Remove YouTube Shorts: Tips & Tricks To Customize Your Feed

Okay, so you're probably here because you're wondering, "Can I get rid of YouTube Shorts?" Well, you're not alone. YouTube Shorts has taken the platform by storm, and while many users enjoy the quick, bite-sized content, others find them distracting or simply not their cup of tea. Let's dive into whether you can actually get rid of Shorts and how you can manage them to improve your YouTube experience.

Understanding YouTube Shorts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of removing or managing YouTube Shorts, let's first understand what they are and why they're so prevalent. YouTube Shorts are short-form videos, typically 60 seconds or less, designed to be consumed quickly and easily on mobile devices. They're YouTube's answer to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, aiming to capture the attention of users with fast-paced, engaging content. The algorithm pushes these Shorts aggressively, meaning they often dominate your YouTube feed and suggested videos.

Why YouTube Pushes Shorts

YouTube promotes Shorts for several reasons. First, short-form video is incredibly popular right now. Platforms like TikTok have demonstrated the massive appeal of quick, digestible content, and YouTube doesn't want to miss out on that market. By pushing Shorts, YouTube aims to keep users on their platform longer, increasing ad revenue and overall engagement. Secondly, Shorts provide a way for creators to experiment with new content formats and reach a broader audience. Many creators have found success by repurposing their existing content into Shorts or creating entirely new, short-form videos. Finally, YouTube uses Shorts to attract younger audiences who are accustomed to platforms like TikTok. By offering a similar experience, YouTube hopes to keep these users engaged and prevent them from migrating to other platforms.

The Impact on User Experience

While YouTube's motivations for pushing Shorts are understandable, the impact on user experience can be mixed. Some users love the endless stream of entertaining videos, finding new creators and content they wouldn't have otherwise discovered. However, others find Shorts distracting and overwhelming, preferring longer, more in-depth content. The aggressive promotion of Shorts can also make it harder to find the types of videos users are actually interested in, leading to frustration and a desire to customize their YouTube experience.

Can You Actually "Get Rid" of YouTube Shorts?

Now, to the million-dollar question: Can you actually get rid of YouTube Shorts? The short answer is: not entirely, but you can definitely manage them to a significant extent. YouTube doesn't offer a built-in feature to completely disable Shorts. However, there are several strategies you can use to minimize their presence and tailor your YouTube experience to your liking.

Official YouTube Settings and Options

YouTube provides a few official settings and options that can help you manage the Shorts you see. While these won't eliminate Shorts entirely, they can reduce their frequency and relevance.

"Not Interested" and "Don't Recommend Channel"

One of the most effective ways to influence the YouTube algorithm is by using the "Not Interested" and "Don't Recommend Channel" options. When you see a Short you don't like, click the three dots next to the video and select "Not Interested." This tells YouTube that you're not interested in that particular video. If you consistently dislike videos from a specific channel, you can also select "Don't Recommend Channel" to prevent future videos from that channel from appearing in your feed. These actions help YouTube understand your preferences and tailor your recommendations accordingly.

Managing Your Watch History and Subscriptions

Your watch history and subscriptions play a significant role in the videos YouTube recommends to you. If you find that your feed is dominated by Shorts, take some time to review your watch history and remove any videos that don't align with your interests. Additionally, make sure you're only subscribed to channels that consistently produce content you enjoy. Unsubscribing from channels that primarily create Shorts can help reduce the number of Shorts in your feed.

Third-Party Tools and Browser Extensions

If the official YouTube settings aren't enough, you can also explore third-party tools and browser extensions that offer more advanced options for managing Shorts. These tools can provide additional control over your YouTube experience, allowing you to hide Shorts, block specific channels, and customize your feed in various ways.

Examples of Browser Extensions

Several browser extensions are designed to help you manage YouTube Shorts. Some popular options include "BlockTube," "Video Blocker," and "DF Tube (Distraction Free YouTube)." These extensions allow you to block Shorts from appearing in your feed, hide the Shorts shelf on the homepage, and customize other aspects of the YouTube interface. Keep in mind that using third-party tools may violate YouTube's terms of service, so use them at your own risk.

Training the Algorithm: Likes and Dislikes

Actively liking and disliking videos is another effective way to train the YouTube algorithm. When you like a video, you're telling YouTube that you want to see more content like that. Conversely, when you dislike a video, you're telling YouTube that you want to see less of that type of content. Be consistent with your likes and dislikes to help YouTube understand your preferences and tailor your recommendations accordingly. If you consistently dislike Shorts, YouTube will eventually start showing you fewer of them.

Alternative Ways to Enjoy YouTube

If you're struggling to manage Shorts and find that they're negatively impacting your YouTube experience, consider exploring alternative ways to enjoy the platform. There are several strategies you can use to focus on the content you love and minimize distractions.

Creating Playlists and Using the "Watch Later" Feature

Creating playlists is a great way to organize and curate the content you want to watch. When you find a video you're interested in, add it to a playlist instead of watching it immediately. This allows you to build a collection of videos that you can watch later, without getting distracted by Shorts or other recommended videos. The "Watch Later" feature is another useful tool for saving videos you want to watch later. Simply click the "Watch Later" button below a video to add it to your Watch Later playlist.

Subscribing to Specific Channels and Using the Subscription Feed

Instead of relying on the YouTube homepage to discover new videos, focus on subscribing to specific channels that consistently produce content you enjoy. The subscription feed allows you to see all the latest videos from the channels you're subscribed to, without being bombarded by Shorts or other recommended content. This can help you stay focused on the content you love and avoid distractions.

Utilizing YouTube Music for Audio Content

If you primarily use YouTube for listening to music or podcasts, consider using YouTube Music instead. YouTube Music is a separate app that's specifically designed for audio content. It offers a cleaner, more focused experience, without the distractions of Shorts or other video content. You can also create playlists, download songs for offline listening, and discover new music based on your listening history.

Conclusion: Taming the Shorts

So, can you completely get rid of YouTube Shorts? The answer is no, not really. But with a combination of YouTube's built-in features, third-party tools, and mindful usage habits, you can definitely minimize their presence and create a more enjoyable YouTube experience. It takes a bit of effort to train the algorithm, but stick with it, and you'll find your feed filled with more of what you love. Happy watching, folks!