YouTube Shorts are getting more popular, but they might not be what everyone wants to watch. They can be fun, but they might not fit what you like to see. I’ve looked for ways to stop them from getting in the way of my favorite videos.
This guide will show you how to stop YouTube Shorts from taking over your feed. You’ll find quick fixes and advanced ways to keep your YouTube watching just how you like it.
Key Takeaways
- Discover effective ways to block and prevent YouTube Shorts from disrupting your viewing experience.
- Explore a variety of tools and methods, from quick fixes to advanced techniques, to manage YouTube Shorts.
- Learn how to train the YouTube algorithm and leverage desktop browser extensions to minimize Shorts exposure.
- Understand the limitations and workarounds for blocking YouTube Shorts on both Android and iOS devices.
- Gain insights from power users and the community on managing the YouTube Shorts feature.
Understanding the YouTube Shorts Phenomenon
YouTube Shorts is a new way to make and share short videos. These videos are under 60 seconds and are made for mobile devices. They are perfect for watching on the go.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts is inspired by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. It’s made for today’s short attention spans. You can make your own short videos with editing tools, music, and effects right on YouTube.
Why YouTube Prioritizes Short-Form Content
More people want quick, fun videos that they can watch in short breaks. YouTube Shorts gives them that. It helps YouTube stay ahead in the video world.
The YouTube Shorts algorithm helps find the best and most interesting videos. This helps creators grow their audience. YouTube Shorts is key to YouTube’s future and how we watch videos online.
Reasons to Block YouTube Shorts
As a content creator and avid YouTube user, I’ve grown to love YouTube Shorts for their ease and fun. Yet, I’ve seen reasons why blocking them might be a good idea.
First, if you prefer deep dives into topics, YouTube Shorts might not be your thing. They’re short and fun but can pull you away from the detailed videos you want to watch.
Another reason is wanting more control over what you see on YouTube. YouTube Shorts’ algorithm keeps showing you more videos, not always what you’re interested in. Blocking Shorts lets you choose what you watch.
Some worry that watching short videos too much can be bad for you. It can make you spend too much time online, hurting your productivity and health. By blocking Shorts, you can avoid this problem and manage your time better.
Deciding to block YouTube Shorts is up to you. Think about what you like and how you use YouTube. If you want deeper content, more control, or a healthier online life, blocking Shorts might be a good choice.
“The bite-sized nature of YouTube Shorts, while entertaining, can sometimes feel like a distraction from the more substantive videos that you’ve intentionally sought out.”
Quick Fixes to Minimize Shorts on Mobile
There isn’t a way to fully turn off YouTube Shorts on mobile. But, you can use some quick fixes to see fewer Shorts. These tips help train the YouTube algorithm and use your mobile browser’s desktop view. This makes Shorts less visible.
Train the YouTube Algorithm
One way to see fewer Shorts is to train the YouTube algorithm. When Shorts videos show up in your feed, click the three-dot menu and choose “Not Interested”. This tells YouTube you don’t like short videos. Over time, YouTube will show you more of what you want.
Use Mobile Browser’s Desktop View
Another trick is to use your mobile browser’s desktop view to get to YouTube. This lets you skip the Shorts section and go straight to the main YouTube site. It’s designed for longer videos and is based on what you like to watch.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Train the YouTube Algorithm | Mark Shorts as “Not Interested” to signal your preference for longer-form content |
| Use Mobile Browser’s Desktop View | Access YouTube through your mobile browser’s desktop mode to bypass the Shorts section |
Using these quick fixes, you can control your YouTube experience better. You’ll see fewer Shorts on your mobile. Remember, using both methods together works best to make your YouTube feed just how you like it.
Disabling YouTube Shorts on Android Devices
As an Android user, you might see YouTube Shorts more often in your feed. There’s no easy way to turn them off completely. But, you can try some methods to see fewer Shorts and enjoy more of what you like.
