Blocking someone on YouTube stops them from messaging you, commenting on your videos, and seeing your channel

When you block a person on YouTube, they can no longer send you direct messages through YouTube's messaging system. They also cannot leave comments on your videos or your channel page. If your channel is public, they can still watch your videos by searching for them or finding them through other means — blocking does not hide your content from them, only prevents direct contact and interaction.

The block takes effect immediately. The person you blocked will not receive a notification that you blocked them, but they will notice they cannot message you or comment if they try. If they visit your channel, they will see a message saying the channel is not available to them.

Key Takeaways

  • Blocking prevents someone from messaging you and commenting on your videos, but does not hide your public videos from search results.
  • You can block someone from their channel page, from a comment they left, or from your blocked users list in settings.
  • The person you block will not be told you blocked them, but they will see an error if they try to message or comment.
  • You can unblock someone at any time through your YouTube settings.

How to block someone from their YouTube channel

Go to the channel of the person you want to block. Look for the three vertical dots (the menu icon) in the top right corner of their channel header, next to the Subscribe button. Click those dots and select "Block user" from the menu that appears.

YouTube will show a confirmation message asking if you are sure. Click "Block" to confirm. The block is now active.

How to block someone from a comment they left

If someone left a comment on your video or channel that you want to block them over, you can block them directly from that comment. Find the comment, then click the three vertical dots on the right side of it. Select "Block user" from the menu.

This method is faster if you are already looking at comments and do not want to navigate to their full channel first. The result is the same — they are blocked from messaging and commenting.

How to block someone from your YouTube settings

You can also manage blocks through your account settings. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of YouTube and select "Settings." On the left side menu, click "User and brand accounts," then scroll down and click "Manage all channels."

Select the channel you want to manage, then click "Settings" again. On the left menu, look for "Community" and click it. Scroll down to find "Blocked users" and click "Manage blocked users." You will see a list of everyone you have blocked on that channel. To add someone new, click the "Block user" button and type their username or channel name.

What happens when you block someone

The person you blocked cannot send you messages through YouTube's direct messaging feature. They also cannot reply to your comments or leave new comments on your videos or channel page. If they try to message you, they will see an error saying the message could not be sent.

If your channel is public, they can still find and watch your videos through YouTube search or recommendations. They just cannot interact with you directly. If you have a private channel, they will see a message that the channel is not available when they try to visit it.

Blocking is one-way — you can block someone without them blocking you. If they block you separately, you will have your own restrictions on their channel.

How to unblock someone

You can remove a block at any time. Go to your YouTube settings the same way described above: profile picture, Settings, User and brand accounts, Manage all channels, select your channel, Settings, Community, then Manage blocked users.

Find the person's name in your blocked users list and click the X or "Unblock" button next to their name. They will be unblocked immediately and can message and comment again.

When blocking is not enough

Blocking prevents direct contact, but if someone is harassing you through multiple accounts or creating new channels to get around a block, blocking alone may not solve the problem. YouTube also has a report feature for harassment, hate speech, and other violations of its community guidelines.

To report someone, click the three vertical dots on their comment or channel and select "Report user." Describe what they did and why it violates YouTube's rules. YouTube's team reviews reports and may suspend or remove the person's account if they find a violation. Reporting is separate from blocking and goes to YouTube's moderation team, not just to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I blocked them?

They will not receive a notification, but they will figure it out if they try to message you or comment on your videos and see an error. If they visit your channel, they will see a message saying it is not available to them.

If I block someone, can they still see my videos?

If your channel is public, yes — they can find your videos through search or recommendations. Blocking only stops them from messaging and commenting, not from watching. If you want to hide your videos from someone, you would need to make your channel private or unlisted instead.

What is the difference between blocking and reporting?

Blocking stops one person from contacting you. Reporting sends their behavior to YouTube's team for review and possible account suspension. You can do both — block them to stop the immediate problem, and report them if they broke YouTube's rules.

Can I block someone without visiting their channel?

Yes. Go to your blocked users list in Settings (profile picture, Settings, User and brand accounts, Manage all channels, your channel, Settings, Community, Manage blocked users) and click "Block user." Type their username or channel name and click Block.

If I unblock someone, will they know?

No. Unblocking is silent — they will not be notified. They will simply be able to message and comment again if they try.