How Long Does a YouTube Shadow Ban Last?

In my experience, a shadow ban can last until you start creating content that really engages viewers. This means focusing on making thumbnails that viewers can’t resist clicking and producing videos that keep them watching all the way through. If your content doesn't resonate, the algorithm may not prioritize showing it, leading to a drop in visibility.

I once faced a drop in visibility after I deleted and re-uploaded some poorly performing shorts. I took a break from YouTube for about a month, and when I returned, everything was back to normal. Based on my experience, I’d estimate that a shadow ban could last up to a month, but sometimes it resolves quicker.

I posted a controversial video that upset some viewers, and my views plummeted from about 3,000 a day to just 80. This lasted for exactly one week, and then my views started to return to normal. I suspect this was a temporary shadow ban of sorts, likely triggered by the backlash and reports from viewers.

I've done some research and I believe that shadow bans do exist, though YouTube may not openly acknowledge them. From what I've gathered, they can last anywhere from one day to indefinitely. The algorithm can flag your content without notifying you, leading to a decline in views as it stops promoting your videos in browsing features.