YouTube has finally given users what they have been asking for: the ability to turn off Shorts entirely on mobile. YouTube has rolled out the capability to set the Shorts feed limit to zero minutes, which can help users stop doomscrolling, at least on mobile. The platform originally launched a Shorts feed limit in October last year, but the lowest option available at the time was 15 minutes, which functioned more as a reminder to take a break than an actual block. The addition of a zero-minute option marks a meaningful shift from nudging users toward moderation to actually giving them the ability to remove an entire content category from their experience.
The update expands YouTube’s existing time-management tools and has added a new zero-minute option to the Shorts Feed limit timer. Users can find the Shorts Feed limit timer under the Time Management section in the YouTube app settings. Once enabled, tapping the Shorts tab will display a “time limit reached” message, preventing access to the feed. When the setting is selected, users may see a notice that says “Scrolling is paused but you may still see individual Shorts,” and may need to refresh the app before short-form videos disappear from the feed. The feature is rolling out to all users, not just parents — YouTube confirmed the zero-minute timer is now live for adult accounts as well.
It is worth noting that the feature is not a complete removal of Shorts from the platform. Shorts are not fully removed, as they still appear in subscriptions and can be opened via shared links. The new setting lives under Time Management and adds friction by blocking the Shorts tab after the limit is hit. The new option also arrives amid growing concern over the mixing of regular content into Shorts feeds, which some users have noticed in recent weeks, with YouTube appearing to test blending longer videos into the Shorts scroll experience, further blurring the line between formats.
The rollout comes amid broader industry conversations about the psychological effects of infinite scrolling platforms. Short-form videos have been linked in various studies to shortened attention spans, disrupted sleep patterns, and challenges in maintaining sustained focus, especially among younger audiences. By offering users direct control over this specific feed, the company positions itself as responsive to feedback from parents, educators, and health advocates who have called for stronger built-in safeguards rather than relying solely on external app blockers or manual discipline. For users who have long preferred YouTube’s traditional long-form content, this update is a welcome and overdue addition.
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