Can You Block YouTube Channels on Desktop? Here’s What Actually Works

YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for video content in the world, with millions of creators producing endless content across every imaginable genre. However, as robust as the platform is, there are times when users want more control over what they see—particularly when they want to avoid certain content or channels altogether. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can block YouTube channels on desktop, you’re not alone. The answer is both yes—and no—depending on how you approach it.

TL;DR

You can’t fully “block” a YouTube channel on desktop using YouTube’s native features for your own account, but there are workarounds. You can hide unwanted channels from recommendations and comment sections, and with browser extensions or account-based restrictions, you can customize your experience even more. It won’t be a perfect solution, but it can significantly reduce exposure to content you’d prefer to avoid.

Why Would You Want to Block YouTube Channels?

The motivation behind blocking a channel can vary widely—from avoiding inappropriate content to simply not wanting to see misinformation, repetitive content, or creators whose work you don’t enjoy. Unlike blocking a user on a social media platform, blocking a channel on YouTube is more about controlling what is shown to you rather than cutting off communication.

Here are some common reasons why users may want to block or hide YouTube channels:

• Reducing unwanted or repetitive content in recommendations
• Preventing children from accessing inappropriate or misleading videos
• Avoiding creators who promote harmful or offensive viewpoints
• Improving focus by eliminating distracting content

Understanding YouTube’s Native Limitations

YouTube does not currently offer a built-in feature specifically labeled “block channel” that fully eliminates a channel from view across the site. Here is what you can do on the platform itself:

1. Block a channel from commenting on your content

If you’re a content creator and want to prevent a specific user from interacting with your videos, you can block them from commenting.

Steps:

1. Visit the channel you want to block.
2. Click on the About tab.
3. Click the flag icon and select Block user.
4. Confirm your choice.

This prevents them from commenting on your videos, but it doesn’t stop their videos from appearing in your feed.

2. Customize recommendations

One of the simpler ways to reduce exposure to certain channels is to click “Not interested” on the video or “Don’t recommend channel.”

Steps:

1. Hover over the video you don’t want to see.
2. Click the three-dot menu next to the video title.
3. Select Don’t recommend channel.

This will stop YouTube from suggesting videos from that channel, although it won’t erase them from manual search results or external embeds.

Using Google Chrome Extensions to Block YouTube Channels

For users looking for more comprehensive control, browser extensions offer a powerful solution. These tools work specifically on the desktop versions of browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox.

Popular Extensions:

• Video Blocker – Allows you to block channels by name. Once added to your browser, it hides videos from those channels across YouTube.
• uBlock Origin – A flexible content blocker that can be configured to hide specific elements on webpages, including YouTube channels.

How to Use Video Blocker:

1. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Right-click on a video or channel you’d like to block.
3. Select Block videos from this channel.
4. The videos will then disappear from your home and subscription feeds.

It’s worth noting that these extensions may not work indefinitely due to YouTube’s continuous platform updates, but many are actively maintained by their developers.

Modifying Your YouTube Experience Through Account Settings

If you’re using YouTube with a child or managing content in a shared workspace, Google allows you to apply some account-level content filtering.

Restricted Mode:

Restricted Mode is a setting that helps screen out potentially mature content you may prefer not to view or don’t want others using your account to see. While far from flawless, it does apply some filters that affect what is visible.

Steps to Turn On Restricted Mode:

1. Scroll to the bottom of any YouTube page.
2. Click Restricted Mode.
3. Toggle the switch to “On.”

This setting is applied per browser, not per account, and must be enabled on every browser you use. For parental control, using tools like Google Family Link offers more comprehensive protection.

What About Third-Party Services?

In addition to browser extensions, there are third-party tools and scripts that aim to provide better filtering functionality. Some of these include:

• BlockTube – A userscript-based tool that allows you to block channels, entire comment sections, or even autoplay features.
• Freedom or Cold Turkey – Focus-based apps that can block access to YouTube entirely or during specific times.

These tools aren’t officially supported by YouTube and must be used with caution. Always verify the source and ensure the script or app does not collect personal data improperly.

Blocking on YouTube Kids

If you’re guiding younger users, consider shifting them to YouTube Kids, which offers more granular control.

To block a channel on YouTube Kids:

1. Tap the three dots next to the video.
2. Choose Block this video or Block this channel.
3. Authenticate using your parental controls PIN.

This makes YouTube Kids a safer environment where offensive or irrelevant content can be more reliably excluded.

What Doesn’t Work (Yet)

Many users search fruitlessly for an official toggle to block channels globally across YouTube for their personal account. Unfortunately, that kind of functionality doesn’t exist yet, and reports to YouTube’s support often result in the same response: the “Don’t recommend channel” button is the best option currently available.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Perfect Solution—Yet

While YouTube doesn’t offer a definite “block channel” feature for desktop users seeking full removal of individual channels, multiple strategies combined can dramatically limit unwanted content. Browser extensions and cautious use of YouTube’s built-in tools are your best bet, especially if you’re aiming for a cleaner, more relevant viewing experience.

Until YouTube adds a true global-level block feature for personal accounts, managing your recommendations, utilizing extensions, and customizing browser settings are the most effective measures you can take.

As more users demand better control over their digital content consumption, hopefully YouTube will introduce stronger, more transparent tools in the near future.