Break Free from Addiction: Here’s How to Disable YouTube Shorts

Kokila Chokkanathan
YouTube Shorts can be useful, but for many users they quickly turn into an endless scroll loop. While there is no official “turn off Shorts permanently” button in YouTube, you can still reduce or disable them using a few practical methods.

1. Use “Not Interested” Repeatedly (Most Important Method)

On Shorts:

  • Tap the three dots (⋮)
  • Select “Not interested”
If you repeat this often, YouTube’s algorithm:

  • Shows fewer Shorts
  • Prioritizes normal long videos instead
👉 This is the most effective built-in method.

2. Remove Shorts from home Feed

You can train the feed by:

  • Avoiding Shorts tab
  • Watching only long videos
  • Disliking or skipping Shorts immediately
Over time, recommendations adjust.

3. Use Browser Extensions (Desktop Only)

If you use YouTube on a computer, extensions like:

  • “Remove YouTube Shorts”
  • “Unhook – Remove YouTube Recommendations”
can:

  • Hide Shorts tab
  • Block Shorts on homepage
4. Use YouTube in mobile Browser (Instead of App)

Instead of the app:

  • Open YouTube in Chrome or Safari
  • Use desktop mode
This often reduces Shorts visibility.

5. Turn Off Autoplay

Inside YouTube settings:

  • Disable Autoplay next video
This prevents endless scrolling behavior.

6. Clear watch History (Optional Reset)

If Shorts dominate your feed:

  • Clear watch history
  • Pause watch history
Then start fresh with only long-form content.

7. Use “Restricted Mode” (Limited Option)

Restricted Mode can:

  • Filter some content types
  • Reduce algorithm aggressiveness
Not perfect, but helps slightly.

Important Reality Check

👉 You cannot fully “disable Shorts” inside the official YouTube app right now.

Because:

  • Shorts are a core feature of the platform
  • YouTube promotes them heavily
So the goal is reduction, not complete removal (on mobile app).

Final Takeaway

To break the Shorts addiction loop in YouTube:

✔ Use “Not interested” repeatedly
✔ Avoid Shorts tab
✔ Switch to long-form viewing habits
✔ Use extensions if on desktop

Simple Rule

👉 “You don’t block Shorts — you retrain the algorithm.”

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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