YouTube is testing a pretty cool new feature. It hopes to encourage users to reduce the amount of time they spend viewing Shorts, the platform’s short-form viral video trend. The new possible feature would give users the ability to create a daily limit timer. Then, they could set time limits for how much screen time they want to spend on Shorts. The initiative reflects a growing concern about excessive screen time and the increasing demand for tools to manage digital consumption.
The new daily timer will allow parents to set limits on how many hours Shorts can be watched. YouTube has since confirmed that it is looking to roll out this feature for the long term. As of now, it is still in development and not yet being tested publicly. Their proposed tool nudges users to battle the endless scroll. This habit has been reinforced by the widespread use of short video consumption.
Additionally, once Shorts’ allocated viewing time is up, the content will automatically stop playing. They’ll be out of reach for the rest of the day. Viewers will continue to be able to watch “long form Shorts” output. That’s because they’ll still be able to view certain long-form videos while not being entirely cut off from all short content. We designed this in a way that centers around giving users more control while encouraging them to stay engaged with what the platform has to offer.
YouTube’s new test is part of a wider trend of consumers looking for more features to help them better control how and where they spend their time online. Many individuals have begun downloading dedicated apps that help limit their digital usage, signaling a growing awareness of the impacts of prolonged online engagement. In turn, YouTube is working towards creating a more positive experience for users by providing them with tools to encourage more mindful viewing habits.
This proposed feature would be an extension of YouTube’s current “Take a Break” reminder on regular-length videos. Users can activate this reminder on their own to encourage them to take a break during long binge-watching marathons. YouTube is rolling out a new promotional engine for Shorts. This step is designed to give viewers more tools to help them manage their own viewing habits.
Android Authority broke the news on the beta version of this feature. This news has thrilled users across the country, who are clamoring for greater control over their time spent on the platform. While there is no set timeline for when this feature might be available, the ongoing exploration indicates YouTube’s commitment to addressing user concerns related to screen time.
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