YouTube Shorts, the platform’s response to TikTok, has taken over the video feed. While many enjoy the quick, engaging clips, others find them distracting or unnecessary. Imagine opening YouTube to watch an informative documentary, only to be pulled into an endless loop of short, viral clips. If you prefer long-form content or simply want to declutter your YouTube experience, learning how to disable YouTube Shorts is essential.

In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to remove or hide YouTube Shorts across different devices, including Android, iPhone, desktop, and Smart TV. Whether you want a quick fix or a long-term solution, we have you covered.

How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Mobile Devices

1. Disabling YouTube Shorts on Android

If you’re using an Android device, you may have noticed that Shorts appear in multiple sections of the YouTube app. Here’s how you can remove or disable them:

Method 1: Downgrade to an Older YouTube Version

One of the most effective ways to remove YouTube Shorts is by using an older version of the app that doesn’t support them.

  1. Uninstall the current YouTube app from your Android device.
  2. Download an older APK version of YouTube (before Shorts were introduced).
  3. Install the APK and disable auto-updates to prevent YouTube from updating again.

This method works well but may lead to missing out on other YouTube features and security updates.

Method 2: Using the ‘Not Interested’ Option

If you want a less drastic approach:

  1. Open the YouTube app on your Android phone.
  2. Locate a YouTube Shorts video in your feed.
  3. Tap on the three-dot menu next to the Shorts section.
  4. Select ‘Not interested’ multiple times to train YouTube’s algorithm to stop recommending Shorts.

This method isn’t foolproof but can significantly reduce the number of Shorts you see.

2. How to Disable YouTube Shorts on iPhone

For iPhone users, the process is slightly different:

Method 1: Use the ‘Not Interested’ Feature

Just like on Android, you can mark Shorts as ‘Not Interested’ repeatedly to train the YouTube algorithm.

  1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll to the Shorts section.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu and select ‘Not Interested’ on multiple Shorts.

Method 2: Use YouTube in Browser Mode

  1. Open Safari or Chrome and go to www.youtube.com.
  2. Tap the AA icon in the address bar and select ‘Request Desktop Site’.
  3. This will load the desktop version, which may reduce the visibility of Shorts in your feed.

How to Remove YouTube Shorts on Desktop

If you primarily use YouTube on your computer, you can disable Shorts more effectively.

Method 1: Install a Browser Extension

There are multiple YouTube Shorts blocker extensions available for Chrome and Firefox that help remove Shorts from your feed.

  1. Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for ‘YouTube Shorts Blocker’.
  3. Install a well-rated extension.
  4. Refresh YouTube, and Shorts should be gone.

Method 2: Modify YouTube’s URL

Another simple trick is tweaking the URL structure:

  • When watching a Shorts video, replace ‘shorts/’ in the URL with ‘watch?v=’.
  • This will force the video to play as a regular YouTube video, removing the Shorts interface.

How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Smart TV

Smart TV users often struggle with the YouTube Shorts feed taking up space on their homepage. Here’s how to get rid of them:

  1. Use the YouTube web browser version instead of the app.
  2. Log into YouTube on a browser and adjust your recommendation settings.
  3. Use parental control settings to block Shorts-related content.

While these methods aren’t perfect, they help reduce Shorts visibility significantly.

Additional Tips to Stop Seeing YouTube Shorts

1. Use YouTube Vanced (Android Only)

YouTube Vanced is a third-party app that allows you to customize your YouTube experience, including disabling Shorts. However, it’s unofficial and not available on the Play Store, so use it with caution.

2. Upgrade to YouTube Premium

While YouTube Premium doesn’t provide a direct way to remove Shorts, it allows you to use third-party apps that offer better control over recommendations.

3. Train YouTube’s Algorithm

By consistently selecting ‘Not Interested’, avoiding clicking on Shorts, and watching only long-form videos, YouTube’s AI will begin to show fewer Shorts over time.

By following these methods, you can create a YouTube experience tailored to your preferences. If you’re looking to expand your reach on other social platforms, consider gaining more YouTube views to grow your digital presence.

If you want to enhance your YouTube experience further, consider buying YouTube subscribers to grow your presence on the platform.

Final Thoughts

YouTube Shorts might be a great feature for some, but not everyone enjoys them. Whether you find them distracting or irrelevant, there are several ways to disable or reduce their presence across different devices.

For Android and iPhone users, downgrading the app or using the ‘Not Interested’ option can be effective. Desktop users have the advantage of browser extensions and URL modifications, while Smart TV users may need to adjust their browsing habits.

And if you want to enhance your channel’s visibility, don’t hesitate to buy YouTube likes and grow your audience hassle-free.

FAQ 

1. Can I permanently disable YouTube Shorts?

YouTube does not currently offer an official way to permanently disable Shorts, but using older app versions, browser extensions, and algorithm training can help remove them from your feed.

2. Why do YouTube Shorts keep showing up even after marking them as ‘Not Interested’?

The YouTube algorithm adapts over time, and marking Shorts as ‘Not Interested’ multiple times is necessary for long-term effectiveness.

3. Can I disable YouTube Shorts without affecting other features?

Yes, using browser extensions or modifying URLs will hide Shorts while keeping other YouTube features intact.

4. Is using YouTube Vanced safe?

YouTube Vanced is a third-party app, meaning it’s not officially endorsed by YouTube. Use it at your own discretion, as it may violate YouTube’s terms of service.

5. Will YouTube introduce an official way to disable Shorts?

As of now, YouTube has not provided an option to disable Shorts completely, but user feedback could influence future updates.

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