Try to train the YouTube algorithm by picking the videos you like. When you see a Shorts video, don’t watch it. Watch and interact with the long videos you prefer instead. This tells YouTube you’re not into Shorts, so you might see fewer of them.
Another way is to use your mobile browser’s desktop view. Switching to the desktop version of YouTube helps you avoid the Shorts section. This makes your viewing experience more focused on the videos you like.
| Method | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Training the Algorithm | Interact with your preferred long-form content to signal your preferences to YouTube’s algorithm. | Moderate |
| Using Mobile Browser’s Desktop View | Switch to the desktop version of YouTube on your mobile device to avoid the Shorts section. | High |
These methods won’t get rid of YouTube Shorts completely. But, they can help you control what you watch. The key is to always choose the content you like. Over time, YouTube will start to show you more of what you prefer.
Using these tips, you can disable YouTube Shorts on Android. This way, you get a YouTube experience that matches your interests and likes.
No Direct Solution for iOS Users
As an iOS user, I’ve felt the frustration of not having a direct way to turn off YouTube Shorts. Unlike Android users, we can’t easily block Shorts on our devices. But don’t worry, iPhone and iPad users, there are ways to deal with this issue and get back to enjoying YouTube how we like.
To start, we can train the YouTube algorithm to show us less Shorts. By watching longer videos and ignoring Shorts, we tell YouTube what we prefer. This helps the platform show us more of what we like.
Another trick is to use the “Request Desktop Site” feature on our mobile browsers. This makes YouTube show us the desktop version, which means no Shorts for us.
These methods might not fully solve the problem, but they help us control our YouTube experience on iOS. I hope Apple and Google will work together to give us a way to disable YouTube Shorts on iOS soon.
“The lack of a direct solution to disable YouTube Shorts on iOS is frustrating, but we can still take steps to mitigate its impact on our viewing experience.”
Desktop Browser Extensions for Blocking Shorts
If you like to use YouTube on your desktop, you’ll find several browser extensions to block or remove YouTube Shorts. These tools let you enjoy a Shorts-free YouTube experience from your desktop. They help you focus on the content you love.
Popular Browser Extensions
“Hide YouTube Shorts” and “Shorts Blocker for YouTube” are top choices for blocking Shorts on your desktop. They work well to hide the Shorts section. This keeps your YouTube feed clean and focused on what you like.
How to Install and Use Extensions
It’s easy to install these extensions. Just search for them in your browser’s store, add them, and you’re set. After installing, they will automatically hide the Shorts section. You get a YouTube experience focused on what you enjoy.
| Extension | Description | Supported Browsers |
|---|---|---|
| Hide YouTube Shorts | Completely hides the YouTube Shorts section from your feed, ensuring a Shorts-free experience. | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Shorts Blocker for YouTube | Removes the YouTube Shorts section and optimizes your feed for a more personalized viewing experience. | Chrome, Firefox |
Using these browser extensions lets you control your YouTube experience. Say goodbye to Shorts and hello to a more personalized YouTube journey.
Advanced Tips to Remove Shorts from Desktop
As a desktop user, you can do more than just use browser extensions to hide YouTube Shorts. You can use search filters and focus on your subscription feeds to help.
Leveraging Search Filters
YouTube’s search has filters that let you skip Shorts. By choosing the “Video” type, you can see longer videos and avoid Shorts. This way, you find the videos you really want to watch.
Focusing on Subscription Feeds
Pay more attention to your subscription feed. Interact with the channels you follow to avoid Shorts. This lets you watch what you’re really interested in, making YouTube more personal and fun.
| Technique | Description | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Search Filters | Utilize YouTube’s “Type” filter to exclude Shorts from search results | Prioritize longer-form content, avoid Shorts suggestions |
| Subscription Feeds | Focus on content from channels you’ve chosen to follow | Bypass algorithmically-driven Shorts recommendations, curate your viewing experience |
Using these tips, desktop users can control their YouTube and reduce Shorts impact. Search filters and subscription feeds are great ways to make YouTube better and find what you like.
