YouTube's recommendation system crashes due to a glitch

At around 10:00 AM on February 18, 2026, there was an issue that made it difficult to connect to YouTube. This issue was caused by a problem with the 'recommendation system.'

We have received numerous reports of issues with YouTube today, and we are currently investigating the issue. We will update you via the link below as soon as we have any progress.

https://t.co/ZDmmxYsoei

— YouTube Japan (@YouTubeJapan) February 18, 2026

Starting on the morning of February 18th, users began experiencing difficulties connecting to YouTube, with many reporting the issue on social media. Downdetector, which aggregates reports of issues on social media, shows that reports were received between 10:00 AM and just after 11:00 AM on February 18th. At its peak in the United States , there were approximately 300,000 reports.

YouTube connection/system issues? Get real-time updates on service interruptions and other issues | Downdetector
https://downdetector.jp/shougai/youtube/

Some users have reported that they can see embedded websites and subscribed channels, but the homepage does not work.

There's a problem with YouTube, but is it just on the home page?

You can access what's currently playing, or if you're using the app you can access it from 'Subscribed Channels' or 'My Page', or things you've received notifications about.

On PC, the recommendation section next to the video playback area? It's completely blank though!

https://t.co/KR3yw8FxfN

— Ikuto Fumituki 🗝🍀 (@ikuto_fumituki) February 18, 2026

There's a problem with YouTube and the home screen is dead.

This is the first time I've ever felt that subscribing to a channel is so important.

Be sure to subscribe to your favorite channels. pic.twitter.com/1yxv598iaA

— Yuto 🎲Immersive lab (@asobi_yuto) February 18, 2026

It's not just you, YouTube is partially down in outage
https://9to5google.com/2026/02/17/youtube-outage-february-2026/

There were also media outlets encouraging viewers to watch on other platforms rather than YouTube.

As of 10:25am on Wednesday the 18th, you may not be able to watch the video due to a YouTube malfunction.
If you are unable to play the program on YouTube, please try watching it here.

・TikTok https://t.co/ABimls4fx7
・R Channel CH107 https://t.co/tdZEqeEV0I

— Weather News LiVE (@wni_live) February 18, 2026

YouTube updated its help page just after 11:00 AM on the 18th, stating that the homepage had been restored. According to YouTube, 'Due to an issue with our recommendation system, videos were not appearing in various places on YouTube (including the homepage, YouTube app, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids).'

🚨 Having trouble accessing YouTube - YouTube Community
https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/410930933?linkId=53397938

YouTube also said, 'We're continuing to work toward a full fix. We've also received a small number of reports that some users are unable to sign in to YouTube TV. This is related to a wider issue across YouTube that we're working to fix. Please stay tuned for updates!'