So, you just spent hours filming, editing, and uploading a video you’re really proud of. You hit publish, feel good about it, and then... BAM — some random person leaves a nasty, rude comment.
Welcome to YouTube.
I know it doesn’t feel like a good thing in the moment, but honestly? It kind of is. Getting trolled usually means your content is getting seen. And the more you grow, the more likely it is that someone out there will have something not-so-nice to say.
So, let’s talk about how to deal with trolls on YouTube without letting them steal your energy or make you second-guess your purpose.
Trolls Are Inevitable (and Weirdly Encouraging)
If you’re creating content — especially stuff that actually makes an impact — someone will disagree with you at some point. That’s just part of being visible online.
I’ve been on YouTube since 2017, and over the years, I’ve had people tell me I suck, that I don’t know how to play guitar, and that I shouldn’t be teaching. Some of them are probably just bitter. Others might be jealous. Either way, here’s the truth:
Trolls don’t pay your bills.
And they definitely don’t get to dictate how you show up.
Trolls vs. Constructive Criticism
Let’s be real: not all feedback is bad. Sometimes, someone leaves a comment that stings a little, but it’s actually helpful. Trolls, on the other hand, are just there to stir the pot. They bring no value — just negativity.
If someone’s just ranting or name-calling with nothing helpful to say, don’t take it personally. Most of the time, it says more about them than it does about you.
Use YouTube's Settings to Protect Your Space
You don’t have to sit back and let toxic comments pile up. YouTube actually gives you tools to keep things under control:
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Filter out keywords: In your channel settings, you can block specific words or phrases from showing up in your comments.
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Hide users: If someone keeps trolling you, click the three dots next to their comment and select “Hide user from channel.” That person can still comment, but no one else will see it — not even you.
It’s like muting someone at a party without kicking them out. Peaceful and effective.
Don’t Let a Troll Kill Your Motivation
I’ve seen people stop posting completely because they couldn’t handle the negativity in the comments. And that breaks my heart.
Listen — trolls are usually a tiny fraction of your audience. And chances are, they were never going to buy from you, support your business, or cheer you on anyway. So don’t let them take up more space in your mind than they deserve.
Focus on the people who love your content. The ones who leave comments like, “This finally made sense to me!” or “You explained it better than anyone else has!” That’s your real community.
You Can Even Have Fun With It (If That’s Your Style)
There was a time I used to do a “Troll of the Day” post on Instagram — just for fun. I’d share something ridiculous a troll said and clap back with a witty reply. And guess what? My community loved it. They’d jump in and have my back, and it actually boosted engagement on my other platforms.
You don’t have to do this, of course. But if you’re someone who doesn’t take hate too seriously, turning it into content can be a fun way to take back control.
Know When to Engage and When to Ignore
Not every strange-sounding comment is meant to be hurtful. Sometimes it’s just a language barrier or poor wording. In those cases, I try to respond kindly or ask for clarification.
But if someone’s clearly just being nasty, I don’t waste a second on them. Hide and move on.
Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right
Seriously — if someone’s trolling you, it means people are watching. And if people are watching, that means you're building influence. That’s huge.
So here’s what I want you to remember:
💬 Don’t feed the trolls.
💻 Use YouTube’s tools to protect your space.
💖 Focus on the people you’re helping.
🎯 Keep creating. Keep showing up.
Because the people who matter, they’re the ones you’re making content for.