How to Block YouTube Channels, Step by Step With Photos

In many ways, YouTube is the wild west of the internet. There are so many channels vying for your attention and sometimes you and your family can be exposed to the wrong sort of content. In this article, we’ll share how you can give YouTube a personal spring clean by showing how to block YouTube Channels, step-by-step, with photos.

Why you should make blocking YouTube channels a priority

YouTube is an amazing resource for video content you can use for learning and entertainment. And the rise of streamed content versus conventional television means that more and more people are opting to get their screen fix via YouTube and similar channels. 

However, if you’re using your YouTube account for family viewing there may be some channels you do not want to see. As with any social media platform, YouTube has its fair of inappropriate YouTubers who may even target younger users with content that: 

• is violent
• contains adult themes
• covers sensitive or controversial topics
• contains spammy links and gimmicks

Alternatively, you may simply be fed up with your feed being laden with what a YouTube algorithm feels you may want to take a look at. By blocking channels YouTube becomes better informed about what to offer on your home feed.

How to block YouTube channels, step-by-step with photos

Blocking YouTube channels is a quick and simple process. You just need to know where to click. Follow these step-by-step guides to block YouTube channels from your feed, or from commenting on your YouTube channel.

How to block YouTube channels from showing up in your feed

Knowing how to block channels means that you don’t have to hide anyone’s eyes when you visit YouTube. Blocking rogue channels means that they won’t turn up in your recommendations or home feed. Follow these basic steps to block as many channels as you need to on an ongoing basis:

Step one: Go to the YouTube homepage. 

The YouTube homepage is where you’ll find your personal feed and the video suggestions you may want to block. The content presented on your home feed is compiled by the Youtube algorithm. The videos shown are added based on:

• Demographic data YouTube holds on you
• Your watch history 
• Your channel subscriptions
• Your interests and search history

Step two: Identify a video you want to block

You may want to nix the YouTube-featured videos or public health-related content that YouTube automatically adds to every feed. Just hover over the video you want to block. When you do this, three vertical dots should appear to the right of the video title. 

Step three: Click on the three vertical dots to block the channel

Open up a mini-menu by clicking the three vertical dots. You will see options that include “Don’t recommend channel”. Select this option to block the YouTube channel you no longer want to see. This blocking is applied at an account level. You can be reassured that the channel owner won’t know that they’ve been blocked. 

It’s also important to remember that blocking a channel does not mean it ceases to exist. It may still appear in search results on YouTube and elsewhere online. 

You can also block YouTube channels on your smartphone

Blocking YouTube channels is just as straightforward on your smartphone as it is on your desktop. Follow these easy steps to tidy up your home feed: 

Step one: Open the YouTube app on your smartphone 

The YouTube app is often a chaotic mix of videos and ads, so there may be plenty of content you need to axe to get the feed just the way you want it. 

Step two: Scroll down to a video you want to block 

Once you have identified a video you want to block from your feed tap the three vertical dots next to the video to bring up the menu for that video. 

Step three: Tap Don’t recommend channel

Blocking a channel on your smartphone is just the same as on your desktop. Once you click Don’t recommend channel, the channel will be blocked on your smartphone and desktop. 

Unblock channels immediately if you have made a mistake

If you block a YouTube channel by mistake you have to unblock it immediately by tapping or clicking the undo option that comes up when you block the channel, if you want it to be individually unblocked. Otherwise, it is sent to your YouTube repository of blocked videos and to unblock it you will have to unblock every channel you’ve ever blocked. ABOUT

Here is the undo option on desktop YouTube:

And here’s how it’ll look on your smartphone:

Block YouTube channels from commenting on your YouTube content

If you are a YouTuber who is receiving unwanted comments from a particular channel, you may want to block that channel so it cannot comment on your content. Unlike blocking channels on your feed, you can individually unblock channels if you want to in the future. Here’s how to block YouTube channels from commenting on your videos: 

Step one: Search for the YouTube channel you want to block

Type the channel name into the search bar on YouTube and press enter. Scroll through the search results to find the channel you want to block. Once you find it, click on the channel to go to its homepage. 

Step two: On the channel’s homepage, click on ABOUT

The ABOUT tab on a YouTube channel includes all the essential details about the channel and its creators. It may or may not have a description, contacts, links, and headline stats. To block the channel, you need to locate the small flag icon that is usually on the left-hand side of the tab. 

Step three: Click on the flag to block the YouTube channel 

Clicking on the flag brings up a menu of options for reporting or blocking the channel. Select the first option which is Block user. 

Step four: Confirm that you want to block the channel in the prompt screen 

When you click on the Block user menu option, YouTube prompts you to ensure that you really want to block the channel. If you want to continue, click the SUBMIT option to confirm your choice. This finalizes the YouTube channel as blocked. 

You can unblock individual YouTube channels for comments

If you want to unblock the YouTube channel at some point, simply navigate to the tab on the channel, click the flag and select Unblock user, confirming your choice when prompted. 

Final thoughts 

As you can see, blocking YouTube channels from turning up in your feed or commenting on your channel is straightforward. There is nothing personal about blocking fellow YouTubers, you’re simply making YouTube a resource you can use productively and enjoy.

For an overview of what you’ve just learnt check out the video below. It also explains how to block comments featuring your very own “blocked words” too!

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