YouTube Shorts has gained widespread popularity as a platform for producing and sharing brief videos. While it can offer enjoyment, it can also lead to distraction or even obsession for certain individuals, myself included. In this piece, I will share my own encounter and offer specific measures on how to prevent access to YouTube Shorts in order to regain command over one’s time and concentration.
My Personal Journey
As someone who loves watching videos, I found myself spending way too much time on YouTube Shorts. It became a habit to open the app whenever I had a spare moment, and before I knew it, hours had passed by. I realized that I needed to take back control and find a way to limit my access to this addictive platform.
Step 1: Use Parental Control Apps
If you’re using a mobile device to access YouTube Shorts, one effective way to block it is by utilizing parental control apps. These apps allow you to set restrictions on specific apps or websites, making it impossible to access them without a password or parental permission. Some popular parental control apps include:
- Kaspersky Safe Kids
- Norton Family Premier
- Bark
- Qustodio
By installing and configuring one of these apps, you can easily block YouTube Shorts and prevent yourself from mindlessly scrolling through videos.
Step 2: Adjust Your YouTube Settings
If you prefer not to use a parental control app, you can directly modify your YouTube settings to disable YouTube Shorts. Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Tap on your profile picture to access your account settings.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- In the Settings menu, tap on “General”.
- Scroll down to find “Shorts on Home” and toggle the switch to turn it off.
By disabling Shorts on your YouTube app, you will no longer see short video recommendations, making it easier to resist the urge to watch.
Step 3: Block the YouTube Shorts Website
If you primarily access YouTube Shorts through a web browser on your computer, you can block the website using browser extensions or settings. Here are some options for different browsers:
Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for a website-blocking extension like “Block Site”.
- Install the extension and follow the instructions to configure it.
- Add “www.youtube.com” or specific YouTube Shorts URLs to the block list.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox and go to the Add-ons Marketplace.
- Search for a website-blocking extension like “Block Site”.
- Install the extension and follow the instructions to configure it.
- Add “www.youtube.com” or specific YouTube Shorts URLs to the block list.
By blocking the YouTube Shorts website, you eliminate the temptation to visit the platform and waste time watching videos.
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube Shorts can be a powerful step towards regaining control of your time and productivity. By using parental control apps, adjusting YouTube settings, or blocking the website, you can reduce distractions and focus on more important tasks. Remember, it’s essential to be mindful of your online habits and make conscious choices to ensure a healthy balance between entertainment and productivity.