While there isn't a direct "off" button to permanently disable YouTube Shorts, there are several effective methods and workarounds you can use to minimize their appearance and avoid them across different platforms. YouTube Shorts are designed for quick, engaging consumption, but if you prefer not to see them, various strategies can help you tailor your viewing experience.
Understanding YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are short-form vertical videos, typically up to 60 seconds long, designed to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. They appear prominently on the YouTube homepage, in a dedicated "Shorts" tab, and can pop up in your regular video feed. Since YouTube aims to promote this content, directly turning them off is not an officially supported feature.
Methods to Hide or Avoid YouTube Shorts
Here's how you can reduce or eliminate the presence of Shorts in your YouTube experience:
1. On the YouTube Mobile App
For users primarily accessing YouTube on their smartphones or tablets, managing Shorts requires a proactive approach with the app's recommendation system.
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"Not Interested" Feature:
- When a Shorts video appears in your main feed, tap the three-dot menu next to it.
- Select "Not interested" or "Don't recommend channel."
- Repeat this process for as many Shorts as possible. Over time, the algorithm should learn your preferences and reduce the frequency of Shorts recommendations. This method requires consistent effort but can be effective in tailoring your feed.
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Clearing Watch History and Search History: While not directly disabling Shorts, clearing your history can sometimes reset recommendations, potentially reducing the likelihood of Shorts appearing if your history was previously heavily skewed towards short-form content.
- Go to your Profile Picture > Settings > History & Privacy > Clear watch history and Clear search history.
2. On Desktop Browsers
When accessing YouTube via a web browser on a computer, you have more control through browser extensions and manual hiding options.
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Browser Extensions: Numerous third-party browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers that specifically aim to block or hide YouTube Shorts.
- Search your browser's extension store for terms like "Block YouTube Shorts," "Hide YouTube Shorts," or "YouTube Shorts Blocker."
- Install a reputable extension that has good reviews and an active user base. These extensions typically remove the Shorts shelf from your homepage and prevent Shorts from appearing in search results or your general feed.
- Note: Always exercise caution when installing third-party extensions and ensure they come from trusted developers.
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Manually Hiding the Shorts Shelf:
- On the YouTube homepage, scroll down until you see the "Shorts" shelf.
- To the right of the "Shorts" title, there might be an "X" button (or a similar close icon).
- Clicking this "X" will hide the Shorts shelf from your current session. However, this is usually a temporary solution, and the shelf may reappear on subsequent visits or after refreshing the page.
3. On Mobile Browser (Requesting Desktop Site)
This method leverages your mobile browser's ability to display the full desktop version of YouTube, which offers more control than the mobile app.
- Accessing YouTube's Desktop Site:
- Open your mobile browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari) and go to youtube.com.
- Tap the three-dot menu (or similar options menu) in your browser.
- Select "Request Desktop Site" or "Desktop Version." This will load the full desktop layout of YouTube on your mobile device.
- Once on the desktop site, locate the Shorts section on the homepage.
- Tap the "X" icon next to the "Shorts" title to close it. This action hides the Shorts shelf for that browsing session, similar to how it works on a desktop computer.
Summary of Methods
| Method | Platform | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Not Interested" Feedback | Mobile App | Moderate (reduces recommendations over time) | Requires consistent effort; doesn't remove the Shorts section. |
| Clear History | Mobile App | Low (indirect effect, temporary) | Resets algorithm, but Shorts may still appear. |
| Browser Extensions | Desktop Browser | High (can completely block/hide Shorts) | Requires installation; choose reputable extensions carefully. |
| Manually Hide Shorts Shelf (X) | Desktop Browser | Low (temporary, session-based) | Shorts section reappears on new visits or refreshes. |
| Request Desktop Site + Hide "X" | Mobile Browser | Moderate (hides for the session on mobile browser) | Provides a desktop-like experience on mobile; temporary hide. |
Conclusion
While YouTube does not offer a direct feature to completely turn off Shorts, utilizing a combination of these workarounds can significantly reduce their visibility across different devices and platforms. For the most effective blocking, browser extensions on desktop are generally the best solution, while consistent "Not interested" feedback is key for the mobile app experience.
