YouTube has introduced a significant new feature that allows users to completely disable the Shorts feed within the app. The platform now offers an option to set the Shorts time limit to zero minutes, effectively removing the short-form video section from both Android and iOS applications.
This update represents an expansion of YouTube's existing time management tools. Previously, users could only limit their Shorts viewing to a minimum of 15 minutes. The new zero-minute option provides what many have been requesting: the ability to opt out of Shorts entirely.
The feature was expanded in January to give parents some control over how long their kids spend scrolling through Shorts, with an option for zero minutes 'coming soon.'
YouTube first announced its Shorts timer feature in October, positioning it as a digital wellbeing tool. The platform has been gradually enhancing these controls, with the latest update representing the most comprehensive option yet for users who prefer to avoid the TikTok-style vertical video format.
This move comes as YouTube continues to balance its traditional long-form content with the popular short-form format that has become increasingly prominent across social media platforms. The zero-minute option gives users unprecedented control over their YouTube experience, allowing them to customize the app to match their viewing preferences.
The feature is rolling out to all YouTube users globally and can be accessed through the app's time management settings. Users who choose the zero-minute limit will no longer see Shorts in their feed, though they can still access individual Shorts videos through direct links or search results.