How to Disable YouTube Shorts?

Short-form videos are getting more popular every day. YouTube jumped on the trend with its Shorts feature, aiming to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. And sure, these little clips can be fun and addictive, but they’re not for everyone.

If you’re someone who prefers longer, more in-depth videos, the kind YouTube built its reputation on, you might be wondering: Can I get rid of Shorts? Or at least see fewer of them? There are a few ways to cut back on Shorts and get your feed looking more like the YouTube you actually want.

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Shorts are designed for quick hits of entertainment and they are easy to scroll through. But not everyone wants that kind of content in their feed. Some viewers find them distracting or irrelevant. Others just miss the days when YouTube was all about full-length content, tutorials, deep dives, and thoughtful commentary.

By minimizing or hiding Shorts, you can clean up your homepage, reduce distractions, and make room for the content you actually care about. It’s all about making YouTube work for you.

If you’re a content creator, you’ve probably wondered whether Shorts are worth your time. While they’re great for visibility and engagement, they don’t bring in revenue the same way regular videos do. Shorts aren't fully monetized through the YouTube Partner Program (at least not in the traditional sense), which can make them feel like more of a branding tool than a source of income.

So if your goal is long-term growth and revenue, focusing on longer videos might make more sense. That said, if you are experimenting with Shorts and want to boost your reach, you can always buy YouTube Shorts views through platforms like Viewsta to give your content a little extra push.

There are a few workarounds that can help reduce how often they show up.

Method 1: Change Your Account Settings

YouTube doesn’t offer a clear option to turn off Shorts, but you can influence what the algorithm shows you. Head into your YouTube settings and look for content preferences or recommendations. While it won’t say “Shorts” specifically, adjusting these settings can help shift your feed away from short-form videos.

Method 2: Use the “Not Interested” Option

The easiest way to train your YouTube algorithm? Just tell it what you don’t like.

When you see a Short in your feed, click the three-dot menu next to it and select "Not interested." Do this consistently, and YouTube will start showing you fewer Shorts over time. It’s a small move that can make a big difference in how your homepage feels.

YouTube should reflect your interests — not just what’s trending. By taking a few simple steps, you can start reshaping your experience, focusing on the content that actually matters to you. In general, reducing Shorts is totally doable. It may take a bit of clicking and training the algorithm, but it’s worth it if it means a better, more personalized feed.

YouTube Shorts: fun for some, frustrating for others. If you fall into the latter group, the tips above can help you take back control of your feed.

And if you’re a creator focused on growing your channel the long-form way, don’t forget — platforms like Viewsta can help you boost your video views and get your content in front of the right audience.

Why would I want to disable YouTube Shorts?

You might want to disable YouTube Shorts if you find them distracting or not relevant to your interests. Disabling them can make your YouTube browsing experience more focused, allowing you to concentrate on the types of videos you actually want to watch.

Are there benefits to turning off YouTube Shorts?

Yes, there are benefits to turning off YouTube Shorts. By doing so, you can tailor your feed to better match your interests and avoid the distraction of constantly refreshing, short-form content. This can make your time on the platform more enjoyable and allow you to discover long-form content that may be more informative or engaging for you.

Is it a permanent change or can I re-enable Shorts later?

Disabling YouTube Shorts is not a permanent change. You can always adjust your settings or customize your feed to re-enable Shorts at any time.

How do I turn off YouTube Shorts on my account?

YouTube doesn't offer a direct way to turn off Shorts. However, you can minimize their appearance by not interacting with them or by using third-party extensions that allow for feed customization. Another way is to focus on subscribing to channels that offer long-form content, thus pushing the algorithm to suggest similar types of videos.

What happens to my existing likes and comments on Shorts?

Disabling YouTube Shorts won't affect your existing interactions with them. Your likes and comments on Shorts will remain intact, and should you choose to re-enable Shorts later, all your previous interactions will still be there.