What blocking a channel actually does
When you block a channel on YouTube, that creator's videos stop appearing in your recommendations, search results, and your home feed. You won't see their uploads in your subscriptions list either, even if you were subscribed. The channel itself still exists — you're just telling YouTube not to show it to you anymore.
Blocking is different from unsubscribing. If you unsubscribe, you straightforward stop following new uploads, but YouTube might still recommend that creator's videos to you based on your watch history. Blocking removes them from your view entirely. It's also different from reporting a channel, which flags content to YouTube's moderation team for violating community guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a channel from the channel page itself, from a video page, or from your subscriptions list — each route takes about 10 seconds.
- Blocking hides that creator's videos from your recommendations and search results, but does not delete their content or notify them.
- You can unblock a channel anytime by visiting your blocked channels list in YouTube settings.
- Blocking only affects your own account — it does not block the channel for other people or prevent them from finding it.
How to block a channel from the channel page
The fastest way is to go directly to the channel you want to block. You can find it by searching the creator's name or by clicking on their name from any of their videos.
Once you're on the channel page, look for the three vertical dots (called a menu button) near the top right of the page, usually next to the Subscribe button. Click those dots. A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Select "Block user" or "Block channel" — the exact wording depends on whether you're on a computer or phone, but the option will be there. YouTube will ask you to confirm. Click "Block" again, and it's done.
How to block a channel from a video
You don't have to visit the channel page. If you're watching a video and decide you don't want to see that creator anymore, you can block them right there.
Click the three vertical dots next to the video title (on a computer) or tap the three dots in the top right corner of the video player (on a phone). Select "Don't recommend channel" or look for a block option in that menu. On some versions of YouTube, this option says "Block user." Confirm your choice, and the channel is blocked.
How to block a channel from your subscriptions list
If you're subscribed to a channel and want to block it, you can do so from your subscriptions page. Go to your Subscriptions, find the channel in your list, and click the three vertical dots next to the channel name.
Select the block option from the menu that appears. This will both unsubscribe you and block the channel at the same time, so you won't see their content anywhere on YouTube.
How to see your blocked channels and unblock one
YouTube keeps a list of every channel you've blocked. To see it, go to your account settings. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings." On a phone, tap your profile picture, then tap "Settings."
Look for "Blocked users" or "Blocked channels" in the left menu (on a computer) or scroll down to find it (on a phone). You'll see a list of every channel you've blocked. If you change your mind about any of them, click the X or "Unblock" button next to that channel's name. They'll when ready start appearing in your recommendations and search results again.
What happens when you block a channel
The creator does not receive a notification that you've blocked them. Their videos straightforward won't show up for you anymore. If you were subscribed, you'll be unsubscribed automatically. Any comments you left on their videos will still be visible to other people, but you won't see new comments from that channel in your notifications.
If you search for that creator by name, their channel might still appear in results, but their videos won't be recommended to you. The block only affects your personal YouTube experience — it doesn't prevent other people from watching, subscribing to, or recommending that channel.
When blocking doesn't work the way you expect
Sometimes people block a channel but still see videos from that creator. This usually happens because the video was uploaded by a different channel — for example, a clip reposted by a news outlet or a compilation channel. Blocking only affects the specific channel you blocked, not the creator's content if it appears elsewhere.
If you keep seeing a creator's content even after blocking, check whether the videos are coming from a different channel. You may need to block multiple channels if the same creator posts from several accounts. If a channel is harassing you or posting content that violates YouTube's rules, blocking won't remove it — you should report it instead by clicking the three dots and selecting "Report."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the creator see that I blocked them?
No. YouTube does not notify creators when someone blocks their channel. They have no way of knowing you blocked them unless you tell them directly.
If I block a channel, will they still be able to see my comments and videos?
Yes. Blocking only affects what you see on your account. The creator can still find your channel, watch your videos, and see your comments on other channels. Blocking is one-way.
What's the difference between blocking and reporting?
Blocking removes a channel from your view only. Reporting sends the channel to YouTube's moderation team to review whether it violates community guidelines. Use reporting if the channel is posting harmful, illegal, or abusive content.
Can I block a channel on the YouTube app?
Yes. The steps are the same on the YouTube app for phones and tablets. Tap the three dots on a video or channel page and select the block option. You can also manage your blocked channels list in the app's Settings.
If I unblock a channel, will my old subscriptions come back?
No. Unblocking a channel does not automatically resubscribe you. You'll need to subscribe again if you want to follow their new uploads.