YouTube wasn't technically down, but for a period that Wednesday, users certainly struggled to view content on the site.
Users reported that thumbnail images were displayed on the website. However, when trying to play a video, only the spinning wheel was shown. Some users also receive a message that "An error has occurred. Please try again later." The problem also occurs on platforms such as YouTube TV, as well as movies and TV shows purchased on Google TV.
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According to Down Detector, users in the US and Europe reported the problem around 3:45 p.m. local time.
"If you are having trouble watching videos on YouTube, you are not alone. Our team is aware of the problem and is working on a solution," said TeamYouTube in one Tweet. "We'll post all updates here."
If you are having trouble watching videos on YouTube, you are not alone - our team is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. We will post all updates here.
- TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) November 12, 2020
The site appeared to be operational again at around 6 p.m., but the cause of the failure has not yet been publicly disclosed. Some users are still reporting some issues, but for the most part, the problem appears to have been resolved.