Ever had that one person who just won't leave you alone on YouTube? Maybe they're spamming your comments with nonsense or making you uncomfortable. I remember when this guy kept posting creepy replies to every single video I made - gave me the chills. That's when blocking became my best friend.
What Blocking Actually Does on YouTube
Before we get into the how-to, let's be crystal clear about what happens when you block someone. YouTube doesn't send them a notification (thank goodness), but here's what changes:
- They can't comment on your videos anymore
- They can't send you private messages
- Your profiles become invisible to each other
- They can't see what you post in community sections
But here's what they can still do: watch your public videos (unless you make them private), see your comments elsewhere, or create new accounts. Annoying loophole, I know.
Important: Blocking only affects interactions between you and that user. If they harass you through other accounts, YouTube's reporting system is your next step.
Blocking From Your Computer: Step-by-Step
Let's say you're on your laptop and want to block someone. Here's how it works:
Method 1: Blocking Through Comments
This is how most people ask "how do I block someone on YouTube" because it's where the trouble usually starts.
- Find the comment from the user you want to block
- Hover over their username until a pop-up appears
- Click the flag icon next to their name
- Select "Block user" from the dropdown menu
- Confirm by clicking "Block" in the pop-up window
Did it last week when someone posted twenty identical comments promoting their crypto scam. Took less than 10 seconds!
Method 2: Blocking Through a Channel Page
Sometimes you need to block someone who hasn't commented yet but you know could be trouble.
- Go to the user's channel page
- Click the flag icon under their banner image
- Choose "Block user" from the options
- Confirm your choice
Warning: Blocked users can still see your public videos. If you need full privacy, set specific videos to "Private" in your YouTube Studio.
| Action | What Blocked User Sees | What You See |
|---|---|---|
| Your videos | Visible unless private | No change |
| Their comments | Appear normal to them | Automatically hidden |
| Channel visits | Can't view your channel | Can't view their channel |
| New accounts | Can create new accounts | Need to block each new account |
Blocking on Mobile Devices
Got the YouTube app on your phone? Blocking works differently there.
Android Users
- Open the YouTube app and find the comment
- Tap the three dots next to the comment
- Select "Block user" from the menu
- Confirm blocking in the pop-up
iPhone/iPad Users
- Find the offensive comment in the app
- Swipe left on the comment
- Tap the flag icon that appears
- Choose "Block user" and confirm
What Blocking Can't Fix (And Alternatives)
Look, I wish blocking solved everything. But it doesn't. Here's what else you might need:
| Problem | Alternative Solution | How To Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple harassing accounts | Report to YouTube | Go to YouTube Help > Report harassment |
| Offensive comments slipping through | Comment filters | YouTube Studio > Settings > Community > Blocked words |
| General negativity | Hide user from channel | Channel page > About > Hide user |
| Persistent trolls | Disable comments temporarily | Edit video > Show more > Comments off |
Your Blocking Questions Answered
Over the years, I've gotten tons of questions about blocking. Here are the big ones:
Can someone tell if I blocked them on YouTube?
Nope! YouTube doesn't notify them. But they might figure it out if they try to comment on your videos and can't.
Does blocking remove existing comments?
Good news - yes! All their past comments disappear from your videos immediately. That cleanup feels so satisfying.
What's the difference between blocking and reporting?
Blocking stops them from interacting with you. Reporting asks YouTube to review their behavior for policy violations. Do both if needed.
Can I see my block list? How to unblock?
Yes! Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Community > Blocked users. Click the X next to any name to unblock. But honestly, I rarely undo blocks.
Why can blocked users still see my videos?
Because YouTube treats videos as public content. If you want privacy, switch videos to "Unlisted" or "Private" in YouTube Studio.
Pro Tip: Combine blocking with comment filtering for maximum peace. Add common troll phrases to your blocked words list!
