You can delete or hide your YouTube channel. Your Google Account will remain. First check that you have opened the correct channel and save the videos you want to keep. Read carefully what you are about to delete before the final confirmation. This is especially important if you use multiple channels.
Below, you will read how to make a choice and what to check before deleting.
Deleting or hiding your YouTube channel: what should you choose?
Do you want to remove your entire channel, delete one old video or stop for a while? First decide what you want to achieve.
| Your situation | Suitable choice |
|---|---|
| You are unsure whether you want to continue later. | Consider hiding your channel. |
| You want to stop using this channel altogether. | Prepare for permanent deletion. |
| You want to get rid of one old video. | See how to delete only that video. |
Deletion removes videos and comments, among other things. So do not choose this if you only want to take a break.
Suppose you only want to remove an old school video. Then read how to delete a YouTube video. You do not need to affect your entire channel for that.
Do you mean another channel that is causing you trouble? Then read the explanation of blocking a YouTube channel.
Saving your YouTube videos before deleting the channel
Make a list of what you want to keep. Think of your original videos, the images for your videos and descriptions you wrote yourself.
- Find your original files. Check your phone, computer, external drive and personal online storage.
- Put the files in one folder. Give it a clear name, such as ‘Saving YouTube videos’.
- Check your download. Are you using Google Takeout to download files? Check that all the videos you want are included.
- Open the files. Play a few videos. Pay particular attention to recordings for which you have no other copy.
- Make a second copy. Save it somewhere else, for example on an external drive if the first copy is on your computer.
Only continue once your files have been saved and checked. A download you have requested or that is still in progress is not yet a usable copy.
Deleting your YouTube channel through YouTube Studio
Open YouTube Studio on a computer and keep the folder with your saved files nearby. Then check the following:
- Check which channel is open. Check the name, profile picture and a few videos. Do not look only at the account you are signed in with.
- Open the official steps. Follow the YouTube instructions for hiding or deleting your channel. There you will find the route and the buttons you need.
- Choose the right option. Check that your choice matches your plan: stop temporarily or delete permanently.
- Read what you are confirming. Check what the screen says before ticking boxes or continuing.
- Stop if it concerns your entire Google Account. Do not confirm anything and return to the instructions for your YouTube channel.
Is an option missing? Check again which channel you opened. Note the message you see and compare it with the official explanation. Do not look for another deletion button in your Google Account.
Can you delete a YouTube channel on mobile?
According to YouTube, you currently cannot delete a channel through a mobile device. Use a computer for this.
On your phone, you can already look for your original recordings. Also write down which files you want to keep. Do not rely on your mobile browser’s desktop view as a replacement for the official steps.
Making a hidden YouTube channel visible again
You can make a hidden channel visible again through ‘Create a channel’. Brand Accounts have separate steps.
Follow the official explanation for restoring a hidden YouTube channel. First check which account you used for that channel. This prevents you from starting with the wrong channel.
This explanation concerns a hidden channel. Do not rely on it if you permanently delete your channel. Choose hiding if you might want to continue later.
Do you instead want to start again separately from your old channel? Then read the explanation of starting a new YouTube channel.
Deleting a YouTube channel with a Brand Account
Do you use a Brand Account, for example for a channel that you manage with others? Then check which channel you want to delete and discuss your plan with the others first.
- Compare the channel name with the videos you expect.
- Agree with the other people involved on what you are going to do.
- Ask whether anyone still wants to save files or descriptions.
- Follow the steps for the channel. Do not delete the entire Brand Account as a substitute.
Cannot you open the intended channel? Arrange access first before continuing with deletion. If you are also considering paid options, our YouTube services lets you compare packages for subscribers and views, including the available quantities and prices.
