On May 14, YouTube abruptly removed Bitcoin-focused broadcaster Roxom TV, erasing 2,000 subscribers overnight. Roxom TV, founded by Borja and Helena Martel Seward in November 2024, gained a following for its Bitcoin news, culture, and educational content. However, YouTube cited “harmful and dangerous content” as the reason for the ban, according to Alex McShane, the channel’s Bitcoin strategy director.
McShane told Cryptonews that Roxom TV’s recent transcripts do not align with the violations listed in YouTube’s email, speculating that the channel may have been flagged by an automated moderation system. He suggested that the algorithm might have mistakenly identified Roxom’s live Bitcoin coverage as promoting crypto scams, adding that the appeal was reviewed by bots rather than human moderators.
The crackdown on Roxom TV mirrors similar actions in December 2019, when YouTube purged at least 35 crypto-focused channels, including Bankless and Cointelegraph, citing violations of community guidelines. While those channels were eventually reinstated, Roxom TV’s future remains uncertain as the team awaits a manual review.
YouTube’s recent efforts to curb gambling-related content may have inadvertently impacted crypto creators. The platform announced in March 2025 that it would crack down on videos promoting gambling sites and promising “guaranteed returns.” Although Roxom TV was not explicitly accused of these violations, McShane fears that automated algorithms could misinterpret crypto content as gambling-related.
Nikki Martinez, head of short-form content at Hype, told Cryptonews that creators often face bans for using trigger words like “easy money” or “instant payout.” Martinez, who advises crypto clients on TikTok, noted that algorithms tend to overcorrect, flagging legitimate content as scams. She emphasized the importance of building a presence on multiple platforms to avoid reliance on centralized platforms like YouTube.
For crypto creators navigating content policies, Martinez recommends using subtler language like “side hustle” or “digital income” to avoid algorithmic flags. She also urged creators to diversify their platforms, including decentralized protocols like Nostr and Calaxy, where content is less likely to be censored.
Wendy O, a crypto content creator with 2,050 subscribers on YouTube, shared similar advice, emphasizing the importance of reviewing platform policies and using cautious language. “Understand the platform’s guidelines and avoid terms that could trigger algorithmic flags,” she advised, noting that even well-intentioned content can be misconstrued as harmful or deceptive.
