Short answer
Start with the Google account behind the channel: recover and secure it first. Then revert unwanted changes on the channel immediately to avoid policy penalties — YouTube Studio has a cleanup tool that lists unusual activity — and remove unknown channel permissions. Eligible creators, such as those in the YouTube Partner Program, can contact Creator Support, and YouTube offers a hacked-channel assistant. YouTube says support is limited to incidents from roughly the past nine months, so act fast.
How channels get hacked
Most hijacks start with a fake sponsorship or collaboration email carrying a file that installs malware. The malware steals the browser’s session cookies, which can bypass both the password and two-factor authentication. The attacker then renames the channel to impersonate a brand, hides or deletes videos and runs crypto “giveaway” livestreams.
Step 1: recover the Google account
Use Google’s account recovery from a device and place you have used before, then secure the account — the process is in our hacked Google account guide. Run a malware scan on every computer used for the channel before signing in again, or the session can be stolen a second time.
Step 2: clean up the channel
- Open YouTube Studio and use the cleanup tool to review unusual changes; confirm what wasn’t you so it can suggest fixes.
- Delete scam videos and livestreams, and restore the channel name, handle, picture and description.
- Review channel permissions and remove anyone you don’t recognise.
- Check AdSense and payment details.
Step 3: strikes or termination caused by the hack
Scam livestreams often lead to strikes or termination. Report the hack through YouTube’s hacked-channel help, and if the channel was terminated, appeal and state clearly that it was compromised, when, and what you have done since. How the appeal works is covered in our channel termination guide.
Step 4: secure every channel user
- Sign out of all sessions on the Google account and change the password.
- Use passkeys or a security key for every owner and manager.
- Never open “sponsor” files on the computer you use for the channel; check offers in a separate, clean environment.
- Give team members the lowest channel permission they need.
Frequently asked questions
Will YouTube restore videos the hacker deleted?
YouTube may be able to help restore content after a confirmed hack, especially when it is reported quickly. Report the incident promptly through its hacked-channel help.
Doesn’t two-factor authentication prevent this?
Not always. Stolen session cookies can bypass the password and two-factor authentication, which is why malware removal and signing out all sessions matter.
Is there a time limit for help with a hacked channel?
YouTube says support is limited to potential hacking incidents within roughly the past nine months because of its data retention policy.
My channel was terminated during the hack. Can it come back?
Often yes. Report the hack and appeal, explaining that the violations happened while the channel was compromised.
Sources: YouTube Help — recover a hacked channel, YouTube Help — clean up a hacked channel