A new era from YouTube: Time limit for Shorts videos can be reduced to zero

YouTube has implemented a new update that gives users more control over the content on its video platform. The "time management" features, which were gradually activated in October 2025, now allow users to set the viewing time for Shorts videos to "0 minutes." This way, those who do not like the presence of short videos on their homepage can stay away from the feed entirely.

With this innovation, millions of users have gained a feature they have long requested. Especially those who use the platform only for long-form videos, documentaries, or educational content frequently expressed their discomfort with the increasing density of short videos.

LIMITING THE SHORTS FEED IS NOW EASIER

The new feature on YouTube stands out as a result of developments in the field of time management. Users can access the "Shorts Feed Limit" option after entering the "Time Management" menu in the settings, which can be accessed from the profile tab. Here, the viewing time can be reduced to zero minutes according to user preference.

When this setting is activated, Shorts recommendations on the homepage disappear, and users who try to use the Shorts tab are met with a "you have exceeded the limit" warning, effectively restricting their access to short videos to a large extent.

This application does not impose a "locked" block on standard accounts. Users can choose to ignore the limit and continue watching if they wish, but this feature stands out as a serious deterrent against short-video addiction.

NO COMPROMISE ON CHILD ACCOUNTS WITH PARENTAL CONTROL

As of March 2026, the "0-Minute Shorts" setting has become even more effective for accounts under parental control. For such child and youth user profiles, families can completely reset the viewing time for short videos. There is no option to exceed or ignore the limit on these accounts; therefore, Shorts content is completely locked for that day.

This application has been welcomed by families both to reduce children's screen exposure and to minimize the risk of encountering inappropriate content.

YOUTUBE’S USER-CENTRIC APPROACH

This step by the platform serves as a response to long-standing user demands. The short video format, Shorts, was at the forefront of YouTube's homepage in the eyes of users, and this had turned into a source of discomfort for those seeking long-form content. With the innovation, a real area of control has been opened for those who want to organize their short video feed according to their own preferences.

Subscribers who follow educational and professional content in particular state that they do not want to see "YouTube as a TikTok alternative." The "0-Minute" option is considered an important step taken by the company toward diversifying and personalizing the user experience.