YouTube is expanding its Shorts time management feature with a new option that allows users to set a usage limit as low as zero minutes. The update is designed to give more control over how often and how long users engage with Shorts.
The feature was first announced in October, introducing time-based limits that notify users after extended Shorts usage. Earlier, users could choose limits between 15 minutes and 2 hours.
With the latest update, a zero-minute option has been added.
How to set Shorts Feed limit
- Open the YouTube app and sign in
- Tap on the “You” tab, then go to Settings
- Open Time Management dashboard
- Tap on “Shorts Feed limit”
- A list of time options will appear, including zero minutes
- Select the preferred time limit
How it works
Once the selected limit is reached while browsing Shorts, a reminder message appears. Users are given the option to dismiss or ignore the set limit.
Setting the timer to zero minutes removes Shorts from the homepage feed. However:
- Shorts may still appear in the Subscriptions feed
- Individual Shorts can still be accessed manually
- Scrolling in the Shorts feed is paused, and a full-screen message appears stating that the Shorts limit has been reached
Availability
The option to set a zero-minute Shorts timer is live for parental controls and is currently rolling out to all users.