YouTube’s surprise introduction of Shorts wasn’t the only twist; they also replaced the explore tab with these brief videos. Initially launched in India in September 2020, Shorts quickly gained massive popularity, prompting YouTube to roll them out globally.
But here’s the deal: Can you turn off YouTube Shorts? The answer is “Yes”. Many folks prefer informative and in-depth content over quick bites. If you find these shorts a bit frustrating, we’ve got your back with a step-by-step guide on how to turn off shorts in YouTube.
How to Turn Off YouTube Shorts on PC
Curious about how to bid farewell to those pesky YouTube Shorts when you’re browsing on your PC? Well, it’s not as straightforward as hitting a “disable” button, but fret not; we’ve got some crafty workarounds to keep your YouTube Shorts blocked.
Turn YouTube Shorts Off for 30 Days
This is like a short vacation from Shorts. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Head to YouTube
First, open up YouTube on your PC.
Step 2: Scroll and spot
Scroll down until you find the row of YouTube Shorts.
Step 3: X Marks the spot
Look for the little X icon in the top-right corner of the Shorts row.
Step 4: Click away
Click that X, and you’ll get a pop-up telling you that Shorts will be hidden for a blissful 30 days.
Install a Browser Extension
If you’re using Chrome, Edge, or Safari, you’ve got options. There are many turn-off YouTube Shorts browsers available on the respective stores that will help you block Shorts on YouTube.
For Chrome & Edge: There are handy extensions like Hide YouTube Shorts, YouTube-Shorts Block, and ShortsBlocker.
For Firefox: Seek out extensions like Remove YouTube Shorts or Hide YouTube Shorts.
For Safari: Check out BlockYT by Nikita Kukushkin.
Now, you can choose your preferred method and bid adieu to those Shorts cluttering up your YouTube feed. Enjoy a Shorts-free YouTube experience on your PC!
How to Turn Off YouTube Shorts on Mobile
YouTube Shorts, love ’em or hate ’em, they’re all over the mobile app, and sometimes, you just want a break. If you’re finding out how to turn off YouTube shorts Android, we’ve got you covered with ways to bid farewell to these addictive short videos.
Mark as “Not Interested”
One of the simplest ways to block Shorts on YouTube on your mobile device is by marking them as “Not Interested.” This won’t remove Shorts videos from the app, but it’ll hide them from your view until you browse, watch, and close them. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device and play any video you like.
Step 2: Scroll down to find the Shorts section below the video.
Step 3: Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the Shorts video.
Step 4: From the options that appear, select “Not interested.”
Repeat these steps for all recommended Shorts videos, and you’ll temporarily banish YouTube Shorts recommendations from your app.
Adjust Your YouTube Settings
This method is straightforward but comes with a caveat—it might not be available in all regions. Nonetheless, it’s one of the YouTube Shorts block channels. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Launch the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device.
Step 2: Tap on your profile avatar in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and choose “Settings.”
Step 4: In the Settings screen, navigate to “General.”
Step 5: Look for the “Shorts” toggle and turn it off.
Step 6: Restart the YouTube app.
With this setting disabled, the Shorts section should disappear when you reopen the YouTube app. However, keep in mind that this option may not be available for everyone.
Downgrade Your YouTube App
Since YouTube Shorts is a relatively new feature, you can get rid of it by reverting to an older version of the YouTube app that doesn’t include Shorts. Please note that this isn’t the most recommended method, as older app versions may have bugs and security vulnerabilities. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Long-press the YouTube app icon on your device and select “App Info.”
Step 2: Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the “App info” page.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select “Uninstall updates.”
This action will revert your YouTube app to an older version without Shorts. Be cautious not to update the app later, even if prompted, and make sure to turn off auto-updates on your Android device to prevent it from reinstalling the latest version with Shorts.
Sideloading an Older Version
If you’ve uninstalled updates but still have a YouTube app version newer than 14.13.54 (the one that introduced Shorts), try sideloading an even older version. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit APKMirror or any other website by using the link provided and download an older version of the YouTube app.
Step 2: Install the downloaded APK file on your Android device.
Step 3: Once installed, open the YouTube app on your device.
Note: You may need to allow installations from unknown sources if prompted.
With the older version of the app, Shorts should no longer appear. Make sure to turn off auto-app updates on your device to maintain this state.
Bonus Tips: How to Make YouTube Shorts Suit Your Personal Preferences
While YouTube Shorts has certainly become a hit, it’s crucial to remember that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re one of those folks who’d rather skip the Shorts, don’t fret! We’ve got a simple guide above to help you turn off Shorts on YouTube and customize your YouTube experience to match your unique tastes.
Tweak your recommendations
- After hitting “Not interested,” use the “Tell us why” option to give specific feedback.
- Share your content preferences or even specify any channels or topics you’d rather avoid.
Explore YouTube’s goodies
- Don’t just settle for the usual! Use YouTube’s search bar to hunt down content that’s a perfect fit for your interests.
- Dive into trending videos, and playlists, or consider subscribing to channels that dish out content you adore.
Bond with your beloved creators
- Keep the connection strong with your favorite content creators by subscribing to their channels and flipping on those notification bells.
- Join in on the conversation in the comments, offer feedback, and let them know what kind of content you’re eager to see next.
Conclusion
So, don’t let YouTube Shorts dominate your viewing if they’re not your thing. Make YouTube your own, explore new horizons, and engage with the content and creators you love. Your YouTube journey should be as unique as you are. Choose the method that suits you best, and regain control over your YouTube experience without the constant influx of Shorts videos. Enjoy a Shorts-free YouTube journey!