or PNG format, clear and recognizable in thumbnail size

The 65-character limit for text polls forces clarity. You can’t write lengthy explanations, so every word counts.

Effective poll option writing:

• Use short, punchy phrases
• Eliminate unnecessary words
• Test readability on mobile (where most voting happens)
• Consider using emojis to save character space
• Ensure options are mutually exclusive and clearly different

Example comparisons:

Poor (too wordy):

• “I would definitely prefer watching more content about editing techniques” (76 characters - too long)

Good (concise):

• “More editing tutorials” (24 characters)
• “Editing tips and tricks” (23 characters)

Quiz and Image Post Limits

YouTube introduced quiz posts and image posts with their own specific character restrictions.

Quiz post limits:

• Quiz question: Subject to 288-character preview like regular posts
• Each answer option: 80 characters maximum
• Number of options: 2-4 choices
• Quiz explanation (after voting): 500 characters maximum

The 80-character limit for quiz answers provides slightly more room than poll options, letting you add brief context or explanations within each choice.

Image post limits:

• Total images per post: Up to 10 images
• Image caption: Uses your main post text
• File formats: JPG, PNG (GIF not supported as static posts)
• Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 pixels minimum for best quality

Quiz explanation strategy:

The 500-character explanation appears after users vote, making it valuable for:

• Providing educational context about the correct answer
• Linking to related videos for deeper information
• Building authority by demonstrating expertise
• Creating engagement through interesting facts or backstory

This explanation space helps quiz posts generate higher engagement than standard polls since users want to know if they answered correctly.

Eligibility Requirements (No Subscriber Threshold)

As of 2023, YouTube removed the subscriber requirement for Community posts. Any channel can access the Community tab regardless of subscriber count, representing a major shift in YouTube’s community features.

Current requirements:

• No minimum subscribers (previously required 500-1,000)
• Advanced features enabled on your channel
• Channel in good standing (no strikes)
• Account verification completed
• Channel not set to “Made for Kids”

How to enable Advanced features:

• Verify your phone number via YouTube Studio
• Wait for verification process to complete
• Advanced features become available within minutes to hours

When the Community tab appears:

• Usually within 24-48 hours after meeting eligibility requirements
• May take up to one week in rare cases
• Appears automatically, no manual application needed

Restrictions for “Made for Kids” channels:

Channels designated as “Made for Kids” cannot access Community posts due to COPPA regulations. This affects:

• Channels marked entirely for kids
• Individual videos marked for kids (but channel-level matters for Community tab)
• Educational content specifically targeting children under 13

If your channel serves mixed audiences, you can mark individual videos for kids while maintaining Community access by keeping your channel setting as “Not Made for Kids.”

Best Practices for Community Posts

Understanding character limits is only half the strategy. These best practices help you maximize engagement within YouTube’s constraints.

Front-load your message:

• Put your key point in the first 100 characters
• Hook readers before the 288-character truncation
• Use questions or surprising statements to open posts

Optimize poll wording:

• Test poll options before posting to ensure they fit
• Use abbreviations where natural (YouTube = YT, versus = vs)
• Remove filler words like “I think” or “maybe”
• Make options visually scannable on mobile

Leverage formatting:

• Line breaks create visual breathing room
• Emojis add personality but count as 2 characters
• Capitalize key words for emphasis
• Use bullet points via line breaks and dashes

Post timing strategy:

• Schedule posts when your audience is most active (check Analytics)
• Test different times to identify peak engagement windows
• Consistency matters more than frequency
• 2-4 posts per week typically performs well

Engagement tactics:

• Ask questions that invite comments
• Respond to early comments to boost algorithm visibility
• Create polls that reveal audience preferences
• Share behind-the-scenes content that builds connection

Mobile-first thinking:

Over 70% of YouTube usage happens on mobile devices. Always preview how your Community posts appear on phones:

• Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences maximum)
• Scannable content with clear structure
• Emojis that enhance rather than clutter
• Poll options readable without zooming

Content Ideas That Drive Engagement

Different content types perform better within YouTube Community posts based on character limits and audience behavior.

High-engagement post types:

Behind-the-scenes updates (200-400 characters): Share quick glimpses into your creative process, upcoming videos, or personal updates that humanize your channel. These posts benefit from the 288-character preview since they’re naturally concise.

This or That polls (65 characters per option): Simple binary choices generate massive engagement. Ask about video topics, editing styles, thumbnail preferences, or content direction. The limited character count forces simplicity, which increases voting rates.

Quick tips or facts (288 characters or less): Share valuable information that fits entirely within the preview. Educational channels excel with bite-sized insights that don’t require “Read more” clicks.

Milestone celebrations (200-300 characters): Thank your community for subscriber milestones, video anniversaries, or personal achievements. Gratitude posts generate positive engagement and strengthen community bonds.

Early access announcements (150-250 characters): Tease upcoming videos with just enough detail to create anticipation. Link to premiere pages or membership content for viewers who want immediate access.

Quizzes about your niche (80 characters per answer): Test your audience’s knowledge about topics you cover. The 500-character explanation after voting provides educational value and establishes expertise.

Content ideas that struggle:

Avoid these in Community posts due to character constraints:

• Detailed tutorials (better suited for video)
• Long stories requiring 1,000+ characters
• Complex explanations needing visual aids
• Multi-part announcements split across posts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YouTube Community post character limit?

YouTube Community text posts allow over 7,700 characters, but only the first 288 characters appear before “Read more” truncation. Poll options are limited to 65 characters each, while quiz answers allow 80 characters.

Do I need 1,000 subscribers for YouTube Community posts?

No, YouTube removed the subscriber requirement in 2023. Any channel can access Community posts regardless of subscriber count, as long as Advanced features are enabled and the channel isn’t marked “Made for Kids.”

How many characters show before “Read more” on Community posts?

The first 288 characters appear in the preview before YouTube adds a “Read more” link. This makes the opening sentence critical for engagement since most users decide whether to expand based on this preview.

Can I use emojis in YouTube Community posts?

Yes, emojis work in Community posts but count as 2 characters each. They add personality and visual interest, but use them strategically since they consume your character budget, especially in polls with 65-character limits.

How many images can I add to a YouTube Community post?

You can include up to 10 images in a single Community post. Images should be at least 1080 x 1080 pixels for best quality and must be in JPG or PNG format.

Why can’t I see the Community tab on my channel?

If you meet eligibility requirements but don’t see the Community tab, wait 24-48 hours after verification. Ensure your channel isn’t marked “Made for Kids” and that Advanced features are enabled in YouTube Studio settings.

Key Takeaways

• YouTube Community text posts support 7,700+ characters, but only 288 appear before truncation
• The subscriber requirement was eliminated in 2023, making Community posts accessible to all eligible channels
• Poll options are limited to 65 characters, while quiz answers allow 80 characters
• Front-loading your message in the first 288 characters dramatically improves engagement
• Mobile-first design matters since over 70% of YouTube viewing happens on phones
• Channels marked “Made for Kids” cannot access Community posts due to COPPA regulations

Conclusion

YouTube Community posts offer powerful engagement tools with generous character limits, especially after removing the subscriber threshold in 2023. While you can write over 7,700 characters in text posts, the 288-character preview determines whether users engage with your content. Master this preview space, craft concise poll options within 65 characters, and post consistently to build an active community around your channel.

Try our free letter counter → to check your YouTube Community post character count before publishing and ensure your preview displays exactly as intended.