Do you no longer want recommendations from a YouTube channel? On a recommended video, choose Don’t recommend channel. This does not block the channel completely: you can still find it through search or a direct link. Do you want to block a channel for your child? YouTube Kids has separate options for this.
Read below to find out which option suits you and what you can do if you do not see the option.
What do you mean by blocking a YouTube channel?
Do you want to see fewer videos from a creator, stop unwanted comments or decide what your child can watch? These require different settings.
| What do you want? | Which setting applies? |
|---|---|
| Fewer videos from one creator among your suggestions | Adjust recommendations for that channel |
| No unwanted comments or chat messages | Comment or live chat settings |
| Block a channel for your child | YouTube Kids blocking options |
| Restrict YouTube completely | Restrict access to the app or website |
Comment or live chat settings do not change which videos you are recommended. Do you want to restrict the entire app or website? Read more about blocking YouTube.
Stop recommending a YouTube channel
Start with a recommended video on Home or Up next. Do not look for the option only on the creator’s page.
- Check who uploaded the video. Look at the channel name, not just the title or thumbnail.
- Open the options for the recommended video. Choose Don’t recommend channel if you no longer want suggestions from this creator.
- Don’t see that option? Try a recommendation on Home or Up next. Do not keep looking for the same option under a search result.
On your computer, click the options; on your phone, tap them. The location and available choices may differ. Can’t find the option? Then see the YouTube guide to adjusting recommendations.
Also consider whether you dislike one video or no longer want to see anything from that creator. Suppose you enjoy cooking videos but keep getting match reports from a particular channel recommended. In that case, choosing that channel is more appropriate than changing your entire viewing behaviour.
Why do you still see a YouTube channel after blocking it?
With Don’t recommend channel you adjust your suggestions. You do not remove the channel from search results or block direct links. The choice also does not guarantee that the channel will stay away in every situation where another video plays automatically.
Are you seeing an unwanted video again? Check two things:
- Where is the video shown? A search result is different from a recommendation on your home page.
- Which channel uploaded the video? Another creator may use the same topic, the same guest or a similar thumbnail.
So a familiar title does not necessarily mean that YouTube has failed to process your previous choice.
Block a YouTube Kids channel for your child
In YouTube Kids, parents can block videos and channels. A channel block only stops videos from that channel. To do this, follow the guide to blocking in YouTube Kids.
First, take the device your child uses to watch videos. Check that your child is using YouTube Kids rather than regular YouTube. Then check which channel uploaded the unwanted video. This helps you select the right channel when several creators publish similar videos.
Suppose you block a channel with scary cartoons. This does not automatically stop all scary cartoons. Therefore, also check other videos your child comes across, not just that one channel name.
Clear previous choices for YouTube recommendations
Through My Activity, you can clear your feedback: your previous choices for Not interested and Don’t recommend channel.
Do you only want to watch one video again? First try searching for the title or channel. You do not need to clear your previous choices straight away.
Do you want to remove those choices? Read the confirmation carefully before continuing. Check what will be cleared: do not assume that you are removing only your choice for one channel. Clearing them also does not mean that a particular video will immediately appear on your home page again. Once your account is working as intended, you can explore our YouTube services to compare packages for subscribers and views for your public profile or content.
