← All Guides
▶️

DELETE YOUTUBE

Step-by-step guide to freedom

BEFORE YOU DELETE

Download your data first. Once deleted, it's gone forever. Grace period: None for channel, but consider carefully.

1

Download Your Data

1.
Go to Google Takeout

Visit takeout.google.com and sign in

2.
Select YouTube Data

Click 'Deselect all', then scroll and select only YouTube (or all Google data if desired)

3.
Choose Format

Select export format and delivery method (email link recommended)

4.
Create Export

Click 'Create export' and wait for email with download link

2

Delete Your Account

1.
Go to YouTube Settings

Visit youtube.com/account

2.
Find Advanced Settings

Click on 'Advanced settings' or 'View advanced settings'

3.
Delete Channel

Look for 'Delete channel' option. This removes your YouTube presence.

This only deletes YouTube. Your Google account (Gmail, Drive) remains intact.

4.
Confirm Deletion

Follow prompts to confirm channel deletion.

!

Dark Patterns to Expect

They don't want you to leave. Here's how they'll try to stop you:

Google Account Confusion

Makes it unclear what deleting YouTube vs Google account means

Content Loss Warning

Heavy emphasis on losing your videos (even if you never posted)

After You Delete

  • Consider if you want to delete your entire Google account
  • You can still watch YouTube logged out (with no recommendations)
  • Install an extension to hide recommendations if you must visit
  • Your YouTube Music and YouTube TV are also affected

Ready to commit?

Sign the pledge and join thousands who have taken their lives back.