YouTube has removed Roxom TV, a Bitcoin-centric media platform, wiping out 2,000 subscribers in a single day. Founded by Borja and Helena Martel Seward in late 2024, Roxom TV had become known for its live Bitcoin news coverage and crypto educational content. However, on May 14, the channel was taken down without a clear explanation, according to Alex McShane, Roxom’s director of Bitcoin strategy.
YouTube cited violations of its “harmful and dangerous content” policy, but McShane believes the ban was likely an automated decision based on algorithmic misinterpretation. “We suspect a bot flagged our content, mistaking it for crypto scams or gambling promotions,” he told Cryptonews. Despite submitting an appeal, the team received a generic denial response, with no opportunity for human review.
YouTube’s aggressive stance against gambling content may have contributed to the confusion. In March 2025, the platform warned against videos promoting gambling sites and promising “guaranteed returns.” Although Roxom TV was not accused of these specific violations, McShane noted that live political coverage involving Bitcoin might have triggered algorithmic flags.
This incident is reminiscent of YouTube’s December 2019 “crypto-purge,” during which several crypto-focused channels, including Bankless and Altcoin Daily, were banned. Those channels were eventually reinstated, but Roxom TV’s status remains in limbo as the team seeks a manual review.
Nikki Martinez, head of short-form content at Hype, shared insights on algorithm-triggered bans, explaining that platforms like YouTube and TikTok often flag content based on specific keywords. “Words like ‘instant payout’ or ‘guaranteed profit’ can set off automated bans,” she said, emphasizing that creators must adapt their language to avoid misinterpretation.
Martinez advises crypto creators to adopt subtler phrasing, such as “side hustle” or “digital income,” to reduce the risk of being flagged. She also recommends diversifying content distribution across multiple platforms, including decentralized protocols like Calaxy and Nostr, which are less prone to algorithmic censorship.
Wendy O, a prominent YouTube crypto creator with 2,050 subscribers, urged her peers to carefully review platform guidelines and adjust their language. “Avoid using terms that could be misconstrued as financial advice or gambling promotions,” she said, stressing that even well-intentioned content can be flagged under vague content policies.
