You’re scrolling through your favorite tech review channel or maybe a cooking vlog when you see it. That one person. They’re in every comment section, dropping links to scams or just being a total nightmare. Honestly, we've all been there. You want them gone. The good news is that learning how to block a user on youtube is actually pretty straightforward, though Google has moved the buttons around a few times over the years.
It’s about peace of mind. Nobody has time for trolls or bot accounts.
When you block someone, you’re basically putting an invisible wall between your content and their noise. They can still watch your videos—YouTube is public, after all—but they can’t talk to you anymore. Their comments won't show up on your channel. To them, it looks like they’re shouting into a void. To you, it looks like they never existed.
The Desktop Method: Fast and Clean
If you’re sitting at your desk, this is the quickest way to handle things. You don’t even need to be a "creator" to do this; it works for anyone who wants to curate their experience.
First, find the offender. Click on their name or their profile picture to head over to their channel page. Once you’re there, you’ll see a row of tabs: Home, Videos, Playlists, and so on. Look for the "About" tab. Wait—actually, YouTube recently updated the layout. Now, you’ll often see a right-facing arrow or a "More about this channel" link near the channel description. Click that.
A pop-up or a sidebar will appear. Look for the little flag icon or the three dots (the "meatball" menu). This is where the magic happens. Select "Block user."
YouTube will ask if you’re sure. It’s like a final confirmation. Click "Submit," and they’re toast.
Keep in mind that blocking is different from reporting. If they’re just annoying, block them. If they’re threatening people or breaking the law, use the report tool. Google’s Trust and Safety teams actually look at those reports, especially if it involves harassment or hate speech.
How to Block a User on YouTube Using the Mobile App
Most of us are on our phones. It’s just how the world works now. Blocking on the iOS or Android app is slightly different but arguably more intuitive once you know where the hidden menus are.
- Open the YouTube app and find the comment from the person you want to silence.
- Tap their profile picture. This takes you to their channel.
- In the top right corner of the screen, you’ll see three vertical dots. Tap them.
- A menu will slide up from the bottom. Tap "Block user."
It's done.
But what if you aren't trying to block a commenter? What if you're trying to block a specific channel from showing up in your "Recommended" feed? That’s a common mix-up. If you just hate a specific creator’s face and never want to see their thumbnails again, don't go to their channel. Instead, stay on your home feed. Tap the three dots next to the video title and hit "Don't recommend channel." This tells the algorithm to stop trying to make that creator "happen" for you. It’s a subtle distinction, but it makes a huge difference in your daily browsing.
Why Blocking Matters for Creators
If you run a channel, even a small one, you know the "Hide user from channel" feature is your best friend. This is the creator-specific version of how to block a user on youtube.
When you "Hide" a user from your channel via YouTube Studio, their previous comments and any future comments become invisible to everyone except them. It’s a "shadow ban." They think they’re still participating, but they’re actually just screaming into a pillow. This is often better than a hard block because it prevents the troll from realizing they've been caught and immediately making a new account to keep bothering you.
I’ve seen creators with millions of subscribers who spend hours in their "Held for Review" tab. You shouldn't do that. Use the automated filters. In YouTube Studio, go to Settings > Community. You can add specific users to a "Hidden users" list or even block specific words.
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If someone is using a specific slur or a weirdly specific insult, add it to your blocked words list. YouTube will automatically snag those comments before they ever see the light of day. It saves your mental health. Honestly, the internet can be a dark place; use the tools Google gave you to brighten it up.
The Limitations of Blocking
We have to be realistic here. Blocking someone on YouTube isn't a restraining order.
As mentioned earlier, if you block a user, they can still view your public videos. They can see your view counts. They can see what you’re posting. If they log out of their account or use an Incognito window, they can even see the comments other people are leaving on your videos.
Also, blocking doesn't stop them from mentioning you in their own videos. If a "drama channel" decides to talk about you, blocking their account only stops them from commenting on your videos. It doesn't delete their content.
For extreme cases—like stalking or coordinated doxxing—you need to move beyond the "Block" button. You might need to contact local law enforcement or use YouTube’s formal harassment reporting tool, which triggers a more intensive review process than a simple block.
Managing Your Blocked List
Maybe you had a change of heart? Or maybe you blocked someone by accident because your thumb slipped while you were on the bus?
To see everyone you’ve ever blocked, you have to go into your Google Account settings. Since YouTube is owned by Google, your "blocked" list is centralized.
- Go to your Google Account (myaccount.google.com).
- Tap on "People & sharing."
- Look for "Blocked."
You'll see a list of every account you've pushed into the dark. You can unblock them with one click. It’s also a weirdly nostalgic trip down memory lane to see who annoyed you three years ago.
Keeping Your Channel Safe
Beyond just blocking individuals, you should probably look into your "Moderation" settings if you're getting a lot of spam. YouTube's "Increase strictness" setting for comment moderation is surprisingly good. It uses AI to flag "potentially inappropriate" comments.
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Sometimes it catches legitimate fans, which sucks, but it’s a small price to pay for filtering out the 90% of junk that clogs up popular videos.
Another tip: if you’re doing a Live Stream, the block tool is even more vital. In a live chat, things move fast. You can assign "Moderators" (people you trust) who can block users for you. This lets you focus on the content while your mods keep the chat from turning into a dumpster fire. They can "Timeout" a user (a temporary 300-second ban) or "Hide" them permanently.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re dealing with a persistent nuisance right now, don't wait.
- Go to their profile immediately. Don't engage. Don't reply. Replying to a troll just boosts their visibility in the algorithm because it looks like "engagement."
- Hit the three dots. Whether on mobile or desktop, find that menu.
- Select Hide/Block. Choose the option that fits your needs (Blocking for personal accounts, Hiding for creators).
- Update your Community Settings. If the user is part of a larger trend (like "Sub4Sub" bots), go to your YouTube Studio and add those phrases to your blocked words list.
- Audit your list. Once a month, check your "Hidden users" in YouTube Studio to ensure your moderation isn't becoming too restrictive or to see if you need to report any repeat offenders to Google directly.
Blocking is a tool for your digital hygiene. Use it often and without guilt.