How to Block Certain Videos on YouTube

Quick Search:

• User Case: How Can I Block Certain Videos on YouTube?
• Why You Might Want to Block Videos on YouTube
• Can You Really Block Specific YouTube Videos?
• [7 Ways] How to Block Certain Videos on YouTube
• Tips to Improve Your YouTube Viewing Experience
• Final Thoughts
• Bonus Tip: Best Way to Download Favorite Videos on YouTube

User Case: How Can I Block Certain Videos on YouTube?

YouTube can be a fantastic platform to learn, laugh, and unwind—but sometimes, it shows you stuff you really don’t want to see. Whether it’s clickbait, inappropriate content, or just irrelevant junk, we’ve all wished for a “block this video” button.

Why You Might Want to Block Videos on YouTube

Let’s face it—YouTube’s algorithm doesn’t always get it right. You could be trying to watch science documentaries, and suddenly, a prank video sneaks into your recommendations.

Inappropriate Content

Some videos just aren’t suitable—especially if you’re sharing the device with kids. YouTube's content policies don't catch everything, so manual blocking becomes necessary.

Irrelevant Recommendations

You search for "how to fix a bike", and YouTube thinks you’re a cycling fanatic. The next thing you know, your home feed is filled with Tour de France highlights. Annoying, right?

Controlling Screen Time and Distractions

Blocking certain videos can help you or your kids avoid distractions and focus on what really matters—like studying, working, or simply having a healthier digital life.

Can You Really Block Specific YouTube Videos?

Now here’s the tricky part.

YouTube’s Built-in Options Are Limited

YouTube doesn’t offer a direct "block this video" button. It’s not exactly helpful when you just want to hide something forever.

Workarounds Are the Key

But don’t worry—there are plenty of workarounds to block or at least minimize exposure to unwanted videos. Let’s walk through them one by one.

[7 Ways] How to Block Certain Videos on YouTube

Let’s dive into this problem and clean up your feed for good.

Method 1: Use the "Not Interested" Option

This one’s simple but effective, especially if you're dealing with a few annoying videos or trends. Clicking "Not interested" signals the algorithm to stop showing similar videos in the future. It’s not perfect, but it helps.

Step 1. Find the offending video on your homepage.

Step 2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the video.

Step 3. Select "Not interested".

Step 4. Optionally, give feedback like "I’ve seen this video" or "I don’t like this".

Method 2: Block Specific Channels

If one creator keeps flooding your feed with content you don’t care about, block the channel. Blocking a channel ensures none of their videos appear in your recommendations or search suggestions.

Step 1. Visit the channel page.

Step 2. Click the About tab.

Step 3. Tap the flag icon and choose "Block user".

Method 3: Use YouTube Kids for Child-Friendly Control

Got little ones at home? YouTube Kids is a lifesaver.

Customizing Content Access

YouTube Kids lets you manually approve videos or channels, making it easy to filter out the junk.

Setting Up Restricted Mode

Enable Restricted Mode in settings to hide most flagged content, even on regular YouTube.

Method 4: Browser Extensions for Content Filtering

Want a little more control? Browser extensions can step in where YouTube falls short.

Top Chrome Extensions to Try

• Video Blocker
• Unhook
• DF Tube (Distraction Free for YouTube)

How to Install and Use Them

Step 1. Visit the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2. Search for your chosen extension.

Step 3. Click Add to Chrome.

Step 4. Follow setup instructions to block keywords, channels, or video types.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps and Tools

Especially useful for parents or educators looking to control YouTube access. These tools offer parental control dashboards, content filtering, screen time limits, and more.

Features to Look For

• Keyword blocking
• Time-based restrictions
• Channel approval lists

Method 6: Block Videos with Google Family Link

Google Family Link lets you manage your child’s digital world, YouTube included. You can:

• Set screen time limits
• Approve or block apps (like YouTube)
• Monitor viewing history

It’s perfect for parents who want to stay in control without hovering.

Method 7: Set Up Network-Level Blocking

If you’re tech-savvy (or willing to learn), this is the most powerful method.

Using Router-Level Controls

Some routers let you block YouTube or certain URLs entirely by keyword or IP.

DNS Filtering Services

Services like CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS let you filter YouTube content across all devices on your home network.

Tips to Improve Your YouTube Viewing Experience

Blocking is just step one. Let’s fine-tune your feed.

Regularly Clean Up Watch History

Go to your history and delete videos that might’ve confused the algorithm. It helps reset your recommendations.

Like and Dislike Videos Strategically

Your interactions shape your feed. Like the videos you enjoy and dislike the ones you want to avoid seeing again.

Final Thoughts

Blocking certain videos on YouTube isn’t as straightforward as it should be—but with a little effort, you can absolutely take control of what you (or your kids) watch. From quick fixes like the “Not Interested” button to power-user tricks like DNS filtering, there’s a solution for every level of tech comfort.

So, go ahead—clean up your feed and make YouTube a better place for you.

Bonus Tip: Best Way to Download Favorite Videos on YouTube

Looking for the easiest and most reliable way to download your favorite YouTube videos? MultCloud offers a powerful cloud-based solution that lets you transfer, manage, and even download online content with ease.

While YouTube itself doesn't allow direct downloads of most videos, MultCloud bridges that gap. You can download YouTube videos to local devices after inputting video links. By allowing seamless integration between cloud drives like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, MultCloud also supports saving YouTube videos to your cloud accounts. It’s an ideal solution for anyone who wants to keep their favorite content accessible across platforms without constantly downloading and re-uploading files.