How Do You Block Someone on YouTube?

YouTube has evolved its approach to user interactions, shifting from traditional blocking to a more nuanced system. Since June 2023, the platform replaced the “block user” option with “hide user from my channel.” This change reflects YouTube’s focus on community moderation while maintaining creator control.

With over 2.5 billion monthly users, managing interactions is crucial for channel owners. The platform offers multiple ways to restrict unwanted engagement, including comment moderation and live stream controls. These tools help maintain a positive environment for both creators and viewers.

Effective moderation protects community safety and creator wellbeing. Whether through YouTube Studio or direct channel settings, users can limit disruptive behavior. The process removes comments and restricts live interactions while keeping the experience seamless for others.

Understanding How to Block People on YouTube

YouTube’s approach to user moderation has changed significantly in recent years. The platform removed the direct block user option in June 2023, replacing it with hide user from my channel. This update maintains control for creators while streamlining community management.

The Current State of Blocking on YouTube

Though the term “blocking” is no longer used, the hide user channel feature achieves similar outcomes. Hidden users cannot comment, create clips, or interact with your content. However, they can still view public videos unless your channel is private.

Live streams are an exception. Moderators can temporarily block user access to chat during broadcasts. This ensures real-time control without affecting long-term visibility.

Difference Between Blocking and Hiding Users

Unlike platforms like Twitter or Instagram, YouTube’s system focuses on content moderation rather than complete isolation. Hidden users remain part of the community but lose engagement privileges. For creators, this means fewer disruptions without alienating potential viewers.

To manage hidden lists, visit YouTube Studio under Settings > Community. Here, you can review or remove users as needed. This centralized control simplifies handling comments videos and other interactions.

How to Hide Someone on YouTube Using Mobile

With nearly 90% of YouTube traffic coming from mobile devices, understanding moderation tools for phones is crucial. The platform’s app offers intuitive ways to restrict unwanted interactions, ensuring a seamless experience for creators and viewers alike.

Blocking Through Video Comments

To hide a user from their comments, open YouTube and locate their post under your videos. Tap the three dots beside the comment, then select Hide user from my channel. This instantly removes all their existing comments and prevents future ones.

A confirmation banner will appear, noting “User hidden”. Both iOS and Android versions follow identical steps, making the process universal for mobile users.

Blocking Through User Profiles

Alternatively, navigate to the profile of the account you want to restrict. Tap About on their channel page, then click the flag icon. Choose Hide user to apply the same restrictions as the comment method.

This action doesn’t affect their ability to view public content but blocks all interactive features. For creators, this two-step approach ensures control over who engages with their channel.

Blocking Users on YouTube Desktop

Desktop users benefit from streamlined moderation tools for managing unwanted interactions. The web version offers precise controls to hide disruptive accounts, ensuring a cleaner channel experience.

Method 1: Through Comment Section

Locate the comment from the user you wish to restrict. Hover over their text and click the three dots beside it. Select Hide user from my channel to remove their current and future interactions.

This step instantly applies across all your videos. Hidden users retain viewing access but lose engagement privileges.

Method 2: Via Channel About Page

Search for the profile in YouTube’s navigation bar. Open their channel, go to About, and click the flag icon. Choose Hide user for the same restrictions as the comment method.

“Desktop tools sync with mobile, so hidden lists update in real time.”

For bulk actions, use YouTube Studio under Settings > Community. This central hub lets you review hidden accounts or reverse options as needed.

Managing Hidden Users Through YouTube Studio

YouTube Studio provides centralized control over hidden users, streamlining moderation workflows for creators. The platform’s integrated tools let you review and adjust restrictions without leaving the dashboard.

Accessing Hidden Users List

Navigate to YouTube Studio and select Settings from the left menu. Click Community to find the Hidden users section. This list shows all accounts restricted from interacting with your channel.

For bulk actions, use the checkboxes to select multiple users. Export options let you save the list for external review. Note: Unhiding a user won’t restore deleted comments.

