How to Block Channels on the YouTube App: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon a YouTube channel that makes you want to launch your phone into orbit? Fear not, intrepid viewer! Blocking channels on the YouTube app is a straightforward process that puts you back in control of your viewing experience.

The short answer is this: on the YouTube app, you can block a channel by navigating to their “About” tab, clicking the “Flag” icon (three vertical dots), and selecting “Block User”. This action prevents you from seeing their content, and ideally, removes their ability to interact with you on the platform. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this process and explore related questions.

Blocking a Channel: Step-by-Step Instructions

The YouTube app offers several methods to block a channel, each catering to different scenarios. Here’s a breakdown:

Method 1: Blocking from the Channel’s “About” Page

This is the most direct and reliable method.

1. Navigate to the Channel: Search for the channel you wish to block using the YouTube search bar, or click on their channel name from a video they’ve uploaded.
2. Access the “About” Tab: On the channel’s homepage, locate and tap the “About” tab. It’s usually found near the top of the screen, next to options like “Home,” “Videos,” and “Playlists.”
3. Find the “Flag” Icon: Look for the “Flag” icon – represented by three vertical dots (⋮) – on the channel’s “About” page. It’s typically located in the top-right corner.
4. Select “Block User”: Tap the “Flag” icon, and a menu will appear. Choose the option labeled “Block User”.
5. Confirm the Block: A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to block the channel. Tap “Block” to finalize the process.

Method 2: Blocking from a Video’s Comment Section

This method is useful if you’re engaging with a user in the comments and decide you want to prevent further interaction.

1. Locate the User’s Comment: Find a comment posted by the user you want to block beneath any YouTube video.
2. Tap the User’s Profile Picture or Name: This will take you to their YouTube channel.
3. Follow Steps 2-5 from Method 1: Once on their channel’s “About” page, follow the steps outlined above to block them.

Method 3: Blocking from the Three Dots Next to a Video

This method is useful if you wish to block a channel after finding one of their videos.

1. Locate one of the Channel’s Videos: Find a video uploaded by the channel.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) next to the video title: This will open a menu.
3. Tap “Don’t Recommend Channel”: This does not block the channel entirely but drastically reduces its visibility in your feed. However, to fully block the channel, navigate to the channel page and use Method 1.

What Happens When You Block a Channel?

Blocking a channel on YouTube has several key effects:

• Videos Disappear: You will no longer see videos from the blocked channel in your search results, suggested videos, or subscription feed.
• Comments Hidden: You will no longer see comments from the blocked user on YouTube videos.
• Limited Interaction: The blocked user will not be able to comment on your videos or send you private messages (if applicable).

It’s important to note that blocking only affects your viewing experience. The blocked user can still access YouTube and their channel remains active for others to view.

YouTube Blocking: Limitations

While blocking is helpful, it’s crucial to understand its limitations:

• Not Account-Wide: Blocking a user on one YouTube account does not automatically block them on other YouTube accounts you may have. You’ll need to block them separately on each account.
• Circumvention Possible: A determined user could create a new YouTube account to bypass the block.
• Does Not Delete Content: Blocking a user does not remove any videos, comments, or other content they have created.
• No Notification: The blocked user is not notified that they have been blocked.

FAQs: Your YouTube Blocking Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about blocking channels on YouTube, designed to address common concerns and clarify the process.

1. Can I block a channel from the YouTube website (desktop version)?

Yes! The process is very similar on the YouTube website. Navigate to the channel’s “About” tab, click the “Flag” icon, and select “Block User.” The functionality is consistent across platforms.

2. Will blocking a channel prevent them from seeing my videos?

Yes, they will no longer be able to see your videos if they are logged into the account you blocked. However, this does not prevent them from viewing your videos using a different account, or without logging in.

3. Can the person I blocked see that I blocked them?

No, YouTube does not notify users when they have been blocked. However, they might be able to infer that they have been blocked if they can no longer find your channel or videos.

4. How do I unblock a channel on YouTube?

To unblock a channel:

1. Go to YouTube Settings: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
2. Go to Playback and Performance: Go to the “Playback and Performance” tab.
3. Manage Hidden Content: Click the “Manage Hidden Content” to find the list of channels you’ve blocked.
4. Unblock: Locate the channel you want to unblock and click the “X” icon next to their name.

5. Can I block a channel without subscribing to it?

Absolutely! Blocking a channel doesn’t require you to be a subscriber. You can block any channel, regardless of your subscription status.

6. What’s the difference between blocking and reporting a channel?

Blocking prevents you from seeing a channel’s content and limits their ability to interact with you. Reporting a channel alerts YouTube to potential violations of their Community Guidelines, such as hate speech, harassment, or spam. Reporting can lead to YouTube taking action against the channel, including suspension or termination.

7. Does blocking a channel affect my YouTube recommendations?

Yes, blocking a channel signals to YouTube that you’re not interested in that type of content. This should lead to fewer recommendations of similar channels and videos.

8. If I block someone, will they still see my comments on other channels’ videos?

Yes, your previous comments will remain visible to the blocked user and other viewers. Blocking only prevents future interactions.

9. Can I block a channel using a YouTube Kids account?

The YouTube Kids app has different content controls. Blocking functionality might be limited. Parental controls allow you to approve specific content and channels for your child to view.

10. How do I prevent a channel from commenting on my videos?

To prevent a channel from commenting on your videos, block them as described above. You can also adjust your video settings to moderate comments before they are publicly visible.

11. Is there a limit to the number of channels I can block on YouTube?

YouTube does not publicly disclose any specific limits on the number of channels you can block.

12. Will blocking a channel stop them from seeing my live streams?

Yes, blocking a channel will prevent them from participating in your live streams if they are logged into the account you blocked. However, this does not prevent them from viewing your live stream using a different account, or without logging in.