Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through YouTube Shorts on your iPhone? Do you find yourself spending way too much time watching these short-form videos, and wish you could just get rid of them? If so, you're not alone! Many users find YouTube Shorts to be distracting and would prefer to remove them from their feed. Luckily, there are several ways to minimize or even eliminate YouTube Shorts from your YouTube experience on your iPhone. Let's dive into the different methods you can use to reclaim your YouTube feed and focus on the content you actually want to watch.

Understanding YouTube Shorts and Why Remove Them

Before we jump into the solutions, let's quickly understand what YouTube Shorts are and why you might want to remove them. YouTube Shorts are short-form, vertical videos, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels. They're designed to be easily digestible and highly engaging, making them incredibly addictive. While they can be entertaining, they can also be a major time sink.

Why Remove YouTube Shorts?

• Time Management: YouTube Shorts are designed to be addictive, making it easy to lose track of time. Removing them can help you be more productive.
• Focus: If you use YouTube for educational or informative content, Shorts can be a major distraction.
• Personal Preference: Some users simply don't enjoy the short-form video format and prefer longer, more in-depth content.
• Data Consumption: If you have a limited data plan, endlessly scrolling through Shorts can quickly eat up your data allowance.

Now that we understand the "why," let's explore the "how."

Method 1: Using the "Not Interested" Option

One of the simplest ways to reduce the number of YouTube Shorts you see is by using the "Not Interested" option. This tells YouTube's algorithm that you're not a fan of this type of content, and it will (hopefully) show you fewer Shorts in the future. Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify a Short: When a Short appears in your feed, look for the three dots (ellipsis) usually located in the lower right corner of the video.
2. Tap the Dots: Tap on these three dots to open a menu of options.
3. Select "Not Interested": In the menu, you should see an option labeled "Not Interested." Tap on this.
4. Optional: Tell YouTube More: YouTube might ask you why you're not interested. You can choose options like "I don't like the video" or "I don't like the channel" to further refine your preferences.

Why This Works: By consistently using the "Not Interested" option, you're training YouTube's algorithm to understand your preferences better. The more you use it, the more tailored your feed will become, with fewer and fewer Shorts appearing over time. Keep in mind that this method isn't instant; it takes time and consistency to see noticeable results. But over the long run, it can significantly reduce the number of Shorts that clutter your YouTube experience. It's like teaching a robot what you like! The more feedback you give, the better it gets at understanding you. And who knows, maybe one day YouTube will even let us completely disable Shorts! Until then, keep tapping that "Not Interested" button!

Method 2: Blocking Channels That Post Shorts

Another effective strategy for minimizing YouTube Shorts is to block the channels that frequently post them. This prevents their Shorts from appearing in your feed altogether. Here's how to block a channel on YouTube:

1. Find a Short from the Channel: When you see a Short in your feed that you don't like, take note of the channel that posted it.
2. Visit the Channel Page: Tap on the channel's icon or name to go to their main channel page.
3. Go to the "About" Tab: On the channel page, look for the "About" tab. It's usually located towards the right side of the screen.
4. Find the Flag Icon: In the "About" tab, you should see a flag icon. Tap on this icon.
5. Select "Block User": A menu will appear with several options. Choose "Block User."
6. Confirm: YouTube will ask you to confirm that you want to block the user. Confirm your decision.

Why This Works: Blocking a channel ensures that none of their content, including Shorts, will appear in your feed. This is a more aggressive approach than simply using the "Not Interested" option, but it can be very effective if there are specific channels that you find particularly annoying. Keep in mind that blocking a channel is permanent unless you manually unblock them later. Think of it like unfriending someone on social media – their posts will no longer show up in your feed. However, you can always unblock them if you change your mind. This method is especially useful if you notice that certain channels are consistently flooding your feed with Shorts. By blocking these repeat offenders, you can significantly clean up your YouTube experience and focus on the content you actually want to see.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions (YouTube Website)

While the previous methods focus on the YouTube app, you can also use browser extensions to block YouTube Shorts if you primarily watch YouTube on your computer. Several extensions are available that can hide or remove Shorts from the YouTube website. These extensions aren't available on the iPhone YouTube App, only the desktop version.

Popular Browser Extensions:

• BlockTube: This extension allows you to block specific channels, categories, or even keywords, effectively filtering out unwanted content like Shorts.
• DF Tube (Distraction Free for YouTube): DF Tube lets you customize the YouTube interface by hiding various elements, including the Shorts shelf.
• YouTube-shorts block: This extension specifically targets YouTube Shorts and removes them from your browsing experience.

