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YouTube Empowers Users to Disable Shorts Feature

YouTube has rolled out a significant update enabling users to eliminate Shorts videos entirely from their mobile app feeds. Following a series of gradual updates since the feature's initial introduction in 2020, users can now set their Shorts feed limit to zero minutes, thereby enhancing control over content consumption.

What is happening

YouTube now lets you hide Shorts

Repeated reporting is beginning to cohere into a trackable narrative.

Momentum
82%
Confidence trend
94%0
First seen
16 Apr 2026, 9:12 am
Narrative formation start
Last active
16 Apr 2026, 8:55 am
Latest confirmed movement
Supporting signals

Evidence that is shaping the theme

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Big Tech CompaniesConfidence 95%3 sources16 Apr 2026, 8:55 am

YouTube now lets you hide Shorts

You now have the power to remove short-form videos from your YouTube feed if you don't want to see them. YouTube has rolled out the capability to set your Shorts feed limit to zero minutes, which could help you stop doomscrolling, at least on mobile. The video-sharing platform originally launched a Shorts feed limit back in October last year, but the lowest option you could choose was 15 minutes. Once 15 minutes are up, you'll get a pop-up reminding you to take a break. Earlier this year, it integrated the feature with parental controls, allowing guardians to set time limits for younger users. YouTube said back then that parents will soon see the option to set the timer to zero. Now, the Shorts timer is live not just for parents, but for all users. We can confirm that we're now seeing the zero minutes option in our (adult) account and were able to activate it for ourselves. When you select it, you may see a notice that says "Scrolling is paused but you may still see individual Shorts." You may also have to refresh your app before short-form videos disappear from your feed. To be able to block stop Shorts from showing up for you, go to your Setting page in the YouTube app for mobile. Look for "Time management" and scroll down to "Daily limits," where you can find the "Shorts feed limit" section. If you don't want to get rid of Shorts altogether, you can choose from any of the other options, with two hours being the maximum time available. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/youtube-now-lets-you-hide-shorts-085538825.html?src=rss

EngadgetDigital TrendsLiveMint Technology
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Research briefs behind this theme

Open the article-level analysis that gives this theme its evidence, timing, and scenario framing.

Big Tech CompaniesResearch Briefhigh impact

YouTube Empowers Users to Disable Shorts Feature

This feature, responding to user feedback about content overload, highlights YouTube's focus on personalized user experiences in the competitive video streaming landscape.

What may happen next
User engagement with the platform could increase as viewers tailor their experience away from unwanted short-form content.
Signal profile
Source support 75% and momentum 84%.
High confidence | 95%3 trusted sourcesWatch over 12 monthshigh business impact
Big Tech CompaniesResearch Briefhigh impact

YouTube Introduces New Option to Disable Shorts, Enhancing User Control

YouTube's implementation of the zero-minute timer demonstrates a strategic shift towards user-centric control, potentially improving user retention by aligning features with consumer preferences for content curation.

What may happen next
Enhanced user control could lead to increased satisfaction and time spent on other YouTube content.
Signal profile
Source support 75% and momentum 74%.
High confidence | 95%3 trusted sourcesWatch over 6-12 monthshigh business impact
Big Tech CompaniesResearch Briefhigh impact

YouTube Introduces Zero-Minute Timer for Shorts Removal

The introduction of the zero-minute timer to remove Shorts signifies YouTube's responsiveness to user feedback regarding content overload, aiming to enhance user satisfaction and retention.

What may happen next
YouTube's continuous adaptations to user preferences may bolster its competitive edge against TikTok and other short-video platforms.
Signal profile
Source support 96% and momentum 96%.
High confidence | 95%5 trusted sourcesWatch over 12 monthshigh business impact
Big Tech CompaniesResearch Briefhigh impact

YouTube Introduces Option to Eliminate Shorts from Mobile Feed

By enabling the option to eliminate YouTube Shorts, the platform responds to user demand for enhanced content control, reflecting evolving user habits and preferences.

What may happen next
The zero-minutes feature could lead to a decline in Shorts consumption, impacting YouTube's engagement metrics but potentially enhancing user satisfaction.
Signal profile
Source support 90% and momentum 96%.
High confidence | 95%4 trusted sourcesWatch over 6-12 monthshigh business impact
YouTube Empowers Users to Disable Shorts Feature Trend Analysis & Market Signals | Teoram | Teoram