Encountering the option to disable YouTube Shorts often means you are seeking a more controlled viewing environment. The rapid-fire nature of these vertical videos can disrupt a relaxed browsing experience, turning passive curiosity into an endless scroll. This guide walks you through the specific methods to turn off the Shorts feed, helping you reclaim your time and attention on the platform.
Why Disable YouTube Shorts
The algorithm behind YouTube Shorts is engineered for maximum engagement, often prioritizing novelty and brevity over depth. For users who prefer long-form educational content or detailed tutorials, the constant interruption of Shorts can fracture concentration and derail intended viewing sessions. Disabling this feature allows for a return to a linear content consumption model, where videos play to completion without algorithmic interruptions.
The Distraction Factor
From a productivity standpoint, Shorts are designed to be addictive. The quick cuts, trending audio, and infinite vertical feed create a feedback loop that is difficult to exit. By disabling this section, users create a barrier that reduces mindless consumption, fostering a more intentional approach to watching videos.
How to Disable Shorts on the YouTube App
The mobile application requires a slightly different approach than the desktop site, as the setting is buried within the main navigation menu. You won't find a simple toggle on the video page; instead, you must access the main Shorts feed and disable it from there.
Open the YouTube application and ensure you are on the main Home screen.
Locate the "Shorts" tab, usually positioned below the search bar or within the top horizontal menu.
Tap on the "Shorts" tab to load the feed of vertical videos.
Tap your profile icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
Look for the "Turn off Shorts" or "Shorts settings" option and select it.
Confirm the action to disable the feature. The app will now hide the Shorts feed and stop recommending them.
How to Disable Shorts on the YouTube Website
Desktop users have a more direct method available through the left-hand sidebar. This process involves filtering out the content type directly within the subscription feed, rather than searching for a global setting.
Step | Action
1 | Navigate to YouTube in any web browser and log in to your account.
2
3 | Hover over the "Shorts" section that appears below the search bar.
4 | Click the three vertical dots (ellipsis) that appear.
5 | Select "Don't recommend channel" or "Remove Shorts" from the dropdown menu.
Impact on Your Recommendation Feed
Disabling Shorts does not delete your watch history or unsubscribe from channels that publish this format. Instead, it signals to the algorithm that you are not interested in this specific content type. Over time, you should notice the "Shorts" section disappearing from your homepage and the recommendation sidebar, replaced by longer, more relevant videos.
