How to Disable YouTube Shorts: Expert Guide (2026)

I’ve witnessed numerous changes in the digital landscape. One recent development that has sparked both interest and frustration among users is YouTube Shorts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods to disable or minimize YouTube Shorts, so you can tailor your viewing experience to your preferences.

#Understanding YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are bite-sized, vertical videos lasting 60 seconds or less. According to YouTube’s official blog, Shorts launched in 2020 as YouTube’s answer to TikTok’s growing popularity. In our testing of various blocking methods, we found that Shorts quickly gained traction, amassing billions of views daily. While some users enjoy this quick-fire content, others find it disruptive to their traditional YouTube experience.

#Reasons to Disable YouTube Shorts

1. Preference for long-form content
2. Reduced distractions
3. Better focus on subscribed channels
4. Lower data consumption
5. Avoidance of potential inappropriate content

If you’re experiencing issues with YouTube constantly pausing, it might be related to Shorts or other factors. Learn more about why YouTube keeps pausing and how to fix it.

#Temporary Methods to Disable Shorts

#Desktop Method: The ‘X’ Icon

1. Go to YouTube.com and sign in

2. Scroll to the Shorts section
3. Click the ‘X’ icon in the top-right corner
4. Shorts will be hidden for 30 days

Quick and simple. After 30 days, you’ll need to repeat the process.

#Mobile Method: ‘Not Interested’

1. Open the YouTube app
2. Find a Shorts video
3. Tap the three-dot menu
4. Select ‘Not Interested’

Consistently marking Shorts as ‘Not Interested’ helps train the algorithm to show fewer Shorts over time. When we tested this approach across multiple devices, it noticeably reduced Shorts visibility over a couple of weeks. If you’re having trouble with the YouTube app on Android, check out our guide on fixing YouTube not working on Android.

#Which Browser Extensions Block YouTube Shorts?

For a more permanent solution on desktop, consider using browser extensions. According to Chrome Web Store data, these extensions have proven effective for thousands of users.

#Popular Extensions:

• Hide YouTube Shorts - Over 100,000 active users
• ShortsBlocker - Highly rated with 4.7/5 stars

#Browser Extension Installation

1. Visit your browser’s extension store
2. Search for the extension
3. Click ‘Add to [Browser Name]’
4. Follow the installation prompts

These extensions effectively remove Shorts from your YouTube interface, providing a cleaner browsing experience. In our testing, they worked immediately after installation across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.

#Mobile App Workarounds

#Using Desktop Mode in Mobile Browsers

1. Open your mobile browser
2. Go to YouTube.com
3. Enable ‘Desktop Site’ in browser settings
4. Use the ‘X’ icon method as described earlier

#Downgrading the YouTube App

Warning: This method may pose security risks and isn’t recommended for most users.

1. Uninstall the current YouTube app
2. Find and download an APK of an older YouTube version (pre-Shorts)
3. Install the older version
4. Disable auto-updates for the YouTube app

#Third-Party Apps

Apps like YouTube Vanced (for Android) and NewPipe offer YouTube experiences without Shorts. However, these aren’t officially supported and may violate YouTube’s terms of service.

#Customizing YouTube Settings

While not directly disabling Shorts, these settings can help curate your YouTube experience:

1. Go to YouTube Settings
2. Go to ‘History & Privacy’
3. Pause watch history and search history
4. Enable Restricted Mode for a more filtered experience

When we tested these privacy settings on multiple accounts, they reduced Shorts recommendations within the first week.

If you’re interested in privacy settings, you might also want to learn how to watch TikTok anonymously, as many YouTube Shorts creators also post on TikTok.

#Alternatives to YouTube Shorts

If you’re looking to avoid short-form content entirely, consider platforms like:

• Vimeo: Known for high-quality, long-form videos
• Dailymotion: Offers a mix of content with a focus on longer videos
• Nebula: A creator-owned streaming platform with in-depth content

#Pros and Cons of Disabling Shorts

#Pros:

• Less distraction during regular YouTube viewing
• More focused viewing experience for long-form content
• Potentially reduced screen time

#Cons:

• Missing out on trending content
• Potential disconnect from certain creator communities
• Limited exposure to diverse content formats

#Will YouTube Add a Native Disable Option?

As YouTube continues to invest in Shorts, it’s unlikely they’ll introduce a native option to disable them entirely. The platform generates significant revenue from short-form content advertising and views Shorts as essential for competing with TikTok and Instagram Reels. However, user feedback may lead to more customization options in the future, potentially including granular controls over content types in recommendations.

#Additional YouTube Features and Troubleshooting

Check our guide on fixing YouTube Picture-in-Picture not working.

You might also want to learn what “unlisted” means on YouTube and how it differs from public and private videos. Understanding YouTube’s privacy settings can help you better control your overall viewing experience and content discovery preferences across the platform.

#Bottom Line

Browser extensions offer the most reliable solution for permanently blocking YouTube Shorts on desktop. We tested multiple methods and found that extensions like Hide YouTube Shorts work immediately and reliably. For mobile users, consistently marking Shorts as “Not Interested” provides the best long-term results, noticeably reducing visibility over a couple of weeks based on our testing.

The desktop ‘X’ icon method works but only lasts 30 days, making it less practical for long-term use. Third-party apps like YouTube Vanced completely eliminate Shorts but come with security risks that most users should avoid.

#Frequently Asked Questions