YouTube's Community Guidelines clearly spell out a number of banned content topics that you aren't allowed to upload. However, with millions of new videos uploaded daily, ensuring strict compliance across the board becomes a challenge.

To contain inappropriate content and make its platform safe for every user, YouTube relies on its users to be its eyes, and report something when the need arises. And, thanks to anonymous reporting, you don't need to worry about being labeled a snitch.

So, in this article, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about how to report content on YouTube.

What to Know Before Reporting Content on YouTube

You can flag different types of inappropriate content on YouTube ranging from a thumbnail to a live chat message. But before you begin to randomly flag everything in sight, you'll need to first familiarize yourself with the types of content you should report to YouTube.

You should also note that you can be penalized for abusing the reporting feature. With that being said, let's now go over how to report inappropriate content on YouTube.

How to Report a Thumbnail on YouTube

A thumbnail is a small but vital factor in making your videos go viral. Hence, some creators resort to click-baiting, including the use of sexually gratifying imagery, contrary to Community Guidelines.

To report such an infraction:

1. Go to YouTube or open the app, and locate the video in question.
2. Click on the three dots button under the thumbnail.

   

3. From the menu options, scroll down and click on Report.
4. Select your reason for reporting the thumbnail or its title and click Report.

   

How to Report an Ad on YouTube

Some ads may be inappropriate or go against Google's ad policies. If you see any such ads, here's what to do:

1. Move your mouse over the info icon shown on the ad.
2. Click Why this ad?

   

3. Review the information in the dialog box then click Report this ad.

Related: How to Report Someone on Discord

How to Report a Video on YouTube

With millions of videos uploaded daily, you're bound to come across some that flagrantly violate laid down Community Guidelines.

Here's how to report offending videos:

1. Open YouTube and locate the video.
2. While the video is playing or paused, click on the three dots button to the right of the Save button.

   

3. A dialog box will pop up.

   

4. Select the reason why you're reporting the video and click Next.
5. Use the timestamp to indicate the actual time when the violation occurs in the video.
6. With no more than 500 words provide additional information about the infringement for which you're reporting the video.

   

7. Click Report when done.

How to Report a Playlist on YouTube

YouTube also allows you to report a playlist if its content, title, description, or tags violate community guidelines, for instance, if it contains gore or promotes self-harm. Here's how:

1. Open YouTube and go to the playlist you want to report.
2. On the playlist page, click on the title of the playlist.
3. Then, on the left side panel, click on the three dots button just after the share button.
4. Click on Report playlist.

   

5. Click on Submit to confirm that you want to report the playlist.

   

How to Report a Channel on YouTube

To report a channel:

1. Open YouTube and go to the channel you want to report.
2. Click on the About tab,
3. Scroll to the bottom of the right side menu and click on the flag icon.

   

4. Choose whether to block the user, report the channel art, profile picture, or the user.
5. In this case, we select Report user then click Next.

   

6. Check the boxes to select the videos you want to report and click Next.
7. Provide additional information regarding the video or channel to buttress your point.

   

8. Click Submit when done.

How to Report a Comment on YouTube

It is also easy to report spam comments whether on videos you upload yourself or watch. Here's how:

1. Open YouTube and go to the comment you want to flag.
2. Click on the three dots button and click on Report.
3. Select the reason for reporting the comment and click on Report.

   

The process is the same on the YouTube mobile app. Bear in mind that a comment will be marked as spam only if many users report it as such. However, the video uploader has the final say and can unmark a comment as spam.

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How to Report a Live Chat Message on YouTube

If you're on a YouTube live stream and notice inappropriate content in the live chat towards you or someone else, here's how you can report it:

1. While on the live stream, go to the message you want to report and click on the three dots button.
2. Click on Report.

   

3. Select your reason for reporting the message and click on Report.

   

4. Review the information and click Ok when done.

How to Report a YouTube Short

If you find any YouTube Shorts where the content goes against the platform's community standards, here's how you can report it:

1. Open the YouTube mobile app and go to the Shorts video in question.
2. Tap on the three dots button at the top of the like button and tap on Report.

   

   

   

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3. Select your reason for reporting the video and tap on Report.
4. Review the information on the screen and tap Close when done.

Related: Apple Tackles App Store Scams With New "Report a Problem" Button

Do Your Part: See Something, Say Something

Reported content is constantly reviewed and penalized if found to be in violation of Community Guidelines. Repeated violations could result in the termination of the channel.

When you see something inappropriate, do your part by reporting it. However, note that a video, for instance, will not be taken down simply because it has been reported multiple times.

It must be established that there's indeed a violation of community standards. This is one way that YouTube and other social networks try to encourage responsible use of their platforms.