**Tired of TikTok-style videos flooding your YouTube feed? Here’s how to reclaim your sanity.**
YouTube’s recent push of Shorts into everyone’s feed, whether we asked for it or not, has left many users frustrated. The official toggle to turn them off completely has been axed, but all hope is not lost. Here are several methods to shrink, mute, or even eliminate YouTube Shorts using built-in controls and trusty extensions.
**TL;DR:**
– Train YouTube’s algorithm using “Show Fewer Shorts” and “Not Interested” options.
– Android users can downgrade to pre-Shorts app versions.
– Third-party browser extensions offer backup solutions.
**Method 1: Train YouTube’s Algorithm (All Platforms)**
This method won’t eliminate Shorts entirely, but it’ll teach YouTube that you’re not interested. Here’s how:
*On Mobile (iPhone/Android):*
1. Open the YouTube app and scroll to the Shorts section on your Home feed.
2. Tap the three-dot menu at the top of the Shorts grid.
3. Select “Show fewer Shorts” to reduce their number.
4. For individual Shorts videos, tap the three dots on the video thumbnail and select “Not Interested” to further tailor your feed.
*On Desktop:*
1. Navigate to YouTube in your browser.
2. Find the Shorts section on your homepage.
3. Mark individual Shorts as “Not Interested” using their three-dot menus.
4. After a while, click the three-dot menu, and YouTube will now give you a “Show Fewer Shorts” option. Click that when it appears.
**Reality check:** The Shorts section often reappears within minutes. You’ll need to repeat this process regularly, think of it as ongoing algorithm training rather than a one-time fix.
**Method 2: Third-Party Reinforcements**
When YouTube fights back, these tools fight harder. Here are some options:
*Google Chrome:*
– Shorts Block: Remove YouTube Shorts
*Android Apps:*
– Block Scroll
*Safari:*
– Shorts Blocker for YouTube (Mac App Store)
**Fair warning:** Google actively works to break these tools. Reviews are “somewhat positive,” which translates to “they work until they don’t.”
**Troubleshooting Common Issues**
– Shorts keep coming back: Keep marking them as “Not Interested” for several days.
– Extension stopped working: Check for updates or try an alternative. Google regularly patches these workarounds.
– Can’t find “Show Fewer Shorts”: Update your YouTube app—this option was added in recent versions.
– Android downgrade failed: Some phones prevent app downgrades. Try enabling “Install unknown apps” in developer settings.
**Pro Tips for a Cleaner Feed**
– Clear your YouTube watch and search history to reset algorithm preferences.
– Subscribe to more long-form creators to dilute Shorts recommendations.
– Use YouTube’s “Don’t recommend channel” option on Shorts-heavy creators.
– Consider YouTube Premium—it doesn’t remove Shorts but gives you more control over your experience.
– Create separate YouTube accounts: one for Shorts, one for regular videos.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
– Will YouTube bring back the official Shorts toggle? Unlikely. Shorts drive engagement and ad revenue—Google has no incentive to make them easier to avoid.
– Do these methods work on YouTube TV or smart TVs? Limited options there. Try the “Not Interested” feedback when available, but TV interfaces offer fewer customization options.
– Can I block Shorts in YouTube Music? YouTube Music has minimal Shorts integration. Focus your efforts on the main YouTube app.
– Will using these methods affect my regular video recommendations? Minimally. You’re specifically targeting Shorts, not your overall viewing preferences.
– Are third-party YouTube apps better for avoiding Shorts? Apps like NewPipe (Android) don’t show Shorts, but you’ll lose features like comments and subscriptions sync.
**Wrap Up**
You won’t erase Shorts, but you can push them to the margins. Train the algorithm with “Show Fewer Shorts” and “Not Interested” on mobile and desktop. Keep extensions as a backup. Clean house with history resets, subscribe to more long-form content, don’t recommend Shorts-heavy channels, and split accounts if needed. On TVs, options are limited—use “Not Interested” when available.
The fastest way to take back your feed is to start by training the algorithm, escalate to an Android rollback if you want zero Shorts, and keep extensions ready for when native options wobble. Clear your history, curate your subscriptions, and separate accounts to keep things clean. If YouTube changes the rules tomorrow, you’ve still got a plan—and your attention span will thank you.
Which method worked best for you? Did you go full nuclear with the app downgrade, or are you playing the long game with “Not Interested” clicks? Share your Shorts survival story in the comments below.
