YouTube has finally delivered a long-awaited solution for users frustrated by the constant presence of Shorts in their feeds. In a major mobile app update rolling out this week, the platform now allows everyone to set their Shorts feed limit to zero minutes, effectively hiding short-form videos from the home page and dedicated Shorts tab.
The new feature builds on last year’s introduction of daily time limits for Shorts, which previously started at a minimum of 15 minutes. Those limits triggered reminders to take breaks after the set time. Parents already had access to a zero-minute option through supervised accounts, but the setting is now expanding to all users on Android and iOS devices.
To activate the change, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, and navigate to the Time Management or General section. Look for the Shorts feed limit option. Choosing zero minutes pauses endless scrolling through vertical videos. A brief notice may appear stating that scrolling is paused, though individual Shorts could still surface in some recommendations or search results. Users might need to refresh the app or restart it for the full effect to take hold.
This update arrives amid growing user feedback about Shorts dominating the home feed and encouraging mindless scrolling. While Shorts have exploded in popularity—generating over 70 billion daily views—many viewers prefer focusing on longer-form content for deeper engagement, tutorials, reviews, or entertainment. The zero-minute limit gives people greater control over their experience without requiring third-party tools or workarounds.
For those who have felt overwhelmed by vertical video recommendations interrupting their usual viewing habits, this change provides welcome relief. The home feed should now prioritize traditional videos, making it easier to discover full-length uploads from favorite creators. The dedicated Shorts shelf and tab become largely inaccessible when the limit hits zero, reducing temptation for quick dopamine hits during casual browsing.
YouTube confirmed the rollout through statements to tech outlets, noting that the feature helps users manage their time more intentionally. It also aligns with broader platform efforts to balance short-form and long-form content while addressing concerns around screen time, especially for younger audiences. Earlier parental controls already allowed guardians to block Shorts entirely for supervised teen accounts, and the adult version extends similar flexibility.
Industry observers see this as a smart response to user demands. For years, people have searched for ways to disable or minimize Shorts using “Not interested” taps, browser extensions on desktop, or even downgrading app versions. Those methods offered partial success but required ongoing effort or technical tweaks. The new built-in setting delivers a cleaner, official solution directly in the app.
Not every Shorts experience disappears completely. Some videos may still appear in search results or when directly linked, and the algorithm could occasionally surface them based on past viewing patterns. However, the primary feed and infinite scroll experience shifts dramatically toward full videos. Users who later change their minds can easily adjust the limit back to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, or two hours.
The timing feels particularly relevant as attention spans and content preferences evolve. Many creators have built successful channels around both formats, but viewers now have clearer tools to curate what appears on their screens. This move may encourage more thoughtful consumption while still supporting Shorts for those who enjoy the quick-hit style.
To make the most of the update, combine it with other customization options. Mark specific videos as “Not interested” when they appear, and consider pausing watch history if you want even stricter control over recommendations. On desktop, existing filters and extensions continue to offer additional ways to hide Shorts from search and feeds.
Overall, this app update represents a meaningful win for user agency on one of the world’s largest video platforms. By adding the zero-minute Shorts limit, YouTube acknowledges that not everyone wants the same fast-paced experience and provides a simple toggle to restore focus on longer content.
If you have been scrolling past endless vertical clips and longing for a return to classic YouTube viewing, check your settings today. The change could transform how you use the app, bringing back the joy of discovering in-depth videos without constant interruptions. Refresh your feed after enabling the limit and enjoy a Shorts-free experience tailored to your preferences.
As the rollout continues globally over the coming days, more accounts should see the option appear. For now, this quiet but powerful addition stands as one of the most user-friendly improvements YouTube has made in recent memory.
