Is YouTube safe to use?

Safe

Yes. YouTube itself is safe; the risks are scam videos, malware links in descriptions and content unsuitable for kids.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by: Google (Alphabet)
Based in: San Bruno, USA
Encryption: Standard encryption in transit.
Data it collects: Watch and search history, Google account data and device information.
Minimum age: 13+ (YouTube Kids for younger children)

What keeps you safe

Google account security with passkeys and 2-Step Verification.
YouTube Kids and supervised accounts for children.
Watch history can be paused and auto-deleted.

Risks to know about

Paid $170 million in 2019 to settle US charges over collecting children's data.
Hacked channels run fake crypto livestreams.
Video descriptions sometimes link to malware ("free software", "cracks").

Scams to watch for on YouTube

Crypto giveaway livestreams on hijacked channels.
"Free" game cheats and cracked software downloads.
Fake sponsorship emails to creators carrying malware.

Is YouTube legit?

YouTube is legit and owned by Google.

Is it safe for kids?

Use YouTube Kids or a supervised account.

How to use YouTube safely

Turn on 2-Step Verification.
Pause or auto-delete watch history.
Never download files linked in video descriptions.

Where YouTube is restricted

Does a VPN make YouTube safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop YouTube collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is YouTube safe to use?

Yes. YouTube itself is safe; the risks are scam videos, malware links in descriptions and content unsuitable for kids.

Is YouTube legit?

YouTube is legit and owned by Google.

Is YouTube encrypted?

Standard encryption in transit.

What data does YouTube collect?

Watch and search history, Google account data and device information.

Is YouTube safe for kids?

Use YouTube Kids or a supervised account.

Does a VPN make YouTube safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on YouTube. It does not stop YouTube itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources

Google privacy policy