Complete Filtering Guide
Master FilterTube's powerful filtering system to create the perfect YouTube experience. From basic content blocking to advanced filtering strategies.
Quick Start Guide
Install FilterTube
Download and install the browser extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
Set Your Keywords
Add keywords, channel names, or video titles you want to filter out of your feed.
Browse Safely
Enjoy a cleaner, more focused YouTube experience tailored to your preferences.
Keyword Filtering Mastery
π― How Keyword Filtering Works
FilterTube scans video titles, descriptions, and channel names for your specified keywords. When a match is found, the content is instantly hidden from your feed.
Example Filter Setup:
Best Practices
- β’Start broad: Use general terms like "drama" before specific names
- β’Use variations: Add both "politics" and "political"
- β’Case insensitive: "ASMR" and "asmr" work the same
- β’Regular review: Update your filters as trends change
Common Mistakes
- β’Over-filtering: Too many keywords can hide wanted content
- β’Generic words: Avoid filtering "the" or "video"
- β’Typos ignored: Filter won't catch "poltics" if you set "politics"
- β’No wildcards: Each variation needs to be added separately
Channel Blocking Strategies
π‘οΈ Complete Channel Removal
Channel blocking is the most powerful tool for removing unwanted content sources entirely. When you block a channel, no videos from that creator will appear in any YouTube section.
How to Block Channels:
- Right-click on any video from the unwanted channel
- Select "Block Channel" from the FilterTube menu
- The channel is instantly added to your block list
- All current and future videos from this channel are hidden
π Channel Management Tips
β When to Block Channels
- β’ Consistently inappropriate content
- β’ Misleading or harmful information
- β’ Content that triggers anxiety/ADHD
- β’ Channels that post too frequently
- β’ Low-quality or repetitive content
βοΈ Alternatives to Consider
- β’ Use keyword filters for specific topics
- β’ Temporarily mute instead of permanent block
- β’ Block specific video types, not entire channel
- β’ Use YouTube's "Don't recommend" feature first
- β’ Consider if content is valuable but overwhelming
Advanced Filtering Techniques
π Power User Strategies
π Category-Based Filtering
Group your filters by content type:
β° Time-Based Filtering
Adjust filters based on your needs:
π― Precision Filtering
Partial Word Matching
FilterTube matches partial words within titles and descriptions:
Multi-Language Support
Add filters in multiple languages for comprehensive blocking:
Filtering for Special Needs
π§ ADHD-Friendly Setup
Recommended Filters:
- β’ "clickbait", "you won't believe"
- β’ "reaction", "reacting to"
- β’ "drama", "exposed", "cancelled"
- β’ "breaking", "urgent", "happening now"
- β’ Long-form content keywords if preferred
Pro Tip: Filter overstimulating content like rapid-cut videos, extreme colors, or loud sound effects to maintain focus.
πΏ Anxiety-Reducing Filters
Calming Environment:
- β’ "scary", "horror", "jumpscare"
- β’ "argument", "fight", "angry"
- β’ "crisis", "emergency", "disaster"
- β’ "intense", "extreme", "shocking"
- β’ News keywords during stressful periods
Suggestion: Create separate filter profiles for different emotional states and switch between them as needed.
Troubleshooting & Fine-Tuning
π§ Common Issues & Solutions
β "Filters not working on some videos"
Cause: Content uses alternative spellings or languages
Solution: Add variations like "pol1tics", "p0litics", or check if content is in another language
β "Accidentally blocked wanted content"
Cause: Filter keywords too broad or generic
Solution: Review and refine filters. Use more specific terms or temporarily disable filters to test
β "FilterTube seems slow"
Cause: Too many active filters or browser overload
Solution: Optimize filter list, remove duplicates, or restart browser to clear cache
π Performance Optimization
β‘ Speed Tips
- β’ Keep filter list under 100 keywords
- β’ Remove redundant or overlapping filters
- β’ Use channel blocks instead of many keyword filters when possible
- β’ Clear extension cache periodically
π― Accuracy Tips
- β’ Test filters on a few videos before mass application
- β’ Review filtered content weekly to catch mistakes
- β’ Use specific rather than general terms when possible
- β’ Keep a backup of your filter settings
Ready-Made Filter Templates
π Educational Focus
Blocks entertainment, keeps learning:
Perfect for students or focused learning sessions. Allows educational, tutorial, and documentary content while filtering distractions.
π§ Mindful Consumption
Promotes calm, positive content:
Ideal for mental health maintenance. Filters negative, stressful, or emotionally draining content while preserving uplifting material.
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family Safe
Child-appropriate filtering:
Comprehensive family protection. Removes mature themes, inappropriate language, and potentially disturbing content.
πΌ Professional Environment
Work-appropriate content only:
Maintains professional focus. Allows industry-relevant, educational, and skill-building content while filtering personal entertainment.
Ready to Master Your YouTube Experience?
Start with our templates and customize them to your needs. Remember, the best filter setup is one that evolves with your preferences and life circumstances.