How to Install and Use:

1. Find the Extension: Search for the extension in your browser's extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons).
2. Install the Extension: Click the "Add to Chrome" or "Add to Firefox" button to install the extension.
3. Configure the Extension: Once installed, you may need to configure the extension's settings to block Shorts. Each extension has its own set of options, so refer to the extension's documentation for instructions.

Why This Works: Browser extensions provide a powerful way to customize your YouTube experience on your computer. They can block Shorts, hide recommended videos, disable autoplay, and more. This gives you greater control over what you see and how you interact with YouTube. It's like having a personal remote control for YouTube! You can fine-tune the settings to create a distraction-free environment and focus on the content that matters to you. However, keep in mind that browser extensions can sometimes slow down your browsing speed or conflict with other extensions. So, it's essential to choose reputable extensions and keep them updated to ensure they work correctly.

Method 4: Downgrading the YouTube App (Advanced, Use with Caution)

Disclaimer: This method is more advanced and involves downgrading your YouTube app to an older version. This is not recommended for everyone, as older versions may have security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Some users have reported success in removing YouTube Shorts by downgrading their YouTube app to a version before Shorts were introduced. This involves uninstalling the current version of the app and installing an older version from a third-party source.

Steps (General Idea):

1. Find an Older APK: Find a reliable source for older YouTube APK files (Android Package Kit). Be very careful about the source you choose, as some sites may offer modified or malicious APKs.
2. Uninstall Current App: Uninstall the current YouTube app from your device.
3. Install Older APK: Install the older YouTube APK file that you downloaded. You may need to enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your device's settings.
4. Disable Auto-Updates: To prevent the app from automatically updating to the latest version, disable auto-updates for the YouTube app in the Google Play Store.

Why This Is Risky: Downgrading your app can expose you to security risks, as older versions may not have the latest security patches. Additionally, older versions may not be compatible with the latest features or services. It's like driving an old car – it might get you where you need to go, but it's not as safe or reliable as a newer model. Therefore, it's generally best to stick with the latest version of the app unless you have a compelling reason to downgrade.

Why This Might Work: Older versions of the YouTube app simply didn't have the Shorts feature. By using an older version, you can effectively remove Shorts from your YouTube experience. However, as mentioned earlier, this comes with significant risks, so it's not a recommended solution for most users. If you're considering this method, be sure to weigh the risks and benefits carefully and take appropriate precautions to protect your device.

Method 5: Using Third-Party YouTube Apps (Alternative Clients)

Another option is to use third-party YouTube apps, also known as alternative YouTube clients. These apps are not officially developed by Google but offer a modified YouTube experience with additional features and customizations, including the ability to block YouTube Shorts.

Examples of Third-Party Apps:

• NewPipe (Android): NewPipe is a popular open-source YouTube client that doesn't rely on the official YouTube API. It offers a clean and customizable interface and allows you to block Shorts.
• LibreTube (Android): LibreTube is another open-source YouTube client that focuses on privacy and freedom. It also allows you to block Shorts and customize your viewing experience.

Benefits of Using Third-Party Apps:

• Ad-Free Playback: Many third-party YouTube apps offer ad-free playback, allowing you to watch videos without interruptions.
• Background Playback: Some apps allow you to play videos in the background, even when your screen is off.
• Customization Options: Third-party apps often offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the YouTube experience to your liking.
• Shorts Blocking: As mentioned earlier, many of these apps allow you to block YouTube Shorts.

Risks of Using Third-Party Apps:

• Security Risks: Third-party apps may not be as secure as the official YouTube app and could potentially expose you to malware or privacy risks.
• Compatibility Issues: These apps may not be fully compatible with all YouTube features or services.
• Terms of Service Violation: Using third-party apps may violate YouTube's terms of service, which could result in your account being suspended or terminated.

Why This Works: Third-party YouTube apps often offer more control over your viewing experience than the official app. By using an app that allows you to block Shorts, you can effectively remove them from your YouTube feed. However, it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before using a third-party app and to choose a reputable app from a trusted source. Think of it like choosing a restaurant – you want to make sure it's clean, safe, and serves good food! Do your research and read reviews before trying a third-party YouTube app.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your YouTube Experience

YouTube Shorts can be a fun way to pass the time, but they can also be a major distraction. If you're looking to reclaim your YouTube experience and focus on the content you actually want to watch, there are several methods you can use to minimize or even eliminate Shorts from your feed. From using the "Not Interested" option to blocking channels to using browser extensions or third-party apps, you have a variety of tools at your disposal. Choose the methods that work best for you and take control of your YouTube experience today!

Remember to be patient and consistent with your chosen methods. It may take some time to train YouTube's algorithm to understand your preferences, but with persistence, you can significantly reduce the number of Shorts that clutter your feed. So go ahead, take back your YouTube, and enjoy the content that truly matters to you! Happy viewing!