How to Disable YouTube Shorts [2024]

In recent years, short-form video content has gained immense popularity, with platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok leading the way. YouTube, not wanting to be left behind, introduced YouTube Shorts as its own short-form video feature. While YouTube Shorts has quickly gained traction and popularity among users, it can be addictive and a potential time-waster.

If you’re looking to regain control of your time and attention span, disabling YouTube Shorts might be a wise decision. In this article, we will explore practical methods to permanently disable YouTube Shorts from your YouTube feed.

Building on its successful launch in September 2020, YouTube Shorts has been catching up fast in the race of short-form video platforms. As of 2022, the platform boasts over 5 trillion short-form videos viewed, and has even introduced a new remix feature to keep creators and viewers engaged​​. However, alongside this meteoric rise in popularity, it has also garnered some less desirable attention. Many users find YouTube Shorts addictive, comparing the continuous scrolling feature to a slot machine, with some noting a significant decline in productivity and even cognitive ability after getting hooked on the feature​.

Therefore, if you’re seeking to preserve your valuable time and cognitive resources, learning how to disable YouTube Shorts could be the lifeline you need. Stay tuned to learn how to regain control over your YouTube consumption.

Steps to Disable Youtube Shorts in [2024]

Method 1: Using the “Not Interested” Button

The simplest and least intrusive way to temporarily disable YouTube Shorts is by informing YouTube that you’re not interested in this type of content.

Here’s how you can do it:

• On your computer, open YouTube.com and browse until you find the Shorts category.
• Locate the “Cross” icon at the right corner of the YouTube Shorts section and click on it.
• YouTube will present a screen where you can indicate your disinterest in Shorts.
• Click on “Not interested” to remove YouTube Shorts from your feed for 30 days.
• If you change your mind, you can click “Undo” within the same screen to restore YouTube Shorts.

This method works for both the YouTube smartphone app and YouTube.com, providing a straightforward way to hide YouTube Shorts temporarily.

Method 2: Uninstalling YouTube App Updates

If you prefer to disable YouTube Shorts permanently, you can consider uninstalling YouTube app updates. However, please note that this method will revert your YouTube app to its factory version, removing all the latest features.

Here’s how you can proceed:

• Locate YouTube by going to Settings on your phone, then selecting Apps.
• Tap on the three-dot menu at the top right corner of the screen.
• Choose the option “Uninstall Updates” and confirm your decision when prompted.
• YouTube will display a warning message outlining the associated risks.
• If you’re determined to remove YouTube Shorts permanently, tap “OK” to proceed.
• After uninstalling updates, you will have the original version of the YouTube app without YouTube Shorts.
• Additionally, you can stop the YouTube app from updating automatically by turning off Play Store auto-updates.

This ensures that the YouTube app remains in the downgraded version without YouTube Shorts. The latest YouTube features won’t be available to you, though, unless you manually upgrade the app.

Method 3: Downgrading YouTube App Version

For those who are comfortable with manual procedures, downgrading the YouTube app to a specific version can permanently disable YouTube Shorts.

Here are the steps involved:

• Download the YouTube 14.12.56 app version from a trusted source. You can find this version on websites that provide older APK files.
• Before installing, make sure you don’t have the YouTube app already installed on your device.
• During installation, you may need to grant permission to install apps from unknown sources. Go to your device settings, locate “Security” or “Privacy,” and enable the “Unknown Sources” option.
• Install the downloaded APK file, following the on-screen instructions.
• Once the outdated YouTube version is installed, you won’t see YouTube Shorts in your feed.

Although YouTube may attempt to update the app, disabling auto-updates from the Play Store will prevent this. You can continue using the downgraded version for as long as desired.

Method 4: Using YouTube Vanced (Caution: Not Recommended)

Note: The original YouTube Vanced app has been taken down, and it is not advised to download it from unreliable sources. The following method is mentioned only for those who were already using the app before it was taken down. Due to the possibility of it containing malicious code or posing security concerns to your device, please use caution while downloading and using this programme from third-party sources.

To disable YouTube Shorts using YouTube Vanced:

• If you already have YouTube Vanced installed on your device, open the app.
• Tap on your profile icon to access the settings.
• Look for “Vanced Settings” and select it.
• Within the Vanced Settings menu, locate “Ad Settings” and tap on it.
• Scroll down until you find “Shorts Shelf” and toggle the button off to disable YouTube Shorts.

It’s vital to remember that YouTube Vanced is not approved by Google officially and that using it can be against YouTube’s terms of service. Additionally, Google has taken legal action against the developers of YouTube Vanced, leading to the app’s takedown. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using YouTube Vanced and instead explore the other methods mentioned above.

Disable YouTube Shorts: [Conclusion]

Taking control of your YouTube experience and managing your time wisely is essential in today’s digital age. YouTube Shorts, although popular, can be a significant distraction. By following the methods described above, you can remove YouTube Shorts from your feed and regain focus on the content that aligns with your interests.

Remember, the first method of indicating your disinterest through the “Not Interested” button provides a simple way to temporarily disable YouTube Shorts. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, consider uninstalling YouTube app updates or downgrading to an older version of the app. However, be aware that these methods may result in the loss of certain features and updates.

Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. By taking control of your YouTube experience, you can maximize productivity and ensure that your time on the platform is purposeful and engaging.