Learn about YouTube shadowbans, how to identify them, and what you can do about them
As of August 12, 2024, YouTube removed the methods previously used to detect shadowban status on channels. Because of this change, the search functionality for this tool has been discontinued. However, we've compiled comprehensive information below to help you understand, identify, and address potential shadowban issues.
A shadowban is a silent restriction where your content's visibility is reduced without any official notification. Think of it as a quiet penalty—your videos may stop appearing in search results, won't show up in recommendations, and subscribers might not get notified about new uploads. The tricky part is that YouTube never tells you directly if you're shadowbanned.
YouTube typically applies these restrictions to content that might be harmful, misleading, or offensive—even if it doesn't technically break any rules. It's like being put in a digital corner where your content exists but almost nobody can find it.
A continuous and unexplained decline in video views compared to your normal performance.
Noticeable decrease in comments, likes, shares, and overall interaction with your content.
Your videos don't appear in YouTube search results or rank extremely low for relevant keywords.
Subscribers report not receiving notifications about your new uploads.
Based on extensive research and analysis of hundreds of affected channels, here are the most common reasons channels get shadowbanned:
Posting content with hate speech, violence, misleading information, inappropriate content for children, or extremist material can result in reduced visibility.
Excessive commenting, repetitive postings, or using fake engagement tactics can flag your account as spam.
Videos created purely for sexual gratification without educational purpose may be restricted.
Using misleading or inappropriate thumbnails repeatedly will catch YouTube's attention and may trigger restrictions.
Creating very similar videos or discussing the same topics repeatedly can be flagged. YouTube analyzes video content, not just titles.
Extremely exaggerated, shocking, or misleading content that creates negative reactions from viewers can lead to reduced recommendations.
Removing 3 or more videos in a short period can reset your ranking factors and flag your account. YouTube tracks your history to determine recommendations.
Uploading multiple world-blocked videos (3+ in 3 months) signals to YouTube that you may not understand platform rules.
Changing channel name, country, or language can trigger spam review, as these are common spammer behaviors.
YouTube values engagement. Deleting large numbers of comments, even negative ones, can negatively affect your visibility.
Adding a penalized account as a channel manager or linking to a problematic AdSense account can affect your channel.
Missing channel banner, no country specified, empty description, or impersonating others can trigger restrictions.
Channels that haven't been accessed for extended periods may experience gradual visibility reduction.
Google can detect connections between accounts through various methods. If any associated account is penalized, it can affect your main channel. Be careful about:
The duration varies based on the severity of the issue and how quickly it's addressed. In most cases, the minimum recovery period is around 3 months, but it can last longer if the underlying problems aren't resolved.
Yes, but it requires action. Review your content for any violations, correct any issues, and contact YouTube Support with detailed information about your situation. However, results aren't guaranteed.
Content that's offensive, harmful, misleading, sensationalist, or contains misinformation carries the highest risk. Also, repetitive content and spam-like behavior are major triggers.
Generally, no. Deleting videos erases your ranking history and can flag your account. It's better to make old videos private or unlisted if you don't want them visible, rather than deleting them entirely.
📌 Disclaimer: The information on this page is based on community research and analysis. YouTube does not officially confirm or deny the existence of shadowbans. This content is for educational purposes only. See our Disclaimer page for more details.