How to Block YouTube Channels and Keywords

Block specific YouTube channels and keywords to prevent your child from accessing unwanted content. Blocked content is hidden instantly across all YouTube pages.

How does the Blacklist feature work?

The Blacklist works opposite to the Whitelist. Instead of approving content, you block specific channels or keywords:

What happens when content is blocked?

On video watch pages:

• A full-screen overlay covers the video
• Your child sees "This content is not available"
• The overlay cannot be bypassed or dismissed

On browse and search pages:

• Blocked video thumbnails are completely hidden
• Children don't see blocked content in recommendations
• Search results exclude blocked channels and keywords

Subscription tier limits

Where to find the Blacklist section

The Blacklist section is located on the Manage tab of each child's profile, below the other configuration options:

1. Open the Parents' App on your phone
2. Tap on your child's name (e.g., "Neo") at the top
3. Make sure you're on the Manage tab
4. Scroll down past Categories, Whitelist Channels, and Player Controls
5. Tap Blacklist to expand the section

The collapsed Blacklist section shows the total count of blocked items (e.g., "81 items blocked").

How to block keywords

Step 1: Open the Blacklist section

1. Tap Blacklist to expand the section
2. You'll see two tabs: Keywords and Channels
3. The Keywords tab is selected by default
4. Each tab shows a count badge (e.g., "Keywords 51" and "Channels 30")

Step 2: Add a keyword to block

1. In the search box labeled "Search or add keyword", type the keyword or phrase you want to block
2. Tap the + button to add the keyword

The keyword is immediately added to your blacklist and starts blocking matching content.

Step 3: View your blocked keywords

Your blocked keywords appear in a list, each showing:

• Keyword displayed in a red badge
• Match type shown as "Contains"
• Trash icon to remove the keyword

Keyword matching examples

If you block the keyword "ronaldo", these videos will be blocked:

• "Ronaldo Best Goals 2024"
• "Cristiano Ronaldo Skills"
• "Ronaldo vs Messi Comparison"

If you block "HIGHLIGHTS", these videos will be blocked:

• "Match Highlights - Liverpool vs Chelsea"
• "NBA Highlights Today"
• "Best Highlights of the Season"

How to remove a blocked keyword

1. Find the keyword in your blocked keywords list
2. Tap the trash icon (red) next to the keyword
3. The keyword is immediately removed and videos with that keyword are no longer blocked

How to block YouTube channels

Step 1: Switch to the Channels tab

1. Tap Blacklist to expand (if not already open)
2. Tap the Channels tab
3. The tab shows a count badge (e.g., "Channels 30")

Step 2: Search for a channel to block

1. In the search box labeled "Search or add channel", enter:

   • Channel name (e.g., "Cookd")
   • Channel handle (e.g., @bundesliga)
   • Channel URL

2. Tap the + button to search

3. Search results appear showing matching channels with their thumbnail and handle

4. Tap to select and block the channel

Step 3: View your blocked channels

Your blocked channels appear in a list, each showing:

• Channel thumbnail (circular avatar)
• Channel name (e.g., "Cookd", "Bundesliga")
• Channel handle (e.g., @SML, @ishowspeed)
• Trash icon to unblock

How to unblock a channel

1. Find the channel in your blocked channels list
2. Tap the trash icon (red) next to the channel
3. The channel is immediately unblocked and videos from that channel become accessible again

Keyword match types

Real-time sync

Blacklist changes sync instantly to all connected browser extensions:

• Add a keyword → Blocked immediately across all devices
• Remove a channel → Unblocked immediately
• No manual refresh required
• Changes typically apply in under 500ms

Filtering priority

When WhitelistVideo checks a video, rules are evaluated in this order:

1. Emergency blocking (if enabled)
2. Fail-safe checks
3. Master disable (if enabled)
4. Profile lock (if locked)
5. → Blacklist check (channels & keywords)
6. Whitelist check
7. Category filtering
8. AI content analysis
9. Default block

Common questions

Can I block a channel that's on my Whitelist?

Yes. Blacklist rules take priority. If you block a previously whitelisted channel, it will be blocked immediately.

Are keywords case-sensitive?

No. Keywords are matched regardless of case. "HIGHLIGHTS" and "highlights" work identically.

How quickly do changes take effect?

Instantly. Changes sync to the browser extension in real-time (typically under 500ms).

Can my child see what's blocked?

No. Blocked thumbnails are hidden. Children only see an overlay message when trying to access a blocked video directly via URL.

What happens when I reach my tier limit?

You'll see an upgrade prompt. You can either:

• Remove existing entries to make room for new ones
• Upgrade your plan for higher limits

Can I export or import my blacklist?

This feature is planned for a future update.

Tips for effective blocking

Block channels, not just keywords

If you want to block a specific creator, blocking their channel is more effective than blocking keywords. Keywords might miss some videos or block unrelated content.

Use specific keywords

Avoid overly broad keywords like "video" or "play" which could block legitimate educational content. Be specific: "prank call" is better than just "call".

Review periodically

Check your blacklist monthly. As your child grows, some blocked content may become appropriate.

Combine with Whitelist

For maximum control:

1. Enable Manual (SAFE) mode
2. Add trusted channels to Whitelist
3. Use Blacklist to block specific problematic content

This gives you full control over what your child can watch.

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