YouTube is officially tackling the addictive nature of short-form video scrolling. The platform has announced a new daily time limit feature for its Shorts feed, giving users more control over how much time they spend watching endless loops of quick videos.
The new tool, currently rolling out to mobile users, allows individuals to set personal daily limits for browsing Shorts. Once a user reaches their limit, a dismissible reminder appears, pausing further scrolling for the day.
According to YouTube, the goal isn’t to restrict entertainment but to promote healthier screen habits. “This feature encourages mindful viewing,” the company said, emphasizing balance rather than complete restriction.
How It Works
Users can find the new feature under Settings → Time Watched → Daily Limit for Shorts. From there, they can choose how long they wish to scroll each day.
Once the set limit is reached, Shorts scrolling stops, and users get a reminder that their daily watch limit has been met.
This update builds on YouTube’s suite of digital well-being tools, including Take a Break reminders and Bedtime Alerts, which have been part of the platform since 2018.
Parental Controls Coming Soon
Later this year, YouTube plans to extend the time limit feature to supervised accounts. This means parents will be able to set non-dismissible limits for kids and teens, preventing them from endlessly scrolling through Shorts.
Once the cap is reached, the feed will automatically stop, ensuring that younger audiences develop healthier screen time habits.
YouTube Shorts: Still a Massive Opportunity
Even with these restrictions, YouTube Shorts remains one of the platform’s most powerful creator tools, rivaling TikTok and Instagram Reels in global reach.
Here’s how to make your own YouTube Short:
- Open the YouTube app and tap the “+” icon.
- Select “Create a Short.”
- Record or upload a vertical video (up to 60 seconds).
- Add music, filters, or captions to boost engagement.
- Include #Shorts in the title or description for better visibility.
- Tap Upload, and your video is live.
A Step Toward Healthier Viewing
YouTube’s move to limit Shorts scrolling time reflects a growing trend among tech giants to prioritize user well-being over endless engagement. While the change won’t end binge-watching entirely, it gives users — and parents — the power to take control of their digital time.