Third-Party Blocking Tools and Workarounds
If you’re not happy with the built-in ways to reduce YouTube Shorts, check out third-party tools and workarounds. But, be careful because some might not be safe or work well over time.
Downgrading the YouTube App: Not Recommended
Some people try to downgrade their YouTube app to an older version to avoid Shorts. But, this isn’t a good idea. It could make your device less safe and cause problems with YouTube. It’s better to look for other ways to solve the problem.
Embracing Alternative Video Platforms
Think about using video platforms that focus on longer videos instead. Sites like Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Rumble offer great content that’s not just quick clips. These sites let you enjoy videos without the Shorts.
| Alternative Video Platform | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Vimeo |
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| Dailymotion |
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| Rumble |
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These third-party tools and other platforms might give you a better way to watch videos. But, think about the good and bad before choosing what’s right for you.
Disable YouTube Shorts
There’s no direct way to turn off YouTube Shorts. But, you can make them less visible and take back control of your YouTube. Use browser extensions, search filters, and other methods to hide or block Shorts. This way, you can focus on the content you like.
Here are some ways to reduce YouTube Shorts:
- Use Browser Extensions: Get extensions like “YouTube Classic” or “YouTube Shorts Blocker”. They let you hide the Shorts section from your feed.
- Leverage Search Filters: When you search on YouTube, use filters to skip Shorts. This helps you find longer, more detailed videos.
- Focus on Subscription Feeds: Watch videos from channels you follow instead of relying on YouTube’s suggestions. This helps you avoid Shorts.
- Downgrade the YouTube App: If you’re using the newest YouTube app, try an older version. Older versions might not show Shorts as much.
- Consider Alternative Platforms: Look at other video sites like Vimeo or Dailymotion. They might offer a more focused and less automated experience.
Using these tips, you can control your YouTube better and lessen the Shorts’ effect on your watching habits. The main thing is to find what works for you.
“You can take back control of your YouTube, even with the push for short videos. A bit of creativity and some useful tools can make your viewing match your interests and needs.”
Expert Insights on Managing YouTube Shorts
I love watching YouTube and have noticed how YouTube Shorts have grown. To learn more about them, I talked to experts who know a lot about YouTube Shorts.
Recommendations from Power Users
Experts say making your YouTube Shorts personal is key. They tell us to train the YouTube algorithm by watching content we like. This means liking, commenting, and sharing Shorts that speak to us. Also, making Shorts for our own audience is a good idea.
They also talk about using playlists to make YouTube better for us. Creating playlists with Shorts we love helps us find more content we’ll enjoy.
Experts also say to keep an eye on your YouTube stats. Looking at views, likes, and how many new followers you get helps you make better Shorts.
“The key to success with YouTube Shorts is to treat it as a dynamic, interactive platform. Engage with your audience, pay attention to their preferences, and continuously refine your content to keep them coming back for more.”
Using these tips from experts and power users can make your YouTube Shorts better. This way, you can make the most of this fun way to share videos.
Community Feedback on Disabling Shorts
YouTube is pushing its short video platform, YouTube Shorts. Users are upset and want to turn it off. They don’t like how it changes their video watching.
Common User Frustrations
Many YouTube users are upset with YouTube Shorts. They don’t like how it mixes into their regular videos. Here are some reasons why:
- Shorts disrupt their usual video watching.
- They can’t control their feed because Shorts fill it up.
- They worry about wasting time because Shorts are so easy to watch.
- They feel Shorts are getting more attention than longer videos.
Users want more control over YouTube Shorts. They want to watch what they like without Shorts getting in the way.
“I just want to watch the videos I’m subscribed to, not be inundated with short-form content that I didn’t ask for. YouTube needs to give us more control over our feeds.”
The debate on YouTube Shorts shows the need for change. YouTube should give users more ways to handle Shorts.
