To block YouTube across your Mac browsers with Blocker, add youtube.com to a blocklist, select that list and start a timed block. The domain’s subdomains are included. You can use the same list in a weekly schedule.
This guide is for taking a break from the whole site while you work. I build Blocker; it has a seven-day trial, followed by a one-time licence.
Choose the method that fits the problem
For a built-in daily allowance, look at Screen Time’s limits for apps and websites. A browser extension can suit a browser-only rule. Blocker is useful when you want one timed block across Safari, Chrome, Firefox and other browsers, plus a choice of how hard it is to stop early.
If you need to block a particular channel or video while keeping YouTube available, this whole-domain approach will not fit. Compare Cold Turkey’s finer website rules before choosing.
Add the domain and start a short block
- Install Blocker on macOS 14 or newer and open it. No app account is required.
- Create or choose a blocklist. Add youtube.com as a website. You do not need a separate entry for m.youtube.com.
- If short links or embedded videos are also a distraction, add youtu.be and youtube-nocookie.com. These are separate domains.
- Choose the list in Block Now, set a short custom duration and use Off mode for the first check.
- Start the block. For the next work session, choose a longer timer or create a weekly schedule.
Check the browsers you actually use
Open a new YouTube page in each of your usual browsers while the block is active. Check a short link too if you added that domain. A video already buffered in an open tab may keep playing; close that tab when you start your session.
The optional local certificate lets Blocker display its blocked page on HTTPS sites. macOS asks you to approve it during setup. Blocking still works if you skip it; read the certificate explanation if the page looks different from the preview.
After your short test, decide whether Off, Strict or Hardcore fits the session. Hardcore has one weekly emergency pass; choose the mode with that exception in mind.
Keep the useful parts of your work available
A whole-site block also stops tutorials you might need. Plan your reference material before starting, or leave YouTube out of a research session. Blocking the site is different from hiding Shorts or removing ads.
This block applies to your Mac. It does not stop you opening YouTube on a phone. If you need a shared session on several devices, Freedom may fit better.
Want to block several feeds together? Start from the social-media focus setup, then adjust the domains to your own distractions.