YouTube offers a powerful but often overlooked feature that allows you to filter out inappropriate (adult or violent) videos and disable comments. Here’s how you can set up YouTube’s Restricted and Moderate modes for safer browsing.
Understanding YouTube Restricted and Moderate Modes
YouTube provides two filtering options that can help parents and schools ensure a safer viewing experience on all devices and browsers connected to your network. By enabling these modes, you can block access to adult content and restrict comments. This setting cannot be overridden at the browser level, giving you added peace of mind.
Note: If you’re using CleanBrowsing’s Family Filter, YouTube’s Restrict-Moderate mode is enforced automatically, so no additional setup is required.
YouTube Offers Two Modes:
| Attack | Explanation |
|---|---|
| restrict.youtube.com | The stricter option, blocking videos with violence, strong language, or adult content. It also disables comments, similar to YouTube Kids. Recommended for children under 12. |
| restrictmoderate.youtube.com | A slightly less strict filter that blocks videos with potential violence, sexuality, or explicit content. It also disables comments. |
Configuring YouTube Restrictions via DNS
YouTube’s Restricted Mode works by redirecting traffic to specific YouTube servers. By re-mapping YouTube domains to Google’s restricted CNAME addresses, you can enforce these filters across your network.
restrictmoderate.youtube.com → IP: 216.239.38.119
restrict.youtube.com → IP: 216.239.38.120
Method 1: Re-mapping via the Hosts File
f you’re using a Mac, Linux, or Windows device, you can manually edit the hosts file to enforce restricted YouTube access:
Add the following lines to the file:
1 – Open the hosts file:
- On Mac/Linux:
/etc/hosts
- On Windows:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
2 – Add the Following lines to the file
216.239.38.119 www.youtube.com 216.239.38.119 m.youtube.com 216.239.38.119 youtubei.googleapis.com 216.239.38.119 youtube.googleapis.com 216.239.38.119 www.youtube-nocookie.com
3 – Save the file and clear your DNS cache.
4 – Visit YouTube to confirm that comments and adult content are blocked.
Method 2: Re-mapping via Your Router
To enforce YouTube restrictions network-wide, you can configure your router’s DNS settings:
1 – Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2 – Navigate to the DNS or domain mapping section (this may be under DHCP or Settings).
3 – Map the following domains to the IP address 216.239.38.119:
www.youtube.comm.youtube.comyoutubei.googleapis.comyoutube.googleapis.comwww.youtube-nocookie.com
4 – Save the changes and reboot your router.
Safe YouTube
Kids spend a lot of time on YouTube, making it crucial to limit their exposure to inappropriate content. By using these settings, you can better protect them. If you prefer a more straightforward solution, CleanBrowsing’s Family Filter handles this for you automatically.
Give these methods a try to see which works best for your network setup!