How to Remove YouTube Comment Shadowban: Step-by-Step

  • 16 October 2024
  • 10 mins read

Are you not getting enough YouTube views? If your YouTube comments aren’t receiving likes or you not getting enough YouTube views? If your YouTube comments aren’t receiving likes or replies, you might be experiencing a shadowban, where your comments are hidden from others but still visible to you. This blog explains the causes of a YouTube comment shadowban and how you can restore your visibility and engagement.

What is a YouTube Comment Shadowban?

A YouTube comment shadowban means that while your comments appear normal to you, they are hidden from others on the platform. This usually happens when YouTube flags your activity as inappropriate, spammy, or in violation of its guidelines. Your comments may be filtered out automatically, preventing engagement from other users.

How Can Someone Get Shadowbanned on YouTube Comments?

Several behaviors can lead to a shadowban on YouTube, including:

  1. Excessive Use of Spammy or Repetitive Comments

Frequently posting the same message, link, or comment across multiple videos or sections of the same video. YouTube's algorithm often views repetitive comments as spam and may shadowban the account.

Example: 

  • Posting the same link to a personal website on multiple YouTube videos without contributing to the conversation.
  1. Violating YouTube's Community Guidelines

Posting comments that break YouTube’s rules, which prohibit content that promotes hate speech, violence, harassment, or other forms of harmful behavior. Repeated violations can lead to shadowbanning.

Example: 

  • Comments containing threats or offensive language toward other users, or promoting harmful conspiracy theories.
  1. Using Bots or Automated Tools to Comment

Employing bots or scripts to leave comments on videos in an attempt to artificially increase engagement. YouTube’s system can detect this behavior and may restrict or shadowban the account.

Example: 

  • Using a bot service to automatically post the same comment on hundreds of videos to promote a product or channel.
  1. Posting Links to Suspicious or Malicious Websites

Sharing links in comments that direct users to unsafe, phishing, or malware-infected websites. YouTube’s filters are designed to flag and hide such comments, potentially leading to a shadowban.

Example: 

  • Leaving comments with links that redirect users to scam sites or untrustworthy third-party pages.
  1. Excessive Use of Profanity or Offensive Language

Frequently using inappropriate or offensive language in comments can trigger YouTube’s automatic moderation tools. Consistent use of such language may cause the account to be shadowbanned.

Example: 

  • Constantly using profane language or offensive slurs in discussions on videos.
  1. Engaging in Comment Wars or Heated Arguments

Regularly participating in hostile or inflammatory exchanges in the comments section. YouTube may shadowban users who are reported multiple times for contributing to negativity or aggression.

Example: 

  • Getting into long, hostile arguments in the comment section of controversial videos, caused multiple users to flag the comments.
  1. Being Reported Multiple Times by Other Users

Comments that are frequently reported by other users for being offensive, spammy, or irrelevant are often hidden by YouTube’s algorithm. If a user is repeatedly reported, they may get shadowbanned.

Example: 

  • A user consistently posts unwanted or offensive remarks, and as a result, others report their comments until YouTube automatically restricts their visibility.

How to Remove a YouTube Comment Shadowban

If you suspect your YouTube comments are shadowbanned, here are some strategies to restore your comment visibility:

  1. Evaluate Your Recent Comments

Review your recent comments and delete any that may violate YouTube’s guidelines. Focus on leaving meaningful, relevant comments moving forward.

  1. Avoid Posting Links

Remove or stop including links in your comments, especially those that appear promotional. YouTube often filters comments containing external links to prevent spam.

  1. Take a Break

Refrain from commenting for a few days. This gives YouTube’s algorithm time to reset and reevaluate your account's activity.

  1. Engage Authentically

Comment authentically on videos without trying to promote your content or products. Avoid copy-pasting identical comments across multiple videos.

  1. Report the Issue to YouTube

If your shadowban persists, reach out to YouTube support for assistance. Provide details about your situation and ask for a review of your account.

  1. Check Your YouTube Settings

Sometimes, account settings may inadvertently filter your comments. Make sure that your comment settings are set to allow all comments and check whether you've accidentally enabled any restrictions.

How Long Does a YouTube Shadowban Comment Last?

The duration of a shadowban on YouTube comments can vary. It may last for a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the violation. The best way to shorten a shadowban is to correct any problematic behavior and ensure that future comments comply with YouTube’s guidelines.

Can a VPN Help to Remove a YouTube Comment Shadowban?

No, using a VPN won’t remove a YouTube shadowban. Shadowbans are typically related to content violations or suspicious behavior and are not tied to your IP address. Addressing the root cause of the shadowban by reviewing and adjusting your commenting behavior is the most effective way to lift the ban.

More to explore in YouTube guides:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What does it mean to be shadowbanned on YouTube comments?

    Plus

    A shadowban means your comments are hidden from public view without notifying you, which reduces your engagement with other users.

  • How long does a YouTube shadowban last?

    Plus

    The length of a shadowban can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the violation.

  • Can I prevent a YouTube comment shadowban?

    Plus

    Yes, by following YouTube’s guidelines, avoiding spammy behavior, and posting meaningful comments, you can reduce the risk of a shadowban.

  • Will deleting comments help remove a shadowban?

    Plus

    Yes, deleting any inappropriate or spammy comments may help, as it signals to YouTube that you’re adhering to its guidelines.

  • Can a VPN help remove a shadow ban on YouTube?

    Plus

    No, a VPN does not remove a shadowban since YouTube’s algorithm focuses on content and behavior rather than your IP address.

In Summary

To avoid a YouTube comment shadowban, ensure your comments comply with community guidelines and foster genuine engagement rather than spammy behavior. Understanding the causes can help you regain visibility and maintain a positive presence on the platform.