YouTube Shorts have become a popular way to watch short videos on YouTube, but some users might find them distracting. If you’re looking for a way to disable YouTube Shorts, whether you’re on your PC or mobile device, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain how to turn off or hide YouTube Shorts in simple steps for both platforms. We’ll also include helpful tips to enhance your overall YouTube experience and improve your YouTube Like count!
Why You Might Want to Disable YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are a fun and quick way to consume content, but they might not always fit your preferences. If you prefer the long-form videos that YouTube is known for or you find the Shorts feature distracting, you might want to disable YouTube Shorts. You might also be looking to customize your feed or avoid the endless stream of short videos that appear at the top of your homepage. Whatever your reason, we’re here to help you manage your YouTube experience in a way that suits you best.
How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Your PC
If you use YouTube on your computer, you may have noticed that YouTube Shorts appear at the top of your homepage or within your feed. While YouTube doesn’t provide an official feature to fully disable YouTube Shorts, there are a few ways to limit or hide them.
Method 1: Use an Extension to Disable YouTube Shorts
One of the easiest ways to disable YouTube Shorts on your PC is by using a browser extension. Extensions like “Remove YouTube Shorts” or “Enhancer for YouTube” can help you remove Shorts from your homepage and recommendations.
Steps:
- Go to the Chrome Web Store (or your preferred browser’s extension store).
- Search for “Remove YouTube Shorts” or “Enhancer for YouTube.”
- Select the extension and click “Add to Chrome” or the equivalent for your browser.
- After installation, the extension will automatically block Shorts from appearing on your feed.
With this method, you’ll notice that Shorts no longer show up, and your YouTube homepage will return to its classic format, allowing you to focus on longer videos.
Method 2: Manually Avoid Shorts Content
If you don’t want to use an extension but still want to avoid YouTube Shorts, you can manually hide them by customizing your recommendations.
Steps:
- Open YouTube on your PC.
- When you see a Short on your homepage, click the three dots on the top-right corner of the video thumbnail.
- Select “Not Interested.”
- You can also select “Tell us why” and choose “I don’t like this video.”
While this method won’t completely disable YouTube Shorts, it helps to minimize their presence. The more you interact with the content you enjoy, the more YouTube’s algorithm will show you similar content and reduce Shorts recommendations.
Method 3: Use YouTube’s Desktop Version without Shorts
A simple workaround to disable YouTube Shorts is to use the desktop version of YouTube. While YouTube Shorts are designed to be visible, they are not the primary content on the website. When you stay focused on the full-screen experience or search for long-form content, you’ll naturally limit exposure to Shorts.
How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Mobile
If you prefer watching YouTube on your mobile device, you might be frustrated with the constant appearance of Shorts in your feed. YouTube Shorts take up a lot of space on mobile devices, and you may want to find ways to disable YouTube Shorts for a cleaner viewing experience.
Method 1: Turn Off YouTube Shorts Using the YouTube App Settings
Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t offer an option to disable YouTube Shorts entirely, but you can reduce the number of Shorts in your recommendations by using certain settings within the app.
Steps:
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Go to “Notifications.”
- Find the option that says “YouTube Shorts” and turn it off.
By turning off Shorts notifications, you won’t be alerted every time a new Short is posted, which can help reduce the distraction. However, Shorts will still appear in your feed, though less frequently.
Method 2: Use the YouTube App’s “Not Interested” Feature
Just like on the PC version of YouTube, you can hide Shorts in your mobile feed by telling YouTube that you’re “not interested” in them.
Steps:
- Open the YouTube app and scroll through your feed until you see a Short.
- Tap the three vertical dots next to the Short.
- Select “Not Interested.”
- You can then choose “I don’t like this video” if prompted.
By doing this, YouTube will gradually learn your preferences and reduce the number of Shorts in your feed. While this doesn’t completely disable YouTube Shorts, it can help filter out unwanted content.
Method 3: Install Third-Party Apps to Disable YouTube Shorts
If you don’t mind using third-party apps, you can try downloading apps like “YouTube Vanced” (for Android) or other modified YouTube apps that allow you to disable YouTube Shorts. These apps offer more customization options, including the ability to hide or turn off Shorts.
Steps:
- Download and install a third-party YouTube app like “YouTube Vanced” from a trusted source.
- Open the app and go to the settings.
- Look for an option to disable YouTube Shorts or hide them from your feed.
- Customize your settings to remove or limit Shorts from appearing.
While these apps provide a more direct way to disable YouTube Shorts, be cautious about downloading third-party apps from unverified sources.
How to Improve Your YouTube Like Count While Managing Shorts
Now that you know how to disable YouTube Shorts, you might wonder how to make the most of your YouTube experience, especially if you’re focused on increasing your YouTube Like count. Here are some tips to help you engage better with long-form content and boost your interactions:
1. Focus on Creating Engaging Content
The best way to gain YouTube Like and improve your channel is by consistently uploading high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Whether it’s tutorials, reviews, vlogs, or entertainment, make sure your videos are valuable and enjoyable to watch.
2. Encourage Viewers to Like Your Videos
In your video descriptions or within the video itself, ask viewers to like your content if they enjoyed it. A simple call to action can remind viewers to engage with your video, boosting your YouTube Like count.
3. Promote Your Videos on Social Media
Share your YouTube videos on social media platforms to attract more views and YouTube Likes. The more people who see and interact with your videos, the higher the chances of gaining engagement.
4. Consistent Posting Schedule
Maintain a consistent posting schedule. When your audience knows when to expect new videos, they’re more likely to return and engage with your content. Over time, this can increase your YouTube Like count and grow your channel.
Additional Tips for a Better YouTube Experience
While disabling YouTube Shorts is one way to take control of your viewing experience, there are other tips you can follow to enhance your YouTube usage.
1. Manage Your Recommendations
By regularly telling YouTube that you’re not interested in certain types of content, you can customize your feed and avoid Shorts that don’t match your interests.
2. Use YouTube’s Incognito Mode
If you want to watch videos without YouTube tracking your preferences, try using Incognito Mode. This mode prevents YouTube from suggesting videos based on your past activity, including Shorts.
Although YouTube doesn’t offer an official option to disable YouTube Shorts, there are several ways to minimize or hide Shorts from your feed, whether you’re using YouTube on PC or mobile. Using browser extensions, the YouTube app’s “Not Interested” feature, or third-party apps can help you take control of your YouTube experience. And if you’re looking to increase your YouTube Like count, focus on creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and promoting your videos on social media.
With these tips, you can enjoy a more personalized YouTube experience and reduce the distractions of Shorts, all while boosting your channel’s engagement.