How to Hide or Permanently Delete Your YouTube Channel: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Balasahana Suresh
If you no longer want your YouTube channel to be visible—or you want to remove it forever—YouTube gives you two clear options: Hide your channel or Permanently delete your channel. Each choice does something very different, so it’s important to pick the right one.

Below is a simple, updated walkthrough for both.

Option 1: Hide Your YouTube Channel (Temporary)

Hiding your channel makes it invisible to the public, but nothing is permanently deleted. You can restore it later.

What happens when you hide your channel?

  • Your videos, playlists, and channel page become private
  • Comments you made are removed (may take time)
  • Your data is preserved and can be restored
Steps to Hide Your Channel

Go to youtube.com and sign in

Click your profile picture → Settings

Select Advanced settings

Click Remove YouTube content

Re-enter your google account password

Choose I want to hide my channel

Check the confirmation boxes

Click Hide my channel

Your channel will now be hidden from public view.

Option 2: Permanently Delete Your YouTube Channel

This option cannot be undone. Once deleted, your channel and all content are gone forever.

What gets permanently deleted?

  • All uploaded videos
  • Playlists and comments
  • Channel name and URL
  • Subscriber list
Steps to Permanently Delete Your Channel

Sign in to YouTube

Click your profile picture → Settings

Go to Advanced settings

Select Remove YouTube content

Enter your password

Choose I want to permanently delete my content

Check all confirmation boxes

Click Delete my content

YouTube may take a short time to fully process the deletion.

Important Things to Know Before Deleting

  • Deletion is irreversible
  • You cannot reuse the same channel URL
  • Your google account (Gmail, Drive, Photos) is not deleted
  • Some content may still appear temporarily in search results
Hide vs Delete: Quick Comparison

Feature

Hide Channel

Delete Channel

Reversible

Yes

No

Videos removed

Temporarily

Permanently

Subscribers

Preserved

Lost forever

Best for

Taking a break

Leaving YouTube completely

Final Tip

If you’re unsure, hide your channel first. You can always delete it later—but you can’t undo a permanent deletion.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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