To strikethrough, bold, or italicize your comment on YouTube, place one matching symbol around the text: use asterisks for bold, underscores for italics, and hyphens for strikethrough. Type *bold*, _italic_, or -crossed out- in a comment, then post it.
YouTube’s official Help documentation lists these three comment-formatting tags for computer, Android, and iPhone/iPad. The symbols are formatting markers; the intended result is styled text rather than visible punctuation.
Key takeaways
- YouTube’s documented comment syntax is
*bold text*,_italicized text_, and-strikethrough text-. - Each style requires a matching opening and closing character immediately around the text you want to format.
- The same three tags are documented for YouTube on desktop, Android, and iPhone/iPad.
**bold**and~~strikethrough~~are common Markdown patterns, but they are not the comment syntax shown in YouTube’s official instructions.- Formatting does not guarantee that a comment will be visible because comments can be disabled, held, removed, filtered, or hidden in the default comment-sorting view.
What characters make a YouTube comment bold, italic, or strikethrough?
YouTube supports three documented comment styles: one asterisk on each side for bold, one underscore on each side for italics, and one hyphen on each side for strikethrough. Use the exact characters in this table:
| Desired result | Type in the comment box | Formatting marker |
|---|---|---|
| This is bold | *This is bold* |
One asterisk before and after |
| This is italic | _This is italic_ |
One underscore before and after |
-This is crossed out- |
One hyphen before and after |
These instructions come from YouTube’s official comment-formatting guidance. YouTube documents the tags as comment formatting, not as full Markdown support.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
How do you make a YouTube comment bold?
Put one asterisk immediately before and after the words you want to appear bold. The opening and closing asterisks must both be present.
Type this:
*This part is bold*Expected result:
This part is bold
You can format only part of a sentence:
That was *the best scene* in the video.The expected display is: That was the best scene in the video. Text outside the two asterisks remains normal.
How do you italicize a YouTube comment?
Put one underscore immediately before and after the text you want to italicize.
Type this:
_This part is italicized_Expected result:
This part is italicized
An inline example is:
I _really_ did not expect that ending.The expected display is: I really did not expect that ending. Use underscores rather than slashes, two asterisks, or a separate Markdown convention.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow do you strikethrough text in a YouTube comment?
Put one hyphen immediately before and after the text you want to cross out. YouTube’s documented comment syntax uses single hyphens, not the double-tilde syntax commonly used for strikethrough in Markdown.
Rank #2
- Pair and Play: With fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology, you’re connected in seconds to this quiet cordless mouse —no dongle or port required
- Less Noise, More Focus: Silent mouse with 90% reduced click sound and the same click feel, eliminating noise and distractions for you and others around you (1)
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 18-month battery life with an energy-efficient auto sleep feature, so you can go longer between battery changes (2)
- Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Design: Small enough to toss in a bag; this slim and ambidextrous portable compact mouse guides either your right or left hand into a natural position
- Long-Range: Reliable, long-range Bluetooth wireless mouse works up to 10m/33 feet away from your computer (3)
Type this:
-My original answer-Expected result:
My original answer
For a sentence, you could type:
The update arrives on -Thursday-.The expected display is: The update arrives on Thursday. Use ~~Thursday~~ only if another service specifically documents that syntax; it is not the hyphen format shown in YouTube’s official comment instructions.
How do you post formatted text on YouTube?
Enter the formatting markers in the normal YouTube comment field, then post the comment. You must be signed in, and commenting must be available for the video and your account.
On a computer
- Open YouTube and sign in.
- Open the video, song, podcast, or other page where comments are enabled.
- Scroll to the comments.
- Click Add a comment…
- Type the comment with the matching formatting markers.
- Click Comment.
YouTube documents the desktop posting path in its comment and formatting instructions.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchOn Android
- Open the YouTube app.
- Open the relevant video.
- Find the comment field.
- Enter the formatted text, such as
*bold*,_italics_, or-strikethrough-. - Post the comment.
YouTube’s Android Help page documents the same three tags.
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the YouTube app.
- Open the video.
- Tap the comment field.
- Enter the text with the opening and closing markers.
- Post the comment.
