YouTube is a popular platform when it comes to long-form video content. In 2020, it introduced the YouTube Shorts feature which were genuinely liked by users. YouTube Shorts are receiving an average of 13 billion views per day. That’s really a big number…
While many users enjoy these short videos, some others find them distracting. In this scenario, they seek ways to turn off shorts. If you are also one of them, we have got your problem here. In this blog post, we are going to explain different guides on how to turn off YouTube shorts.
6 Easier Methods to Turn Off YouTube Shorts
In the section below, you’re going to learn 6 easier methods on how to turn off YouTube shorts.
Method 1: Mark YouTube Short as “Not Interested”
YouTube recommendation system relies on user feedback. Frequently marking shorts as “Not Interested”, giving a signal to the algorithm that you dislike that kind of content video. This method reduces its presence in your feed.
Steps
- Open the YouTube and scroll down until you come across a short video.
- Tap the “Three dots” on the video and select Not Interested.
- Repeat this method for multiple short videos.
Note: This method indicates to YouTube’s algorithm that you don’t prefer Shorts, and it will slowly stop recommending them.
Method 2: Downgrade YouTube App
If you’re an Android user, then this method is effective for you. You can turn off YouTube Shorts permanently by using an older version of this platform that doesn’t have the Shorts features. It’s only for Android users, iPhones don’t allow app downgrade.
Steps
- Navigate to your mobile’s settings and select Apps & Notifications.
- Find YouTube and uninstall it to remove the current version.
- Visit a trusted APK website Like APKMirror and search for an older version of YouTube(Pre- 2021).
- Download it and disable auto updates in the Google Play Store to prevent YouTube from updating back.
Reminder: Ensure the APK store is trusted to avoid malware risk.
Method 3: Use Browser Extension
If you’re a desktop user and watch YouTube on it. Then you can add a browser extension to remove or hide Shorts from your YouTube feed.
Steps
- Open your reliable browser.
- Search for Enhancer for YouTube in the extension store. Install and enable the extension.
- Customize the extension setting and configure it to hide YouTube shorts.
- Refresh YouTube, and enjoy the shorts free feed.
Method 4: Use the “-shorts” Search Trick
If you want to avoid YouTube shorts appearing in search results, this trick works perfectly. This is useful for both Android and Desktop users. It will not remove shorts from your home feed, but it is reliable in search results. Follow the steps below to get the trick:
Steps
- Open YouTube on the mobile app or in a desktop browser.
- Type your search term with “-shorts” to filter out Shorts, like “motivational speech -shorts.”
- YouTube will filter out shorts and show you only long content videos or looped videos.
Method 5: Clear Cache and App Data
Want fewer Shorts in your feed? Clearing the app’s cache and data is a quick way to refresh your YouTube experience. It removes saved preferences and can reduce short recommendations.
Steps
- Go to the settings on your mobile device, then select apps, find YouTube, and open storage. Here, you will find options to manage app data, and clear cache and storage.
- Remove temporary files by tapping clear cache. If you still face issues, tap Clear Data to restore the app to its default settings.
- Log in to YouTube again to restore your account. Engage with long-form videos to shape the algorithm.
Method 6: Install YouTube Vanced or Similar Apps
YouTube Vanced is an advanced alternative to the official app. It allows users to take full control of features like ad blocking, Shorts removal, and customization options. This method is useful for those who are seeking additional control.
- Head to the official YouTube Vanced website or a trusted source, and download the compatible version with your device.
- After installation, access the advanced settings. Look for the “Disable shorts” option and toggle it on.
- This will hide Shorts from appearing in your feed, providing you distraction-free YouTube experience.
Before You Go
YouTube shorts are popular among many users, but some of them find it irrelevant and seek ways to reduce their visibility. If you’re looking for a quick way to turn off YouTube Shorts marking them as “Not Interested” can help you to reduce their presence.
Although completely disabling Shorts within the official YouTube app isn’t possible. However, the above methods can significantly reduce usage frequency, helping you to enjoy a more focused viewing experience. Taking the right steps will help you to customize YouTube to match your personal preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I permanently turn off YouTube Shorts on the official app?
You can’t turn off YouTube shorts completely, since it’s built directly into YouTube. However, the methods in this article will help you block Shorts significantly.
2. Can I remove the Shorts Tab from YouTube?
Not officially, but you can use YouTube Vanced for Android and a browser extension for desktop.
3. Will clearing history block Shorts recommendations?
Not permanently, but clearing history can reset YouTube recommendations, making Shorts appear less frequently.
