You can block a video or channel in three ways, depending on what you want to stop seeing

YouTube gives you three separate tools to control what appears in your feed and recommendations. Don't Recommend Channel hides future videos from a specific creator without removing videos you've already watched. Block User prevents a specific account from commenting on your videos or contacting you, but doesn't hide their content from your feed. Hide Video removes a single video from your recommendations and watch history, but doesn't affect the channel itself.

The tool you need depends on whether you want to hide one video, stop seeing a whole channel, or prevent someone from interacting with you. Most people reach for "Don't Recommend Channel" first because it's the broadest option for content you simply don't want to see again.

Key Takeaways

  • "Don't Recommend Channel" stops YouTube from suggesting that creator's videos to you, but the channel still exists and you can still find it if you search.
  • You access "Don't Recommend Channel" through the three-dot menu on any video from that creator, or from the channel page itself.
  • "Block User" prevents a specific account from commenting on your videos and sending you messages, but doesn't hide their content from your recommendations.
  • Hiding a single video removes it from your recommendations and watch history, but doesn't affect other videos from the same channel.
  • YouTube does not notify creators when you use "Don't Recommend Channel" or hide individual videos.

How to use "Don't Recommend Channel" on a video

Open any video from the channel you want to stop seeing. Look for the three vertical dots (the menu icon) to the right of the video title, or below the video player on mobile. Tap or click those dots, then select "Don't Recommend Channel" from the menu that appears.

YouTube will immediately stop suggesting that channel's videos in your Home feed, search results, and recommendations. If you've already watched videos from that channel, they stay in your watch history — this tool only affects future recommendations. You can reverse this decision at any time by going to your YouTube settings, finding the channel in your blocked list, and selecting "Undo."

How to block a user from contacting or commenting on your videos

Go to your YouTube channel and select "Settings" from the menu on the left. Click "Community" and then "Blocked Users." Type the username or channel name of the person you want to block, then click "Block User."

Once blocked, that account cannot comment on your videos, send you direct messages, or see your uploads in their subscriptions feed. They can still watch your videos if they search for them directly, and they won't be notified that you've blocked them. If you change your mind, you can unblock them from the same "Blocked Users" page.

How to hide a single video from your recommendations

Find the video in your feed or recommendations. Click the three-dot menu next to the video title or thumbnail. Select "Don't Show This" or "Remove from Watch History" depending on what you see in your version of YouTube.

This removes only that one video from your recommendations and watch history. Other videos from the same channel will still appear in your feed. This is useful when you want to hide one specific video without blocking the entire channel — for example, if a creator you normally watch posted something you don't want to see again.

What happens when you use these tools

YouTube's algorithm learns from your choices. When you use "Don't Recommend Channel," the system gradually shows you fewer videos from that creator and similar content. This isn't instant — you may still see occasional videos from that channel for a few days as YouTube adjusts.

None of these actions are visible to the creator or other users. YouTube does not send notifications when you block a channel, hide a video, or block a user. The creator cannot see that you've taken action, and your block list is private to your account.

When "Don't Recommend Channel" might not be enough

If a channel keeps appearing in your recommendations even after you've selected "Don't Recommend Channel," try clearing your YouTube search and watch history. Go to Settings, select "Privacy," and choose "Clear All Watch History" or "Clear All Search History." This resets YouTube's understanding of your preferences and can help if the algorithm is stuck recommending similar content.

If you're seeing content from a channel that violates YouTube's Community Guidelines — such as harassment, hate speech, or misinformation — you can report the channel instead of just blocking it. Click the three-dot menu, select "Report Channel," and choose the reason. Reports go to YouTube's moderation team, not to the creator.

Blocking channels on YouTube TV and the mobile app

On the YouTube mobile app, the process is identical: tap the three-dot menu on any video and select "Don't Recommend Channel." On YouTube TV, highlight a video or channel, press the menu button on your remote, and select "Block Channel" or "Don't Recommend Channel" depending on your device.

Your blocks sync across all devices connected to your YouTube account. If you block a channel on your phone, it's blocked on your computer and TV as well. This means you only need to block a channel once, and the setting applies everywhere you watch YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a list of all the channels I've blocked?

Yes. Go to Settings, select "Privacy," and choose "Manage All History." You'll see options to view your blocked channels. From there you can unblock any channel by clicking "Undo" next to its name.

If I block a channel, can they still see my videos?

Yes. Blocking a channel only affects what you see on your account. The blocked channel can still watch your videos, search for your content, and subscribe to your channel. They just can't comment on your videos or send you messages if you've used the "Block User" feature.

What's the difference between "Don't Recommend Channel" and "Block User"?

"Don't Recommend Channel" hides a creator's videos from your feed and recommendations. "Block User" prevents a specific account from commenting on your videos and messaging you. You can use both on the same account if needed.

Will the creator know if I block their channel?

No. YouTube does not notify creators when you use "Don't Recommend Channel," hide videos, or block their account. Your actions are private to your account.

Can I block a channel temporarily and then unblock it later?

Yes. Go to Settings, select "Privacy," find the channel in your blocked list, and click "Undo" next to its name. You can block and unblock channels as many times as you want.