YouTube Introduces New Control to Reduce Shorts Feed Visibility for Users
Latest update allows users to limit or nearly hide Shorts from homepage, giving more control over content preferences and helping reduce distractions caused by continuous short video scrolling
In a move aimed at improving user experience, YouTube has introduced a new feature that allows viewers to significantly reduce the visibility of Shorts on their home feed. The update is designed to give users greater control over how much short form content they see while browsing the platform.
The feature builds on earlier efforts by Google to address concerns around excessive screen time and content overload. Previously, users could set a viewing limit for Shorts ranging from 15 minutes to two hours. With the latest update, that limit can now be set to zero, effectively minimizing Shorts recommendations on the homepage.
To activate the feature, users need to navigate to the settings menu within the app and access the time management section. From there, selecting a zero minute limit for Shorts feed signals the platform to stop actively pushing short videos into the main feed experience.
While the update does not completely remove Shorts from the platform, it significantly reduces their presence where they are most prominent. According to reports, users may still encounter short videos in sections such as subscriptions or other areas, but the endless scrolling experience on the home screen is largely curtailed.
Shorts were originally introduced by YouTube as a response to the growing popularity of platforms focused on short video formats. Since then, the feature has been heavily promoted, with the platform’s algorithm frequently surfacing bite sized clips to keep users engaged.
However, not all users welcomed the shift. Many reported that the constant stream of short videos made it harder to discover longer, more detailed content. Others found the experience repetitive and distracting, especially when trying to use the platform for focused viewing.
The new control appears to be a direct response to that feedback. By allowing users to dial down or nearly eliminate Shorts from their homepage, YouTube is offering a more personalized and less cluttered browsing experience.
This change reflects a broader trend among tech platforms to provide users with more customization options. As viewing habits evolve, features like these are likely to play a key role in balancing engagement with user comfort and control.