The iPhone and iPad instructions also list the same syntax.
Rank #3
- 【Dual Mode Wireless Bluetooth Mouse】: Switch easily between two devices—connect one via Bluetooth (BT5.2/3.0) and the other using a 2.4G USB receiver. No drivers needed; just plug and play. Enjoy a reliable connection up to 33 feet. Note: You can't use both modes simultaneously; the USB receiver is stored in the mouse.
- 【Rechargeable Wireless Mouse】: Equipped with a 500mAh lithium-ion battery, it charges in 2 hours for over 7 days of use and 30 days on standby. The mouse sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power and can be woken with any click.
- 【Colorful LED Breathing Light】: Features 7 colorful LED lights that change randomly, adding a fun atmosphere to your workspace.
- 【Portable Mouse】Compact size (4.4 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches) makes it easy to fit in your laptop bag. Lightweight and ergonomic, it's perfect for travel. Contact us anytime for support.
- 【Wide Compatibility】: Works with laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones across various operating systems, including Android, Windows, and Mac. Ideal for home, office, and travel.
Can you format only part of a YouTube comment?
Yes. Place the matching markers around only the phrase, word, or other portion that should be styled.
I agree with *this point*, but _this part_ needs more explanation. -Old wording-The intended result is: I agree with this point, but this part needs more explanation. Old wording
The marker should touch the intended text. For example, *bold phrase* clearly identifies the phrase being formatted. Punctuation can be inside or outside the markers depending on whether the punctuation should also be styled:
*Really?*
*Really*?The first form styles the question mark with the word; the second form leaves the question mark outside the styled text.
Can you combine bold, italics, and strikethrough?
You can try using more than one documented tag in a comment, but YouTube’s official Help documentation confirms the three individual styles and does not document every nesting or combination pattern. Test one style at a time before relying on a complex combination.
Rank #4
- Your hand can relax in comfort hour after hour with this ergonomically designed mouse. Its contoured shape with soft rubber grips, gently curved sides and broad palm area give you the support you need for effortless control all day long.
- You’ve got the control to do more, faster. Flipping through photo albums and Web pages is a breeze, especially for right-handers—with three standard buttons plus Back/Forward buttons that you can also program to switch applications, go full screen and more. And side-to-side scrolling plus zoom gives you the power to scroll horizontally and vertically through your music library, maps and Facebook feeds, and zoom in and out of photos and budget spreadsheets with a click.* * Requires Logitech SetPoint software (Windows) or Logitech Control Center software (Mac OS X)
- Two years of battery life practically eliminates the need to replace batteries. ** The On/Off switch helps conserve power, smart sleep mode extends battery life and an indicator light eliminates surprises. ** Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions.
- The tiny Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your laptop. There’s no need to unplug it when you move around, so there’s less worry of it being lost. And you can easily add compatible wireless mice and keyboards to the same wireless receiver.
A simple comment containing separate styles is:
That was *amazing*, although _the ending_ was -predictable-.If the result is inconsistent, remove the extra formatting, post one style at a time, or edit the comment with simpler paired markers. Do not assume that every nested arrangement, multiline pattern, or combination will render identically across every YouTube interface.
Recommended Free Tools
Why is my YouTube comment formatting not working?
When the styling does not appear, first check the characters and then check whether the comment itself is visible. Correct formatting cannot override YouTube’s comment settings, moderation, spam detection, or account restrictions.
- Check both markers. A missing closing asterisk, underscore, or hyphen leaves the pair incomplete. Verify that the same character appears on both sides of the intended text.
- Use the documented character. Bold uses one asterisk, italics use one underscore, and strikethrough uses one hyphen. Do not substitute
**bold**or~~strikethrough~~. - Remove accidental spaces next to the markers. Prefer
*bold phrase*rather than* bold phrase *, following YouTube’s examples. - Check what you intended to style. Move punctuation inside or outside the markers depending on whether the punctuation should be formatted.
- Refresh the comment section. Reopen or refresh the video page if the displayed result has not updated.
- Check the comment sort order. If the comment seems missing, switch from Top comments to Newest first. YouTube recommends that view when a comment cannot be found in the default ordering; see its comment visibility and spam guidance.
