Fix Access Explains: Before You Delete Your Game Trailer, Remember Who Already Embedded It

A newer trailer does not make the old URL worthless

Developers naturally replace announcement trailers with better gameplay, release-date, and launch videos. But before deleting the old one, remember that outlets, creators, newsletters, and websites may still be using it.

Your game has changed. The visuals are better, the UI has improved, and the first announcement trailer no longer represents the project as well as the new one.

Uploading a better trailer makes sense. Deleting the old one may not.

Once you send a trailer to press, creators, streamers, event organizers, or communities, that YouTube URL can end up in places you no longer control. It may be embedded inside an article, added to a newsletter or video description, or shared through coverage that continues appearing in search months or years later.

We see this directly from the outlet side at Fix Gaming Channel, and it connects with something we have discussed before: game coverage can continue working long after publication.

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“Coverage does not stop working when the article becomes old.”

The article may be old. The player finding it is not.

An article published a year ago can still appear in search results today. Someone who has never heard of your game may find it, watch the embedded trailer, and then visit your Steam page.

The same applies to interviews, newsletters, Reddit posts, creator videos, showcase pages, and other old coverage.

If the original trailer has been deleted or made private, that player may instead see “Video unavailable.” They might search for the replacement. They might also simply leave.

The outlet probably will not know anything changed. Websites may contain thousands of articles and creators may have hundreds of old videos. Expecting everyone to go back and repair an old embed every time you release a new trailer is unrealistic.

You can find more practical advice around these issues in our Indie Dev Guides.

A new YouTube upload means a new URL

This matters because YouTube does not let you replace an uploaded video with a completely new file while keeping the same URL.

YouTube explains that every newly uploaded video receives a new URL. You can edit information attached to an existing upload, but uploading your improved trailer creates a different address.

The article embedding the first trailer therefore continues pointing to the first trailer. Your new upload does not automatically replace it.

Publish the new trailer, but keep the old one working

For most trailer updates, the solution is simple:

• Upload the new trailer separately.
• Keep the original trailer public whenever possible.
• Add the newest trailer and current store page to the old video’s description.
• Pin a comment directing viewers to the newest version.
• Use the latest trailer in your current press kit and future outreach.

You can also use YouTube cards or end screens where appropriate to move viewers from the earlier trailer toward the newest one.

There is no need to pretend the old trailer is current. A title such as [Game Name] — Announcement Trailer (2025) gives viewers context while keeping the existing link useful.

What if you no longer want the trailer public?

If there is a genuine reason you no longer want an old trailer appearing publicly on your channel, consider whether making it unlisted solves the problem before deleting it or making it private.

An unlisted YouTube video remains accessible through its direct link, which means an existing embed can continue working. A private video does not work the same way for ordinary viewers.

Sometimes a trailer genuinely does need to disappear. Music-rights problems, confidential footage, an embargo mistake, unauthorized material, or another legal issue can make removal necessary.

But simply having a newer and better trailer is usually not a reason to destroy the original link.

Make sure the trailer is ready before distributing it

Before sending a trailer widely, check the game title, platforms, release wording, store link, credits, music rights, footage, and embargo information. Treat the version sent to outlets and creators as an approved public asset.

Keep the approved trailer alongside your screenshots, logos, game information, and other assets in a stable press kit. Our guide on why indie game press kits matter covers why making the correct assets easy to find saves both developers and press unnecessary work.

Your trailer can also live outside your own channel

Some outlets and dedicated trailer channels also publish authorized trailer files rather than only embedding the developer’s original upload.

Fix Gaming Channel accepts official trailer submissions for our dedicated Fix Gaming Channel TRAILERS YouTube channel.

The trailer channel is not monetized. Its purpose is to give official game trailers another place to be found, shared, and embedded.

Developers, publishers, and authorized PR representatives can send an official trailer, store link, game information, a high-quality downloadable file, and confirmation that they have permission for us to publish it to press@fixgamingchannel.com.

Trailer publication does not guarantee an article, review, interview, recommendation, or any other editorial coverage.

Think twice before breaking a link that already worked

A developer may look at an old trailer and think, we don’t use this anymore.

An outlet may have that same trailer sitting inside an article that still gets readers. A creator may have it underneath a video that gets recommended again. A player may be seeing your game for the first time.

Upload the better trailer. Promote it. Put it in your press kit and send it with future pitches.

Just think twice before deleting the road that brought people to your game in the first place.

Fix Access Explains

Fix Access provides practical developer support around store pages, press kits, trailers, outreach, marketing, playtesting, and launch preparation.

Developers looking for private support can learn more through Fix Access.

Fix Access services are separate from Fix Gaming Channel editorial coverage. Paid support does not guarantee an article, review, interview, recommendation, score, or positive coverage.

Before You Delete an Old Game Trailer

Upload: Publish the new trailer separately

Keep: Leave the original trailer available whenever possible

Update: Point the old video toward the newest trailer and store page

Check: Remember who may already have embedded the original URL

Remove: Delete or privatize only when there is a real reason

Related Reading

Why Indie Game Coverage Still Matters Long After Launch Day

Why Indie Game Press Kits Matter

Fix Gaming Channel Indie Dev Guides

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