YouTube Allows Users to Completely Turn Off "Shorts" with New Feature

YouTube Allows Complete “Shorts” Turn-Off with New Viewing Settings

YouTube has introduced a new feature that allows users to completely disable short-form videos known as “Shorts.” With this new setting, users can set their “Shorts” viewing time to zero minutes, providing an option to effectively eliminate “Shorts” from the app. This feature is available on both Android and iOS versions of the app, demonstrating YouTube’s continued evolution aimed at enhancing the user experience.

Background: The Rise and Criticism of Shorts

“Shorts” is a short-form video format similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, a content type introduced by YouTube to maintain competitiveness. However, since its release, “Shorts” has drawn mixed reactions. While some users welcomed this new type of content, others who prefer traditional long-form videos voiced concerns that the experience within the app was becoming fragmented. Especially for users who found the auto-play of short videos and algorithmic recommendations troublesome, this new setting can be said to be a long-awaited feature.

Details of the New Feature

In October 2023, YouTube announced the “Shorts Timer,” allowing users to manage their own viewing time. Previously, the minimum time limit that could be set was 15 minutes, but with the new feature, setting this to zero minutes makes it possible to completely disable “Shorts” within the app.

Furthermore, this function is not limited to being a tool for individual users; it has also been expanded as a means for parents to manage viewing time on their children’s accounts. Especially for parents who wish to prevent time wastage due to infinite scrolling, this “zero-minute setting” is extremely practical.

Impact on the Industry

This new feature indicates that YouTube is prioritizing a user-centric approach. While YouTube has promoted “Shorts” to maintain competitiveness amidst the global popularity of short videos, there is likely also a desire not to lose the user base that supports traditional long-form videos. Consequently, especially for advertisers, changes in data regarding user viewing behavior are anticipated. If the number of users who completely disable “Shorts” increases, it could also affect ad targeting strategies. Additionally, this may bring changes to the competitive environment for other platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram Reels, which are ahead in short-form videos.

Future Outlook

With YouTube introducing this feature, attention focuses on whether other platforms will follow suit. For example, TikTok and Instagram may develop similar features to improve the user viewing experience. It is also expected that user viewing behavior will become increasingly polarized between a “layer that prefers short videos” and a “layer that prefers long-form videos.” YouTube’s new setting is a step symbolizing the evolution of streaming services in terms of providing a customizable viewing experience. We look forward to the emergence of flexible features that respond to viewers’ needs in the future.

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