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YOUTUBE LETS USERS DISABLE SHORTS WITH ZERO-MINUTE LIMIT

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
FRI, APR 17, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

YouTube has expanded its Shorts time limit controls, allowing users to set the daily watchtime cap to zero minutes on iOS and Android devices. This effectively removes Shorts from the app entirely.

The feature gives users granular control over their short-form video consumption. Previously, the minimum time limit users could set was 15 minutes per day. The zero-minute option joins existing limits of 5, 10, 15, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes. When set to zero, the Shorts tab and recommendations disappear from the YouTube app. The update reflects growing user demand for digital wellness tools. YouTube has gradually expanded its parental controls and screen time management features over the past two years, including options for reminder notifications and scheduled break times. The change applies globally across YouTube's mobile platforms, giving users more flexibility in managing their app experience and limiting algorithmic feed exposure if desired.

■ SOURCES

Techmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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