- YouTube introduces a zero minute limit to disable Shorts on the homepage
- The setting is available under Time Management in app settings
- Shorts may still appear in subscriptions for some users
- Feature is rolling out gradually and not yet available to everyone
After years of complaints about endless scrolling and cluttered feeds, YouTube appears to be taking a meaningful step toward giving users more control. A newly introduced setting allows people to effectively remove Shorts from their homepage entirely.
It is a small tweak on paper, but in practice, it changes how the platform feels for those who prefer long form content over quick, looping clips.
The update introduces a zero minute limit for Shorts viewing. Earlier, users could only restrict their daily Shorts usage to a minimum of fifteen minutes.
That limit never truly solved the issue for people who wanted to avoid the feature altogether. With this new setting, YouTube is finally acknowledging that not everyone wants a TikTok style experience baked into their browsing.
A simple setting with a big impact
The functionality is tucked away within YouTube’s existing time management tools. Once available on your device, the option can be accessed through Settings, then Time Management, followed by Shorts feed limit. There, users will notice a new zero minute choice.
Selecting this effectively blocks Shorts from appearing on the homepage. The experience becomes noticeably cleaner, focusing instead on traditional videos and recommendations. For many users, this restores the familiar YouTube environment that existed before Shorts became prominent.
There is, however, a small caveat. Shorts may still appear in certain sections, such as the subscriptions feed. While this does not completely eliminate the feature, it significantly reduces its visibility and influence on daily browsing habits. For most users, that alone is a welcome improvement.
Designed for digital wellbeing and parental control
This move is not just about user preference. It also ties into broader concerns around screen time and digital wellbeing. Short form video platforms are often criticized for encouraging excessive scrolling, especially among younger audiences. By adding a zero minute limit, YouTube is offering a practical tool for those who want to curb that behavior.
Parents, in particular, may find this feature useful. Combined with existing controls like break reminders and bedtime notifications, the ability to remove Shorts adds another layer of oversight. It helps create a more intentional viewing environment, rather than one driven by algorithmic loops.
The change also reflects a growing awareness among tech companies. Users are becoming more vocal about how platforms shape their habits. Giving people the option to step back, even partially, is a smart and timely response.
Rollout is gradual, and not everyone has it yet
As with many YouTube updates, this feature is not available to everyone just yet. Early reports suggest that the rollout is happening in phases, which means some users may need to wait before they see the zero minute option in their settings.
That said, once it arrives, enabling it takes only a few seconds. There is no need for additional apps or complicated workarounds. It is a built in solution that works quietly in the background.
The reception so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Online communities have praised the update, calling it long overdue. For users who have grown tired of constant Shorts recommendations, this feels like a long awaited fix rather than a minor adjustment.
Follow TechBSB For More Updates
