YouTube Shorts has rapidly become a popular feature on the platform, allowing users to create and view short, engaging videos that are 60 seconds or less. However, not everyone is a fan of this new format. Whether you find it distracting, or unnecessary, or simply prefer the traditional YouTube experience, you might be wondering how to disable YouTube Shorts. This comprehensive guide will explore the reasons you might want to disable YouTube Shorts and provide several methods for doing so.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
Before we dive into how to disable YouTube Shorts, let’s briefly discuss what YouTube Shorts are. Launched in 2020, YouTube Shorts is a feature designed to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels. It allows users to create and share short videos directly from their mobile devices. These videos are typically under 60 seconds and can be found in a dedicated section on the YouTube app, as well as on the homepage.
YouTube Shorts is designed to be a quick and easy way for users to create content on the go, and for viewers to consume content in bite-sized pieces. While some users love the feature, others find it distracting and would prefer to stick with traditional, longer-form YouTube videos.
Why You Might Want to Disable YouTube Shorts
There are several reasons why you might want to learn how to disable YouTube Shorts:
- Distraction-Free Viewing: YouTube Shorts can be visually overwhelming and distract from the content you’re actually interested in watching.
- Preference for Long-Form Content: Some users prefer the depth and detail that comes with longer YouTube videos and may find Shorts too superficial.
- Data Usage Concerns: Watching YouTube Shorts can quickly consume data, especially if you’re on a limited mobile data plan.
- Customization: Users who prefer a more tailored YouTube experience may want to disable Shorts to keep their homepage and recommended videos more aligned with their interests.
How to Disable YouTube Shorts: Different Methods
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore various methods for how to disable YouTube Shorts. While YouTube doesn’t provide a direct option to disable Shorts entirely, there are several workarounds you can use to minimize or remove them from your YouTube experience.
1. Disabling YouTube Shorts on the Mobile App
If you primarily use YouTube on your mobile device and want to learn how to disable YouTube Shorts, there are a few tricks you can try:
Method 1: Downgrade the YouTube App Version
One way to get rid of YouTube Shorts is by downgrading to an older version of the YouTube app that doesn’t include the Shorts feature. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Uninstall the current YouTube app from your device.
- Step 2: Find an APK file for an older version of the YouTube app that predates the launch of Shorts. You can find these APK files on websites like APKMirror.
- Step 3: Download and install the older version of the YouTube app.
- Step 4: Disable auto-updates for the YouTube app in your device’s app store settings to prevent it from updating to the latest version with Shorts.
This method will remove YouTube Shorts from your app, but it may also mean you miss out on other new features and updates.
Method 2: Use YouTube in a Mobile Browser
Another way to learn how to disable YouTube Shorts on your mobile device is by using YouTube through a mobile web browser instead of the app. The mobile web version of YouTube may not display Shorts in the same way as the app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Open your preferred mobile web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- Step 2: Go to the YouTube website (www.youtube.com).
- Step 3: Log in to your YouTube account.
By using YouTube in a browser instead of the app, you may notice that Shorts are less prominent or even absent altogether.
2. Disabling YouTube Shorts on Desktop
If you primarily use YouTube on a desktop or laptop and want to know how to disable YouTube Shorts, there are a few strategies you can employ:
Method 1: Use Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can be an effective way to customize your YouTube experience, including removing YouTube Shorts. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Install a browser extension that allows you to block specific content on YouTube. Some popular extensions include “Enhancer for YouTube” and “uBlock Origin.”
- Step 2: Configure the extension to hide or block the Shorts section on YouTube.
These extensions allow you to control what content appears on your YouTube homepage, including the ability to block Shorts.
Method 2: Adjust Your YouTube Preferences
Another way to reduce the visibility of YouTube Shorts on the desktop is by adjusting your YouTube preferences:
- Step 1: Go to the YouTube homepage and scroll down to the Shorts section.
- Step 2: Click on the three vertical dots next to a Shorts video and select “Not interested” from the dropdown menu.
- Step 3: Repeat this process for several Shorts videos to train YouTube’s algorithm not to show them to you.
While this method may not completely remove Shorts, it can significantly reduce their presence on your homepage.
3. Using Third-Party YouTube Apps
For those who want to learn how to disable YouTube Shorts and are open to alternative solutions, using a third-party YouTube app might be the answer. Some third-party apps are designed to offer a more streamlined and customizable YouTube experience, without features like Shorts.
Method: Install a Third-Party YouTube App
- Step 1: Research and choose a third-party YouTube app that aligns with your needs. Some popular options include YouTube Vanced (for Android) or NewPipe (for Android).
- Step 2: Download and install the third-party app on your device.
- Step 3: Configure the app settings to disable YouTube Shorts and other unwanted features.
These apps often provide more control over your YouTube experience, allowing you to disable features that you don’t want to use.
The Limitations of Disabling YouTube Shorts
While learning how to disable YouTube Shorts can help you customize your YouTube experience, it’s important to note that these methods have limitations:
- No Official Option: YouTube does not currently offer an official way to disable Shorts, so all of the methods mentioned above are workarounds.
- App Updates: If you downgrade the YouTube app to remove Shorts, you may miss out on important updates, bug fixes, and new features.
- Algorithm Learning: Even if you mark Shorts as “Not interested,” YouTube’s algorithm may still show them occasionally, especially if they become popular.
- Third-Party App Risks: Using third-party apps may expose you to security risks, as they are not officially supported by YouTube.
Why YouTube Shorts Might Be Worth Keeping
While this guide focuses on how to disable YouTube Shorts, it’s worth considering whether Shorts might actually enhance your YouTube experience. Here are a few reasons why you might want to give Shorts a chance:
- Quick Entertainment: YouTube Shorts provide a quick and easy way to consume content, especially when you have limited time.
- Discover New Creators: Shorts can introduce you to new creators and content that you might not otherwise discover.
- Engage with Trends: Shorts often highlight the latest trends and viral moments, keeping you in the loop with what’s popular.
- Content Creation Opportunities: If you’re a content creator, Shorts offer a new way to engage with your audience and experiment with different formats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to disable YouTube Shorts can help you tailor your YouTube experience to better suit your preferences. Whether you find Shorts distracting, unnecessary, or simply not to your taste, there are several methods you can use to minimize or remove them from your YouTube app and desktop experience. From downgrading the YouTube app to using browser extensions and third-party apps, you have options to regain control over your content consumption.
However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of disabling YouTube Shorts, as some methods may come with limitations or risks. Ultimately, the decision to disable Shorts or embrace them is a personal one, depending on how you want to interact with the platform. By understanding how to disable YouTube Shorts, you can make informed choices that enhance your overall YouTube experience.