YouTube has launched a zero-minute time limit option for its Shorts feature, effectively removing Shorts from the app on Android and iOS devices. This development enhances users’ control over their viewing habits by allowing them to entirely avoid Shorts content.
This feature updates the Shorts timer that YouTube announced in October, which previously set the minimum time limit at 15 minutes. Now, all YouTube users, including those with standard adult accounts, have the ability to set their Shorts viewing limit to zero minutes.
The zero-minute timer option was initially expanded in January to assist parents in managing their children’s Shorts viewing time, with the feature labeled as “coming soon.” YouTube spokesperson Makenzie Spiller confirmed that it is now “live for all parents” and is being rolled out to all users.
Once users reach their specified time limit, the Shorts tab will not display any videos and will instead show a notification stating that they have “reached your Shorts feed limit.” Tests indicate that setting the timer to zero also removes Shorts from the Home screen, thereby allowing users to completely disregard Shorts content if they choose.
To activate the timer, users must navigate to the settings in the YouTube app, select “time management,” toggle on the Shorts feed limit, and choose their desired time limit.
