The quickest way to block unwanted YouTube videos is to use “Not interested,” “Don’t recommend channel,” Restricted Mode, and supervised account controls together. One setting rarely fixes the whole problem, but a small stack of controls can clean up your feed fast.
TLDR: If YouTube keeps showing videos you dislike, tap the three dots next to the video and choose Not interested or Don’t recommend channel. For kids or shared devices, turn on Restricted Mode and use Google Family Link or a supervised YouTube account. For example, a parent who blocks 12 gaming channels and pauses watch history may see far fewer similar recommendations within a few days, though results vary by account activity.
Why Blocking YouTube Videos Is Not Always Obvious
YouTube does not give every user a clean “block this exact video forever” button. That is annoying. You can hide a video from your Home feed, block a channel from recommendations, limit mature content, or restrict accounts for children. Each option works a bit differently.
The best method depends on your goal:
- Hide one annoying video: Use Not interested.
- Stop seeing a channel: Use Don’t recommend channel.
- Protect children: Use supervised accounts, YouTube Kids, or Family Link.
- Reduce adult content: Turn on Restricted Mode.
- Block topics or keywords: Use browser extensions or parental control apps.
Method 1: Use “Not Interested” for One Video
If a single video keeps showing up, start here. On the YouTube homepage or recommendations list, click or tap the three dots beside the video title. Choose Not interested. YouTube should remove it from that feed.
Sometimes YouTube asks why. You may see options like “I’ve already watched the video” or “I don’t like the video.” Pick the closest reason. This gives the recommendation system a clearer signal.
On mobile:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Find the unwanted video.
- Tap the three dots.
- Tap Not interested.
- If asked, choose a reason.
On desktop: The steps are almost the same. Hover near the video title, click the three dots, then choose Not interested.
This does not always block the video everywhere. You may still find it through search, links, playlists, or another account. Still, it is the fastest fix for cleaning up your homepage.
Method 2: Use “Don’t Recommend Channel”
If the problem is a whole creator or channel, use Don’t recommend channel. This tells YouTube to stop showing videos from that channel on your Home feed.
To do it:
- Find a video from the channel in your recommendations.
- Click or tap the three dots.
- Select Don’t recommend channel.
This is useful when one channel keeps popping up after you watched one clip by accident. Honestly, it feels like one wrong click can haunt your homepage for a week. This setting helps break that loop.
There is one limit. YouTube may still show that channel in search results, external links, or embedded videos. It is a recommendation block, not a full platform-wide ban.
Method 3: Block a User or Channel from Commenting
If someone is bothering you in comments, you can hide that user from your channel. This is different from blocking their videos. It stops their comments from appearing publicly on your videos.
To hide a user from your channel:
- Go to the user’s channel page.
- Click About.
- Click the flag icon.
- Select Hide user from my channel.
This is best for creators, parents managing a child’s channel, or anyone dealing with spam. It will not remove that creator’s videos from your personal recommendations unless you also choose Don’t recommend channel.
Method 4: Turn On Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode filters out many videos that may contain mature content. It is not perfect, but it can reduce explicit language, sexual content, violence, and other adult themes.
To turn it on:
- Open YouTube.
- Click your profile picture.
- Select Restricted Mode.
- Switch it On.
On shared computers, you can lock Restricted Mode in the browser. Schools, libraries, and workplaces often use it for basic content control. It drives me crazy that this must be set per browser or device in many cases, but once it is on, it helps filter a large amount of unwanted content.
Method 5: Use Supervised Accounts for Children
For children, the strongest built-in option is a supervised YouTube experience. Parents can manage what kind of content a child can watch through Google Family Link and supervised account settings.
YouTube offers age-based content settings, such as:
- Explore: For younger viewers ready to move beyond YouTube Kids.
- Explore More: A wider range of videos for older kids.
- Most of YouTube: Broad access, but with some restrictions.
Parents can also review watch history, manage search access, and set screen time limits through Family Link. If your child keeps finding strange toy videos, prank channels, or aggressive gaming clips, this is a better answer than tapping Not interested over and over.
Method 6: Try YouTube Kids for Younger Viewers
YouTube Kids is made for younger children and gives parents more direct control. You can select content levels, approve specific videos, or block channels inside the app.
To block a video in YouTube Kids:
- Open the YouTube Kids app.
- Tap the three dots next to the video.
- Choose Block this video.
To block a full channel, open the channel page or use the menu beside a video and choose the channel blocking option. You may need to enter your parent code or answer a verification question.
Method 7: Clean Up Watch History
YouTube recommendations are heavily shaped by watch history. If your feed changed after one random video, your history may be the reason.
To fix it:
- Open History.
- Remove videos that do not match your interests.
- Pause watch history when browsing unusual topics.
- Clear search history if unwanted topics keep returning.
This works well after a child, guest, or roommate uses your account. Expect the feed to improve gradually, not instantly. YouTube needs fresh signals from what you watch, skip, and hide.
Method 8: Use Browser Extensions for Stronger Blocking
If you want to block keywords, titles, thumbnails, or entire categories, browser extensions can help. Tools such as Video Blocker style extensions may let you filter channels or words from titles.
For example, you could block videos containing words like “spoilers,” “prank,” or “horror.” This is helpful if YouTube’s own controls feel too weak.
Be careful, though. Extensions can break after YouTube updates its interface. Check reviews, permissions, and update history before installing anything. Do not install a tool that asks for more access than it needs.
Image not found in postmetaMethod 9: Use Device, Router, or Parental Control Filters
For households, app controls may not be enough. A child can switch browsers, open YouTube on a TV, or use another device. In that case, use broader controls.
Options include:
- iPhone and iPad Screen Time: Limit the YouTube app or restrict web content.
- Android Family Link: Manage apps, time limits, and account settings.
- Smart TV profiles: Sign out of adult accounts and use child profiles where available.
- Router controls: Block YouTube during homework or bedtime hours.
- DNS filters: Restrict adult sites and some video content at the network level.
These options work best when paired with clear household rules. Tech filters help, but they are not a substitute for checking what younger users actually watch.
Best Setup for Most People
For adults, the best mix is simple: use Not interested, use Don’t recommend channel, and clean your watch history. For parents, add supervised accounts, Restricted Mode, and device-level controls.
If you share an account, stop. Create separate profiles or accounts when possible. Shared viewing confuses recommendations fast. One person watches workout videos, another watches loud prank clips, and suddenly everyone’s homepage is a mess.
The good news is that YouTube can be trained. Give it clear signals. Remove bad history. Block repeat offenders. Use stronger tools for kids. Within a short time, your feed should feel less random, less irritating, and much closer to what you actually want to watch.