Removing Someone From Hidden List

In the Hidden users tab, locate the account and click Remove. Confirm the action to reinstate their commenting and interaction privileges.

“Schedule weekly moderation sessions in YouTube Studio to keep your hidden list updated.”

Changes sync across devices instantly. For channels with high engagement, this feature ensures efficient community management.

Blocking in YouTube Live Streams

Live streaming on YouTube requires real-time moderation tools to manage disruptive viewers effectively. The platform offers specialized controls for broadcasts that differ from standard video interactions. These features help maintain engaging yet orderly discussions during live content.

Blocking Viewers During Live Chat

Moderators can restrict participants directly from the chat interface. Right-click any comment and select “Remove user” to temporarily block them from participating. This action lasts only for the current broadcast.

Co-hosts and assigned moderators share these privileges. The system allows delegation of moderation tasks without granting full channel access. Hidden users receive no notification about temporary restrictions.

Limitations of Live Stream Blocking

Unlike permanent channel restrictions, live stream blocks don’t carry over to future broadcasts. The affected viewers can return for subsequent live streams unless separately restricted through YouTube Studio.

“Archive versions of streams retain removed comments but hide the usernames of blocked participants.”

For persistent issues, creators should combine temporary chat blocks with channel-wide restrictions. This two-layer approach offers both immediate and long-term solutions for managing disruptive accounts.

What Happens When You Hide Someone on YouTube

Restricting interactions on YouTube creates immediate changes for both creators and viewers. The platform’s hide user feature activates specific limitations, from comment removal to live stream restrictions. Understanding these outcomes helps manage expectations and maintain channel health.

Comment Visibility Changes

Hidden users lose all commenting privileges on your channel. Their existing comments vanish instantly, and future attempts to post are blocked. Notably, they can’t see their own past remarks on your videos, though public content remains viewable.

Additional restrictions include:

• Disabled @mentions in other users’ replies
• No notifications for comment deletions
• Automatic filtering of alternate accounts with similar names

Live Stream Interactions

During broadcasts, hidden users face temporary chat bans. Unlike permanent channel restrictions, these apply only to the current session. Moderators can escalate to full channel hiding if disruptions persist.

“Live stream blocks are session-specific, but hidden user lists carry over to future streams.”

What the Hidden User Experiences

From the restricted profile’s perspective, your channel appears unchanged—except for interaction limits. They retain public video access but can’t:

• Create clips or timestamp links
• Participate in polls or community posts
• Collaborate via YouTube’s remix features

YouTube doesn’t notify users when hidden, reducing potential conflicts. However, savvy viewers may infer restrictions if engagement options disappear.

Additional Tips for Managing YouTube Interactions

Effective YouTube moderation extends beyond basic hiding features. Proactive strategies help maintain a positive community while reducing manual oversight. These advanced options work alongside native tools for comprehensive protection.

Setting Up Comment Filters

Automated filters save time by flagging inappropriate content before publication. In YouTube Studio, navigate to Settings > Community to configure:

• Keyword blacklists for offensive phrases
• Automatic hold for suspected spam
• Minimum account age requirements

For family-friendly channels, tools like AirDroid Parental Control add extra security layers. These third-party solutions monitor interactions across multiple social media platforms.

Reporting Abusive Users

Severe violations require direct platform intervention. Always report users who:

“Assign trusted moderators through YouTube Studio to share reporting workloads.”

Combining hiding and reporting creates a dual-defense system. This approach removes immediate disruptions while alerting YouTube to repeat offenders.

Conclusion

With 50 billion daily views, YouTube demands effective interaction controls. Mastering core moderation methods ensures a positive experience for creators and viewers alike. Regularly audit hidden lists to maintain a safe youtube channel environment.

Prioritize digital wellbeing by balancing engagement with restrictions. Tools like comment filters and periodic reviews foster healthy social media communities. For deeper insights, explore this guide on core moderation methods.

Stay updated with platform changes to adapt moderation strategies. A proactive approach keeps channels thriving while minimizing disruptions.