YouTube is launching a new account recovery assistant specifically for creators who suspect their channels have been compromised. The tool, accessible through the YouTube Help Center, guides users through a structured recovery process to regain control of hacked accounts.

“We’re excited to announce that YouTube is rolling out a new troubleshooting tool to help creators who believe their account has been hacked,” states TeamYouTube in their announcement.

How the Recovery Process Works

The new tool walks creators through a series of verification questions about themselves and their channel. This process first secures access to the associated Google account and then addresses changes made by unauthorized users.

YouTube’s approach recognizes that channel hacking typically involves the compromise of the linked Google account. The recovery process consists of three key steps: recovering the hacked Google account, reverting unwanted channel changes to prevent policy violations, and implementing security best practices to prevent future unauthorized access.

Availability and Limitations

Currently, the tool is only available in English when accessing the Help Center in that language. Additionally, some troubleshooting features are currently limited to certain creators, although YouTube confirms that they are “working to make this feature available to ALL creators in the future.”

For creators unable to use the tool successfully, YouTube recommends contacting their support team via X (formerly Twitter) by messaging @TeamYouTube.

Additional Support Options

The recovery process differs depending on whether creators can still sign in to their Google account. Those who maintain access should update their password immediately, while those locked out must complete Google’s account recovery process.

Creators enrolled in the YouTube Partner Program may qualify for specialized assistance from the Creator Support team after recovering their Google account. Non-eligible creators can seek help through YouTube’s social media support channels.

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