Overview
Archive allows you to track and capture YouTube content from creators and campaigns using keyword-based tracking and channel monitoring. This guide explains how YouTube tracking works, how to set it up, and what to expect.
How YouTube Tracking Works
Archive captures YouTube content through two primary methods:
1. Keyword Tracking
Keywords are used to discover YouTube videos that mention specific terms, phrases, hashtags, or handles. When a video's metadata matches your tracked keywords, Archive automatically captures it.
Important: Keywords and key phrases can only be added by the Archive team. To add or modify keywords, contact your Customer Success Manager or Archive Support.
What counts as a keyword match:
Single words or phrases - e.g., your brand name, product names
Hashtags - e.g., campaign hashtags, branded hashtags
Exact phrases - e.g., multi-word brand names
@mentions - e.g., your brand's social handle
Important notes about keywords:
Keywords are case-sensitive and must match exactly as they appear
Archive tracks keywords in both visible content (title, description) and hidden video metadata
Both regular videos and YouTube Shorts are captured
2. Channel Tracking (YouTube Creator Sources)
By adding YouTube channels as sources, Archive monitors content posted by those creators. You can add YouTube channels yourself using the Quick Add method in your Archive workspace.
What gets captured depends on your plan:
Accounts with access to the feature will capture all content from tracked channels
Other accounts will capture tagged content from tracked channels (content that also matches your keywords)
Benefits of channel tracking:
Captures content from tracked creators automatically
Enhances keyword-based tracking coverage
Helps identify tagged or sponsored content more reliably
Content Types Supported
Archive tracks:
✅ Regular YouTube videos
✅ YouTube Shorts
Important Limitations
Video Playback
Videos are not playable within the Archive platform. You can view video metadata, thumbnails, and engagement metrics, but the actual video player is not embedded. To watch videos, click through to view them directly on YouTube.
Magic Fields (AI Features)
Magic Fields and AI-powered analysis features do not work with YouTube content because Archive doesn't store the actual video files. These features are only available for TikTok and Instagram content where Archive maintains video storage.
Adding Keywords and Sources
Keywords and key phrases can only be added by the Archive support team. If you need to add or remove keywords, please contact your Customer Success Manager or Archive Support.
YouTube channels can be added directly by you using the Quick Add method in your workspace's Social Profiles page.
Setting Up YouTube Tracking
For New Accounts
What you need support to set up:
Keywords and key phrases - Make a list of:
Brand names and product names
Campaign hashtags
Common phrases used by influencers
Relevant @mentions
Contact your CSM or Archive Support to have these added
What you can set up yourself:
2. YouTube channels to track - You can add YouTube channels directly using the Quick Add method in your workspace:
Navigate to your Social Profiles page
Use Quick Add to add YouTube channel URLs
Channels will begin tracking based on your configuration
Adding or Updating Keywords
YouTube keywords can only be added or modified by the Archive team. To add new keywords or update existing ones:
Compile your list of new keywords
Contact Archive Support or your Customer Success Manager
Provide the specific keywords exactly as they should be tracked (remember: case-sensitive!)
Allow 24-48 hours for tracking to begin
Historical Content Capture
When you add new YouTube channels as sources using Quick Add, Archive can perform a historical pull to capture past content from those creators, similar to how it works with Instagram and TikTok sources. Reach out to your CSM or our support team to request this; note that it is not available for all Archive plans.
Viewing YouTube Content
In Your Workspace
YouTube content appears alongside other social content in your Archive workspace. You'll see:
Video thumbnails
Video titles and descriptions
Publication dates
Engagement metrics (views, likes, comments when available)
Links to view videos on YouTube
In Campaigns
YouTube videos captured with campaign keywords or from campaign influencers will automatically appear in the relevant campaign's Content tab.
Troubleshooting Missing Content
If you're not capturing expected YouTube content, check:
Keyword accuracy - Keywords must match exactly (including capitalization) as they appear in video titles, descriptions, or metadata
Channel sources - Verify that the creator's YouTube channel is added as a source in your account
Keyword coverage - YouTube tracking relies on keywords being present. If videos don't include your tracked terms, they won't be captured
Visibility - Only public videos are tracked; private or unlisted videos cannot be captured
Timing - New keywords may take 24-48 hours to begin tracking
If content is still missing after checking these items, contact Archive Support with:
The YouTube video URL
The expected keyword or channel that should have captured it
Your workspace ID
Best Practices
Keyword Strategy
Use multiple variations - Track both full words and hashtag versions, brand names and handle mentions
Include campaign-specific hashtags - Unique hashtags improve capture accuracy
Monitor and refine - Review captured content regularly and adjust keywords as needed
Consider common phrases - Track phrases influencers typically use when mentioning your brand
Channel Management
Maintain an up-to-date source list - Add new influencers and partners as they join campaigns
Request historical pulls - When adding established partners, ask for historical content capture
Track both ways - Use channels AND keywords for maximum coverage
Coverage Expectations
YouTube tracking is keyword-dependent, which means coverage may be less comprehensive than Instagram or TikTok, where Archive can use creator tagging and mentions. To maximize coverage:
Provide clear hashtag and mention guidelines to influencers
Use unique, trackable campaign identifiers
Track all relevant YouTube channels as sources
Review missing content regularly and adjust keywords
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't I play videos in Archive?
A: Video playback was disabled to optimize platform performance. Click the video link to watch on YouTube.
Q: Can I add keywords myself?
A: No, keywords and key phrases must be added by the Archive team via backend tools. Contact your CSM or support team.
Q: Can I add YouTube channels myself?
A: Yes! You can add YouTube channels using the Quick Add method in your Sources page. What content gets captured depends on your account's feature access.
Q: Do YouTube videos work with Magic Fields?
A: No, AI-powered features like Magic Fields require video file storage and only work with TikTok and Instagram content.
Q: Why isn't a video appearing even though it has my keyword?
A: Check that the keyword matches exactly (case-sensitive) and that it appears in the title, description, or video metadata. Hidden metadata keywords are also tracked.
Q: Can I track private or unlisted videos?
A: No, only public YouTube videos can be tracked.
Q: Can I remove a keyword that's capturing irrelevant content?
A: Yes, contact Archive Support to remove keywords.
Need Help?
For assistance with YouTube tracking:
Contact your Customer Success Manager
Reach out to Archive Support via Intercom
Check for updates in your workspace notifications