YouTube is expanding its digital wellbeing features with a new option that allows users to completely opt out of its short-form video feed.
The update gives viewers greater control over their time on the platform by enabling them to effectively disable Shorts, a move that reflects growing concerns around endless scrolling and screen time management.
While there is no single “off” switch that permanently deletes the Shorts tab, you can effectively hide them from your main feed using several official and unofficial methods.
Set a “Zero-Minute” Daily Limit
YouTube has updated its time management tools to allow users to effectively block the Shorts feed.
- Open the YouTube app > Tap your Profile icon (bottom right) > Settings > Time management > Shorts feed limit.
- Select: Choose Zero minutes.
This removes the Shorts shelf from your home feed. If you try to open a Short, a reminder will pop up stating you’ve reached your limit.
Hide the Shorts Shelf on Desktop & Mobile Browser
If you use YouTube in a web browser, you can temporarily dismiss the entire Shorts row.
- Desktop: On your YouTube Home page, scroll to the Shorts shelf and click the “X” in the top-right corner.
- Mobile Browser: Visit m.youtube.com and tap the “X” on the Shorts section.
- Duration: This will hide Shorts from your homepage for 30 days.
