YouTube Rewind wrapped up in 2019, yet YouTube has since designated all its yearly recap videos as unlisted. On Tuesday evening, members of the r/YouTube subreddit observed that YouTube’s official channel had classified all former YouTube Rewind videos as “unlisted,” complicating their accessibility without direct links. A user-generated playlist containing links to all the Rewind videos was located.

The rationale behind YouTube’s choice remains ambiguous, particularly since the last Rewind occurred six years ago. Nevertheless, creators have offered theories regarding the alteration. Spotify has redefined the annual recap with Spotify Wrapped, which provides custom year-in-review experiences, a trend YouTube initially pioneered in 2011 with the YouTube Rewind series. The final Rewind took place in 2019, with no video produced in 2020.

Between 2011 and 2018, YouTube Rewind videos showcased the year’s most significant memes, videos, and creators, featuring unique content with notable YouTube personalities. The 2018 Rewind became the most disliked video on the platform due to criticism over the omission of popular creators in favor of more mainstream figures.

In 2019, YouTube transitioned to a countdown montage format before discontinuing Rewind. In response to Mashable, a YouTube representative remarked, “As we approach the end of our 20th birthday year, we’ve chosen to extinguish our Rewind candles. It was a wonderful tradition, but we have fresh ways to conclude the year stylishly.”

Speculation regarding the timing of YouTube’s decision has emerged. Former YouTuber turned Twitch streamer Ryan ‘NigaHiga’ Higa recently revealed that YouTube “misled” him about his role in a Rewind video. He was invited to dance, which he declined, but later faced pressure to perform upon arriving on set. Higa left the shoot and last uploaded to YouTube in 2020, now streaming on Twitch to his 860,000 followers.

UPDATE: Dec. 10, 2025, 4:31 p.m. EST This article has been amended with a statement from YouTube.