YouTube has become an indispensable platform for entertainment, education, and information sharing. However, with the rise of YouTube Shorts, a feature that enables users to create and share short vertical videos, some users may be inundated with an overwhelming amount of short-form content. If you want to regain control over your YouTube experience and block shorts from appearing in your feed, this article is here to help. This comprehensive guide will explore different methods to effectively block shorts on YouTube, allowing you to focus on the content that truly matters to you.
Understanding YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos, usually 60 seconds or less in duration, designed to captivate viewers with concise and engaging content. These shorts, often featuring a variety of themes like comedy, dance, and DIY, have gained immense popularity due to their quick and snackable nature. However, if you prefer longer videos or are distracted by the abundance of shorts, it’s time to take control and filter them out.
Using YouTube’s Built-in Features
Disliking Shorts
One way to diminish the appearance of shorts on your YouTube feed is to engage with your preferred content actively. By disliking shorts, YouTube’s algorithm will take note of your preference and reduce their prominence in your feed over time. This method may require some patience, as it takes a while for the algorithm to adapt to your feedback.
Utilizing the “Not Interested” Feature
Another effective strategy is to leverage YouTube’s “Not Interested” feature. Whenever you see a short video, click on the three-dot menu icon next to the video and select “Not Interested.” This action signals to YouTube that you want to see less of this content. By consistently utilizing this feature, you can gradually train the algorithm to present you with videos that align more closely with your interests.
Browser Extensions
Video Blocker
Video Blocker is a popular browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge that allows users to block specific channels, keywords, or entire categories of videos. Adding keywords like “shorts,” “vertical video,” or related terms to the extension’s blocklist can prevent shorts from appearing in your YouTube feed. Video Blocker offers a customizable and versatile solution for managing your video recommendations.
ImprovedTube
ImprovedTube is another browser extension that enhances your YouTube experience. It enables you to block specific video types, including shorts, and customize your YouTube settings according to your preferences. With ImprovedTube, you can regain control over your recommendations, making it an excellent tool for those seeking a shorts-free browsing experience.
Third-Party Apps and Scripts
YouTube Plus
YouTube Plus is a third-party app available for Android devices that offers advanced features beyond what the official YouTube app provides. One such feature is the ability to block shorts. You can eliminate shorts from your YouTube recommendations by toggling the appropriate setting within the app, resulting in a more tailored and focused video feed.
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User Scripts
Creating a custom script to block shorts on YouTube is another viable option for those familiar with user scripts and browser extensions like Tampermonkey or Greasemonkey. By writing a script that targets the specific elements associated with shorts, such as video length and format, you can effectively filter out these videos from your browsing experience.
Conclusion
With the growing popularity of YouTube Shorts, it’s essential to have the ability to manage your video recommendations effectively. Whether you utilize YouTube’s built-in features, browser extensions, or third-party apps and scripts, multiple methods are available to block shorts on YouTube. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control over your YouTube feed, ensuring a more personalized and focused viewing experience. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between entertainment and productivity.
