Methods and apparatus provide for an insert deflector to provide a user (i.e. video editor) with greater control as to media enhancements applied to a user-created video. Specifically, the insert deflector provides blocking code for a portion of a media presentation created by the user. The blocking code is associated with an edit decision list that defines the media presentation. Via execution of the edit decision list to render the media presentation, the insert deflector applies the blocking code to prevent insertion of at least one media insert at the portion of the media presentation. A media insert can be an advertisement inserted into a user-created video, or an advertisement shown in conjunction with the playback of the video.