- Confirm that comments are allowed. Private videos do not support comments. Public videos can have comments disabled, and unlisted videos can allow comments for people with the link. Videos marked made for kids have comments turned off.
- Consider moderation or filtering. A comment can be held or removed because of channel moderation, blocked words, links, spam detection, or policy enforcement. Unusual characters, repeated comments, excessive emoji, links, and high-volume posting can also contribute to spam detection, according to YouTube’s moderation guidance.
- Check the account experience. Commenting may be unavailable in restricted or supervised account situations. YouTube notes that some comment-setting functions are unavailable in supervised experiences; account and comment-setting limitations can vary.
- Edit instead of reposting repeatedly. On a computer, point to the top-right of one of your comments, select More, and choose Edit or Delete. Repeated reposting can make visibility problems worse if spam detection is involved.
What is the difference between YouTube comment formatting and description formatting?
YouTube comments use the special text markers described above, while YouTube video descriptions have separate toolbar-based formatting controls for creators. A description-formatting toolbar does not change the syntax needed for a viewer’s comment.
For the separate description workflow, see YouTube’s official video-description formatting documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you use a Unicode font generator instead?
No, not as the primary method. YouTube’s native comment tags are clearer than Unicode lookalike letters and do not require copying unusual characters from another app. Unicode substitutes are not the same as YouTube’s native rich-text formatting, may reduce readability and accessibility, and unusual characters can contribute to patterns YouTube associates with spam detection.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- 【Plug and Play for Home/Office/School】The wireless computer mouse features 2.4GHz connectivity, delivering a stable, interference-free connection up to 32ft. Designed for 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, it ensures comfortable use all day. Simply plug in the USB-A receiver for instant pairing—no drivers needed. 📌📌 If the mouse isn’t suitable, place the USB receiver in the battery compartment and return both.
- 【3 Levels Adjustable DPI】This travel USB mouse offers 3 adjustable DPI settings (800, 1200, 1600), allowing you to customize sensitivity for precise design work. Effortlessly switch to match your task and elevate your productivity. 📌 Please remove the film at the bottom of the mouse before use.
- 【Effortless Browsing】Equipped with forward and backward buttons, this computer mice streamlines your workflow, making it easy to navigate through web pages and files with a simple click. 📌Side button does not work on Mac.
- 【Visible Indicator Light】 The pc mouse features a visual indicator for DPI levels and low battery alerts. The red light flashes once for 800 DPI, twice for 1200 DPI, and three times for 1600 DPI. When the battery level is below 10%, the light flashes red until the mouse is completely out of power.
- 【Click to Wake】With smart sleep mode, it saves power by standby after 10 inactive minutes, just 2-3 clicks to wake. This efficient design delivers 3x longer battery life than motion-wake mice. Engineered for durability, its buttons and scroll wheel are tested for 10 million clicks, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
Use the documented asterisk, underscore, and hyphen markers first. Avoid using formatting tricks to bypass moderation, blocked-word filters, spam systems, or YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
Last checked: August 18, 2026. YouTube can change comment behavior or interface labels without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bold only one word in a YouTube comment?
Yes. Surround only the word with one asterisk on each side, such as That was *excellent*. The intended result is a sentence with only “excellent” in bold.
Does YouTube use Markdown syntax for comment formatting?
YouTube documents its own three comment tags rather than full Markdown: use *bold*, _italic_, and -strikethrough-. Do not rely on **bold** or ~~strikethrough~~.
Do YouTube comment-formatting tags work on phones?
Yes. YouTube’s Android and iPhone/iPad Help pages document the same asterisk, underscore, and hyphen tags used on desktop. Enter the markers in the normal comment field and post the comment.
Why can’t I see my formatted YouTube comment?
A formatted comment may be missing because comments are disabled, the video is private, the account cannot comment, the comment is held or removed by moderation, or the comment list is sorted by Top comments. Check the paired markers, refresh the page, and switch to Newest first.
The Bottom Line
For YouTube comments, remember the three exact patterns: *bold*, _italic_, and -strikethrough-. Use one matching marker on each side of the text, then troubleshoot comment visibility separately if the style or comment does not appear.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
