YouTube is officially giving users a way to escape the endless scroll of its TikTok-style video feed. In a significant shift for the platform, a new update to YouTube’s time management settings now allows users to set a “zero-minute” limit on Shorts, effectively removing the feature from the mobile app for Android and iOS. This move marks the first time Google has provided a native method to hide the short-form content that it has aggressively promoted for the last several years.
The zero-minute option is an expansion of the Shorts timer originally launched in October 2025, which previously required at least a 15-minute viewing window. While the feature was initially prioritized for parents using supervised accounts through Google’s Family Link, a company spokesperson confirmed that the update is currently rolling out to all adult users worldwide. Once the timer is set to zero, the Shorts tab remains locked and the shelf of vertical videos typically found on the Home screen is hidden, replaced by a notification stating the user has reached their daily limit.
How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Mobile:
- Open the YouTube App on Android or iOS.
- Tap your Profile Icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the Settings (Gear) icon at the top right.
- Select Time Management.
- Toggle on Shorts feed limit.
- Drag the slider to 0 minutes and tap OK.
The decision to allow users to opt out of Shorts comes amid growing concerns regarding the addictive nature of short-form algorithms. Recent studies from groups like the Pew Research Center have highlighted how continuous scrolling impacts sleep and productivity, particularly among younger audiences. Furthermore, the update follows recent legal challenges where tech platforms have faced scrutiny over features designed to maximize user engagement. By introducing a kill switch for Shorts, YouTube appears to be addressing these criticisms while positioning itself as a more responsible streaming service rather than a traditional social media site.
While the feature provides a much-requested solution for mobile users who find the vertical feed distracting or repetitive, it is currently limited to the YouTube app. Desktop users cannot yet disable Shorts through official settings, and some short-form content may still appear in a user’s Subscriptions feed. Nevertheless, for the millions of users who primarily access the platform on their phones, the update offers a rare opportunity to return to a traditional long-form viewing experience without the interference of the algorithmic “swipe.”
