YouTube Shorts has quickly become one of the platform’s most popular features, offering short, fast-paced videos designed to keep viewers engaged. While entertaining, many users find Shorts distracting, especially when trying to focus on longer videos or specific content. Some parents are also concerned about the impact on children’s screen time.
In this article, we’ll explore how to disable YouTube Shorts, hide Shorts on YouTube, and manage your feed to reduce unwanted content. Whether you’re using a mobile device, desktop, or third-party tools, this guide provides practical, step-by-step solutions.
Why Users Want to Disable YouTube Shorts
Many people find YouTube Shorts distracting because they autoplay and encourage endless scrolling. Others are concerned about privacy, as Shorts can show personalized recommendations that some users may not want. Parents often look for ways to protect children from inappropriate content and manage screen time effectively.
Productivity & Focus Reasons
Shorts can interrupt concentration and reduce time spent on longer, more meaningful videos. They often encourage endless scrolling, making it easy to lose track of time and decreasing overall productivity while watching YouTube.
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Privacy Concerns
User data and preferences can influence Shorts recommendations. YouTube’s algorithm analyzes watch history, likes, and interactions to suggest Shorts that align with your interests, which can sometimes lead to repetitive or distracting content.
Parental Control Considerations
Limiting Shorts helps manage what children watch and reduces screen time. By controlling Shorts exposure, parents can encourage healthier viewing habits, prevent excessive scrolling, and ensure children engage with age-appropriate content.
Step-by-Step Guide: Official Ways to Hide Shorts
YouTube provides several built-in options to help users disable YouTube Shorts and hide Shorts on YouTube without needing extra tools. These methods work on both desktop and mobile devices.
On Desktop
To remove Shorts from your feed, hover over a Shorts video and click the three-dot menu. Select “Not interested” or “Hide Shorts”. This reduces their appearance on your YouTube homepage and YouTube Shorts feed over time.
On Mobile App
Open the YouTube app, find a Shorts video, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Show fewer Shorts”. You can also adjust YouTube app settings to limit Shorts recommendations.
YouTube Settings Overview
Explore your account settings under Notifications and Recommendations to further customize your feed, limiting the Shorts that appear automatically.
Browser-Based Solutions to Block Shorts
If you want to completely remove YouTube Shorts from your feed on desktop, browser extensions are a reliable option. These tools help hide Shorts on YouTube without altering the official app.
Recommended Extensions
Popular extensions like Remove YouTube Shorts and YouTube Shorts Block effectively eliminate Shorts from your YouTube homepage, search results, and recommendations.
Installation & Setup
Simply install the extension from your browser’s web store, enable it, and refresh YouTube. The Shorts section will be hidden automatically.
Pros, Cons, and Compatibility Issues
Extensions are easy to use and free, but they may not work on all browsers or after YouTube updates. Regular updates are recommended to ensure continued functionality.
Mobile App Solutions for Android & iOS
For users who primarily watch YouTube on smartphones, there are several ways to disable YouTube Shorts and hide Shorts on YouTube without relying solely on desktop solutions.
Apps for Blocking Shorts
On Android, apps like BlockScroll can prevent Shorts from appearing in your YouTube feed. iOS users may explore similar third-party apps or tweaks that limit Shorts visibility.
Modifying YouTube App Settings
Within the YouTube app, tap a Shorts video, select the three-dot menu, and choose “Show fewer Shorts.” Adjusting YouTube app settings can further reduce Shorts autoplay and recommendations.
Risks of Using Third-Party Apps
While apps offer control, they may require permissions and could pose privacy risks. Always download from trusted sources and review app permissions carefully.
Tips to Avoid Shorts Without Extensions
If you prefer not to use browser extensions or third-party apps, there are ways to disable YouTube Shorts and hide Shorts on YouTube using simple adjustments and habits.
Using YouTube Web Instead of App
Accessing YouTube via a web browser rather than the mobile app can reduce Shorts visibility, as some web layouts display fewer Shorts videos.
Downgrading YouTube App Version
Older versions of the YouTube app may not prominently feature Shorts. While this method works, it’s recommended only for advanced users who understand app version management.
Muting or Skipping Shorts Quickly
Quickly swipe past or mute Shorts videos to minimize distractions and train the algorithm to show fewer Shorts in your YouTube feed.
Parental Controls & Kids-Friendly Options
Parents looking to manage what their children watch on YouTube can use built-in tools to disable YouTube Shorts and hide Shorts on YouTube for a safer viewing experience.
YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a child-friendly app that doesn’t prominently feature Shorts. It provides curated content suitable for different age groups, helping parents control what their kids watch.
Restricted Mode
Enabling Restricted Mode on the main YouTube app can filter mature content and limit exposure to potentially inappropriate Shorts, giving parents more control.
Screen Time & Break Reminders
Set screen time limits or enable break reminders within the YouTube app to reduce excessive viewing of Shorts and encourage healthier viewing habits.
FAQs – How to Disable Youtube Shorts
Can I completely disable YouTube Shorts?
You can reduce or hide Shorts using official YouTube settings, browser extensions, or third-party apps, but YouTube may still show some Shorts depending on updates.
How do I hide Shorts on YouTube mobile app?
Tap a Shorts video, select the three-dot menu, and choose “Show fewer Shorts”. Adjust YouTube app settings to further limit Shorts recommendations.
Are there safe apps to block Shorts on Android or iOS?
Yes, apps like BlockScroll for Android or similar iOS tools can block Shorts, but always download from trusted sources.
How can parents control shorts for kids?
Use YouTube Kids, enable Restricted Mode, and set screen time limits or break reminders to manage exposure to Shorts.
Why are Shorts still appearing after disabling them?
Clearing your cache, updating the app, and checking extensions or settings usually fixes the issue. You can also provide feedback to YouTube for persistent problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disabling YouTube Shorts doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want to hide Shorts on YouTube for better focus, protect your children, or simply customize your feed, there are multiple solutions available. You can use official YouTube settings on desktop or mobile, browser extensions, third-party apps, or parental controls like YouTube Kids and Restricted Mode. By following these step-by-step methods, you can take full control of your YouTube Shorts feed and enjoy a more personalized, distraction-free viewing experience.