When Blocking Isn't Enough
I learned this the hard way when a blocked user created three new accounts. If blocking doesn't solve your problem:
- Report serious harassment through YouTube's safety center
- Document everything - take screenshots before blocking
- Restrict your channel to approved commenters only
- Contact law enforcement for true threats (YouTube provides data for legal requests)
Managing Your Block List Effectively
After blocking dozens of spammers last year, I developed a system:
- Review your block list quarterly (YouTube Studio > Settings)
- Sort blocked users by date - oldest first
- Unblock selectively if situations changed
- Export the list occasionally for record keeping
| Block List Size | Recommended Action | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 users | Quick scan for accidental blocks | Every 6 months |
| 50-200 users | Check for duplicate accounts | Quarterly |
| 200+ users | Review patterns (spammers, trolls) | Monthly |
YouTube Blocking vs. Other Platforms
Ever wonder how YouTube compares? Here's my take after using all major platforms:
| Platform | Blocking Effectiveness | Unique Features | Annoying Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Blocks interactions but not video views | Comment auto-hide, block lists | No multi-account prevention |
| Full profile invisibility | Block existing and future accounts | Hard to manage large block lists | |
| TikTok | Strong comment blocking | Keyword filters, bulk blocking | No desktop block list management |
| Twitter/X | Complete interaction block | Mute options before blocking | Blocked users can still quote-tweet |
My Personal Blocking Strategy After 5 Years on YouTube
Through trial and error (mostly error), I've developed a tiered approach:
- Level 1: Hide user - For mildly annoying comments
- Level 2: Block single account - For persistent irritations
- Level 3: Report + block - For harassment or threats
- Level 4: Legal action - For extreme cases (only used twice)
I also created specific filters for common spam phrases in my YouTube Studio. Seriously, if I see one more "I made $10,000 last week" comment...
Remember: Blocking is about your mental health, not punishment. Don't feel guilty for protecting your space.
Advanced Blocking Scenarios
Sometimes standard blocking isn't enough. Here's how I handle tricky situations:
Blocking Live Stream Trolls
- During stream: Click username > Block
- Enable slow mode to prevent spam
- Assign moderators to help block quickly
- Ban certain words in chat settings
When Family Needs Blocking
Awkward but sometimes necessary. Create a separate Google account just for YouTube to maintain privacy while keeping your main account for family contacts.
Blocking Competitors Without Starting Drama
Instead of blocking, use "Hide user from channel" so they can still view content but can't comment or engage. Less likely to cause industry friction.
Future of YouTube Blocking
Based on leaked features and my industry contacts, here's what might change:
- AI-powered auto-blocking of suspected spam accounts
- Cross-platform blocking (YouTube blocking affecting Google accounts)
- Temporary blocks with expiration dates
- Improved duplicate account detection
Honestly? About time. The current system feels outdated when dealing with professional trolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've messed these up so you don't have to:
- Blocking too hastily: That "rude" comment might be sarcasm lost in translation
- Forgetting cross-platform connections: Blocking on YouTube doesn't block on Gmail
- Ignoring comment filters: Set up keyword blocks before you need them
- Not documenting serious cases: Screenshot everything before blocking
Last month I almost blocked a longtime viewer who was actually complimenting me in a weird dialect. Close call!
When to Seek Help Beyond Blocking
If you experience any of these, go beyond blocking:
| Situation | Action Steps | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Physical threats | Document, report to YouTube, contact police | YouTube Safety Center |
| Stalking across platforms | Report on all platforms, consider legal options | Cyber Civil Rights Initiative |
| Hate speech/extremism | Report to platform and anti-hate organizations | Southern Poverty Law Center |
| Impersonation accounts | Use YouTube's impersonation reporting form | YouTube Impersonation Policy |
I had to go this route last year with a persistent impersonator. Took 3 weeks but YouTube finally terminated all his accounts.
Final Thoughts
Learning how do I block someone on YouTube properly has saved my sanity multiple times. It's not perfect - I wish YouTube would handle repeat offenders better. But combined with other tools, it creates a safer space.
Remember that blocking is about control, not conflict. You deserve a positive YouTube experience without harassment. Don't hesitate to use these tools early and often.
What blocking strategy works best for you? Got any nightmare blocking stories? Managing YouTube interactions is an ongoing process, but with these techniques, you've got this!
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