Leveraging Ad Blockers for a Better Experience
Ad blockers might not stop YouTube Shorts directly. But, they can make your experience better overall. Tools like Stands Adblocker block many types of annoying content. This includes ads and sometimes YouTube Shorts too.
Using ad-blockers with the tips in this guide can make watching YouTube better. Ad blockers take away annoying ads. This can make watching videos less frustrating.
- Ad blockers can help eliminate disruptive ads on YouTube, improving the overall viewing experience.
- When used in conjunction with other Shorts-blocking techniques, ad blockers can provide a more seamless and enjoyable YouTube experience.
- Tools like Stands Adblocker offer comprehensive blocking capabilities, including the potential to minimize the presence of YouTube Shorts.
Ad blockers aren’t perfect for getting rid of YouTube Shorts. But, they’re a great tool for a distraction-free watch. By using these ad-blockers, you can control what you see on YouTube. This way, you can focus on the videos you really want to watch.
“Utilizing ad blockers in conjunction with other Shorts-disabling methods can significantly enhance your overall YouTube experience.”
Conclusion
In this guide, I’ve shown you how to stop YouTube Shorts from interrupting your videos. I covered quick fixes for mobile devices and advanced methods for desktop users. You can now use browser extensions, search filters, and third-party tools to control your YouTube feed.
There isn’t a single way to turn off Shorts, but the methods here can help you manage your YouTube better. Stay proactive as YouTube changes. Use these tips to keep your YouTube experience focused on what you like and avoid Shorts.
This guide has given you the knowledge and tools to take back your YouTube. By using these strategies, you can enjoy YouTube how you want. Focus on the content that really interests you.
FAQ
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts lets users make and share short videos up to 60 seconds in the YouTube app. It’s made for quick, fun videos that you can watch on the move.
Why does YouTube prioritize short-form content?
YouTube likes Shorts to keep up with TikTok and Instagram Reels. More people want short, easy-to-watch videos.
Why would someone want to block or disable YouTube Shorts?
Some prefer longer videos or want more control over their feed. Others worry that Shorts can make them scroll too much.
How can I minimize the appearance of YouTube Shorts on my mobile devices?
You can’t fully turn off Shorts on phones, but there are tricks. Mark Shorts as “Not Interested” and use a desktop view in your browser to hide them.
Is there a way to disable YouTube Shorts on Android devices?
No direct way to turn off Shorts on Android. But, try marking Shorts as “Not Interested” and use a desktop view in your browser to see fewer Shorts.
Can I disable YouTube Shorts on iOS devices?
There’s no easy way to disable Shorts on iOS. You can still use tricks like marking Shorts as “Not Interested” and desktop view to see fewer Shorts.
What tools and extensions can I use to block YouTube Shorts on desktop?
For desktop users, there are browser extensions like “Hide YouTube Shorts” and “Shorts Blocker for YouTube.” These can hide Shorts, giving you a Shorts-free YouTube.
Are there any advanced techniques to minimize YouTube Shorts on desktop?
Yes, you can use search filters to skip Shorts in searches. Also, focus on your subscription feed to see content from channels you like.
Are there any third-party tools or workarounds to block YouTube Shorts?
For more ways to block Shorts, look at third-party tools and extensions. But, avoid downgrading the YouTube app for security reasons. Use browser extensions or try other video sites for longer videos.
What insights do experts and power users have on managing YouTube Shorts?
Experts and power users suggest personalizing your feed and using playlists. They also recommend engaging with the algorithm to see more of what you like.
What is the community feedback on disabling YouTube Shorts?
Many users want to turn off Shorts because they disrupt their viewing. They dislike the lack of control and worry about wasting time on Shorts.
Can ad blockers help improve my YouTube experience?
Ad blockers can make YouTube better, even if they don’t block Shorts directly. Tools like Stands Adblocker can block ads and some Shorts. Use these with other methods to make YouTube better.