Editing YouTube down February 18 2026 Fix is Backup (section)

== Cause ==
Google/YouTube identified the root cause as a technical issue with the platform's '''recommendations system'''. This algorithmic feature powers video suggestions on the homepage, app feeds, YouTube Music, and other surfaces. The problem prevented videos from appearing properly across these areas.

Official statement from TeamYouTube (via X and Google Support):

* Initial acknowledgment: "We’re aware some of you are having issues accessing YouTube right now. Our teams are aware, and we’ll provide updates as soon as we have them."
* Update on cause: "An issue with our recommendations system prevented videos from appearing across surfaces on YouTube (including the homepage, the YouTube app, YouTube Music and YouTube Kids)."
* Final resolution: "The issue with our recommendations system has been resolved and all of our platforms (YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids, and TV) are back to normal! We really appreciate you bearing with us while we sorted this out."