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Practical guides to content removal, privacy, and reputation repair. Not affiliated with Google.
You can delete a video you uploaded in YouTube Studio. If someone else uploaded it, use YouTube’s privacy complaint process for identifiable personal information or likeness, report a Community Guidelines violation such as harassment, or submit a copyright removal request if you own the rights or represent the owner. Start with the video URL and exact timestamps.
Reviewed November 10, 2026 · Remove Online Information
YouTube Video Removal Guide:
Choose the right YouTube removal request
Choose the right YouTube removal request
Privacy or synthetic likeness. If a video identifies you through your face, voice, or personal details, or realistically imitates you with AI, review YouTube’s Privacy Guidelines. Note exactly where and how the video identifies you.
Harassment, threats, or other policy violations. Sign in, open the video’s More menu, choose Report, and select the applicable reason. YouTube reviews reports against its Community Guidelines. See YouTube’s reporting instructions.
Copyright infringement. The copyright owner or an authorized representative can submit a legal takedown request. Review possible copyright exceptions and what details may be shared with the uploader. See YouTube’s copyright removal instructions.
Allegedly defamatory statements. YouTube’s legal complaint process asks for each video URL and the specific statements at issue. See YouTube’s defamation complaint requirements.
Nonconsensual intimate imagery. YouTube lists a dedicated U.S. reporting route under Other legal complaints. See our intimate image removal guide for related options.
What to include in a YouTube removal request
What to include in a YouTube removal request
The direct video URL and channel name. List each reupload separately.
Start and end timestamps for each segment, plus the location of any issue in the title, thumbnail, or description.
A short explanation tying each item to the applicable policy. Quote the exact words if you are disputing a specific statement.
Your submission receipt or case number so you can track YouTube’s response.
- Delete your own upload or check Google Search
If you control the channel, open YouTube Studio, select Content, open the video’s menu, and choose Delete forever. Download a copy first if you want to keep it. See YouTube’s deletion instructions.
After the video goes down, check the original watch URL and any reuploads separately. If Google still displays an outdated result after the source changes, see the Google search result removal guide.
YouTube removal FAQ
YouTube removal FAQ
Can I remove a YouTube video someone else uploaded?
Can I remove a YouTube video someone else uploaded?
The uploader can remove it voluntarily. YouTube can act when a video violates its policies or a valid legal request applies. Being unhappy with a video alone generally does not establish a policy violation.
Does reporting a video automatically remove it?
Does reporting a video automatically remove it?
YouTube reviews the report and may remove or age-restrict the content, depending on its findings. Check your reporting history for updates.
How long does YouTube take to remove a video?
How long does YouTube take to remove a video?
Timing depends on the reporting route and YouTube’s review. Keep the confirmation and check the original watch link for changes.
Get help reviewing a YouTube video
Get help reviewing a YouTube video
If you’re unsure which route fits, request a removal assessment. Include the video URL, relevant timestamps, and any response you’ve already received from YouTube. For another platform, see the social media content removal guide.
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