YouTube is rolling out a new feature that allows users to limit or effectively disable the Shorts feed, marking a shift in how the platform is addressing concerns around excessive scrolling and digital wellbeing. The update enables users to set a viewing limit for Shorts, including an option to reduce the time to zero minutes. Once the limit is reached, the Shorts feed disappears from the app, along with related recommendations, allowing users to focus on longer-form content. The feature is part of YouTube’s broader effort to give users more control over their viewing habits as short-form video continues to dominate online platforms. New controls target screen time habits The Shorts limit can be accessed through YouTube’s settings under time management tools. Users can select how long they want to spend watching short videos, and once that threshold is reached, the app stops showing Shorts content. The zero-minute option effectively removes Shorts entirely, a move that many users have been requesting as short-form content becomes increasingly addictive. The update builds on earlier features that allowed users to set daily time limits, which would pause Shorts viewing after a certain duration. YouTube has previously said such tools are designed to help users “be more deliberate about their viewing habits.” The company has also expanded parental controls, enabling guardians to restrict or block Shorts for younger users, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of endless scrolling on attention spans and mental health. Balancing growth with user wellbeing YouTube Shorts has become a central part of the platform’s strategy, competing directly with TikTok and Instagram Reels. The format has seen rapid growth, attracting billions of views and reshaping how content is consumed globally. However, the rise of short-form video has also raised concerns among users and experts about reduced attention spans and increased screen time. Studies suggest that short-form content encourages frequent engagement but can also lead to lower focus on longer, more informative content. The introduction of the new feature indicates a shift in approach, where platforms are increasingly expected to offer tools that allow users to manage their own usage rather than simply maximize engagement. While Shorts remains a key growth driver for YouTube, the ability to limit or disable the feed suggests the company is responding to user demand for more balanced digital experiences. As the feature rolls out globally, it is likely to influence how other platforms approach short-form content, particularly as regulators and users push for greater control over screen time and algorithm-driven engagement.