YouTube now lets you turn off Shorts — for some users, anyway

A welcome escape from the scroll

It has been reported that YouTube is quietly testing a way for users to turn off Shorts. The short-form vertical videos that invaded YouTube’s home feed can allegedly be hidden behind a toggle, according to users posting screenshots and impressions on Reddit. For anyone who’s tired of endless bite-sized clips interrupting long-form playlists, that feels like a big win. Finally: choice.

Why people care

Shorts has been a polarizing addition to YouTube — a necessary nod to the TikTok era, but also a nuisance for viewers who prefer traditional uploads. The emotional moment here is obvious: relief. People want control over their feeds. On Reddit, comments range from “about time” to cautious optimism, with some pointing out that the feature seems limited to certain devices or account types. It has been reported that not everyone sees the toggle yet, and YouTube has not publicly confirmed a full rollout.

Bigger picture

This move fits a larger industry trend: platforms are being forced to reconcile short-form content with long-form audiences. Will creators lose reach? Will ad dollars shift? Those questions remain, and any claims about widespread impact are still speculative. But the underlying message is clear — user choice is trending back into favor, even if it’s rolling out slowly.

How to know if you have it

If you’re curious, check your app settings and look for any mention of Shorts toggles in the viewing or feed sections. It has been reported that the control appears in the mobile app for some users first. No guarantees yet — but if you spot the switch, flip it and enjoy the silence.

Sources: reddit