YouTube Shorts, while entertaining for some, can be a distraction for others. If you prefer not to see these short videos in your feed or search, this article is for you. I will show you 5 methods to block YouTube Shorts on mobile or desktop.
Method 1: Using YouTube’s ‘Not Interested’ Feature
YouTube does not offer an option to disable YouTube shorts. As a workaround, you can use YouTube’s built-in ‘Not Interested’ feature. It tells YouTube’s algorithm that you’re not interested in certain types of content, including Shorts. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this feature:
- Tap on your avatar at the top right corner of the YouTube app and select ‘Settings’.
- Tap on ‘General’ and then ‘Playback feeds’.
- Select ‘Off’.
- Go back to the YouTube Shorts section and tap on the vertical ellipses (three dots) in the upper right corner of a short video.
- Select ‘Not interested’. Repeat this step for each video you want to hide.
By following these steps, YouTube Shorts should be removed from your feed. This applies to YouTube mobile app for Android and iOS. However, you may need to repeat these steps if new Shorts are added to your feed.
Method 2: Automate Flow for Android
If you’re an Android user, there’s another method you can use to block YouTube Shorts: the Automate app. It is like the Android version of Shortcuts on iPhone. This Automate app allows you to create automated tasks, or ‘flows’, on your device. You can use a customized flow to block YouTube Shorts.
It does not literally remove shorts from YouTube app, but it can prevent you from watching any shorts. Once you start the flow, it will automatically go back whenever you tap on a YouTube Short or the Shorts section.
The Automate app is free and you can install it from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and navigate to the ‘Community’ section. From there, you can search and find a flow for blocking YouTube Shorts.
Alternatively, you can download and import the flow into your Automate flows. It is a powerful way to customize your YouTube experience and block unwanted content. With Automate, you can customize flows or create your own ones for automation on Android.
Method 3: YouTube Shorts Blocker Extension
If you primarily watch YouTube on your computer, you can use a browser extension to get rid of YouTube shorts in your feed or search. There are several extensions available that can block YouTube Shorts from appearing in your feed.
With a quick Google search, you can find a few Chrome extensions to do so. Among them, I recommend Youtube-shorts block extension. It by default will hide shorts videos. Once installed, you can click on the extension icon to enable “hide Shorts tab” as well.
If you use Tampermonky or other userscript manger extensions, you can also get the Youtube Anti Shorts script to block YouTube shorts completely.
Method 4: Block YouTube Shorts with uYou on iPhone
uYou is an open source YouTube client app for iOS. It includes additional features, including the ability to disable Shorts. However, this app is not available in the App Store.
To use this app, you’ll need to sideload the IPA on your iPhone. Sideloading is a process that allows you to install apps outside of the App Store. Once the uYou app is installed, you can access its settings and disable the Shorts feature.
Please note that sideloading apps on your iPhone may void your warranty and can pose security risks.
If you don’t want to sideload apps on iPhone or iPad, you can use Yattee. It is another YouTube client app, but available in the App Store. It allows you to hide shorts and block ads on YouTube.
Method 5: YouTube Revanced for Android
YouTube Revanced is an YouTube client app for Android. You can use it to block YouTube Shorts and sponsored ads.
To use this method, you’ll need to download and install the YouTube Revanced APK on your Android device. Once installed, you can access the app’s settings and disable the Shorts feature.
Like sideloading on iPhone, installing modded apps on your Android device can pose security risks. Therefore, proceed with caution and only download apps from trusted sources.
Reasons to Block YouTube Shorts
1. Distraction: YouTube Shorts can be distracting, especially for those who visit YouTube for longer, more in-depth content. Some users have reported that they unintentionally waste hours scrolling through Shorts.
2. Quick Media Consumption: For parents, YouTube Shorts is another form of quick media consumption that they might want to regulate for their kids. Parents may want to monitor their child’s screen time and set screen time limits to avoid kids developing addictive behaviors toward short-form video content.
3. Content Preference: Some users prefer the traditional YouTube experience and find the Shorts feature intrusive or irrelevant to their interests.
4. Safety Concerns: Parents and guardians may want to block or disable YouTube Shorts to counteract the negative effects of YouTube on youth.
Conclusion
Whether you use YouTube on Android, iOS, or computer, you can use these methods to block YouTube Shorts from your feed. Based on your chosen method, you can temporarily or permanently block YouTube shorts.