YouTube Shadowban Detector
Check if your YouTube channel is experiencing limited visibility, search restrictions, or recommendation penalties.
What is a YouTube Shadowban?
A YouTube shadowban occurs when the platform's algorithm restricts a channel's visibility without notifying the creator. This typically results in a sudden, unexplained drop in views, impressions, and new subscriber growth. Unlike a standard community guidelines strike or account termination, a shadowban is silent, making it frustrating for creators to diagnose.
Common reasons for algorithmic suppression include repetitive use of restricted keywords, controversial topics, engaging in spammy behavior (like sub-for-sub or excessive self-promotion in comments), or repeated copyright issues. The algorithm aims to protect viewers from harmful content by limiting its reach.
Signs You Might Be Shadowbanned
- Sudden drop in impressions from Browse features and Suggested videos.
- Your videos no longer appear in search results for exact title matches.
- Comments on other videos are automatically hidden or marked as spam.
- Subscribers report not receiving notifications for your new uploads.
- Consistent zero growth or decline in channel metrics despite consistent upload frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a shadowban last?
There is no official timeframe, but anecdotal evidence suggests algorithmic penalties can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the infraction and how quickly the creator alters their behavior.
How can I lift a shadowban?
To recover, focus on creating high-quality, guideline-compliant content. Avoid controversial keywords, do not spam comments, and ensure your metadata (titles, tags, descriptions) accurately reflects your video content without clickbait. Consistently demonstrating positive behavior to the algorithm is key.
Is the detector 100% accurate?
No tool can definitively prove a shadowban since YouTube's algorithm is proprietary and closed-source. Our detector uses common heuristics and metadata analysis to identify potential red flags that often correlate with algorithmic suppression.