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YouTube Music Tests Artist Blocking Feature Amid User Demand
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YouTube Music Tests Artist Blocking Feature Amid User Demand

WireByte Staff · June 11, 2026

YouTube Music is testing a "Don't recommend artist" button for some Android users, a long-requested feature to block unwanted musicians. Currently, the button appears only on the home page and does not actively block artists in early tests, leaving its full functionality unconfirmed as the feature awaits wider feedback and development.

Key points

  • YouTube Music is experimenting with a "Don't recommend artist" feature for a subset of Android users.
  • This functionality was a highly requested addition by users seeking to curate their listening experience.
  • The button has been observed only on the app's home screen and not within playing queues or generated playlists.
  • Initial reports from testers indicate that activating the button currently has no effect on blocking artists.
  • The feature's rollout and effectiveness are subject to user feedback before a potential wider release.

YouTube Music has begun testing a "Don't recommend artist" button, a feature long desired by users looking to exercise greater control over their music selection. The experimental option is currently appearing for a limited number of users on the Android version of the app.

This new button, spotted by users on platforms like Reddit, aims to allow individuals to signify artists they do not wish to be recommended. However, early reports suggest the feature is not yet fully functional. Testers have noted that the "Don't recommend artist" button, when tapped, does not appear to block the specified artists from appearing on the home page. Furthermore, the button's availability is restricted, currently only showing up on the app's home screen and not in other areas like the playing queue or algorithmic playlists.

The company, Google, has not confirmed the full scope or intended functionality of this test. Similar to many feature rollouts, this appears to be a preliminary test phase. YouTube Music will likely gather feedback from these initial users to determine the button's efficacy and refine its performance before considering a broader implementation.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.