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YouTube has introduced a new Shorts timer feature designed to help users limit how much time they spend watching short-form videos each day. The update when Youtube rolls out Shorts timer, allows viewers to set a daily viewing cap, after which the Shorts feed pauses with an on-screen reminder to take a break.
YouTube’s New Timer Feature
According to reports, the YouTube Shorts timer is being rolled out globally to mobile app users. The setting can be found under Settings → Time watched → Shorts timer, where users can select a daily limit for how long they want to spend watching Shorts.
Once the limit is reached, a prompt appears that reads: “Scrolling on Shorts feed is paused for the day.” For now, the reminder can be dismissed, allowing users to continue watching, but YouTube plans to integrate non-dismissible parental controls in a future update.
The feature is currently available on mobile devices. YouTube has not confirmed if it will expand to desktop or smart TV versions of the app.
Designed to Promote Healthier Screen Time
The new Shorts timer is part of YouTube’s broader effort to promote digital wellbeing and responsible screen use. The company already offers “Take a break” reminders, bedtime notifications, and usage statistics — but the Shorts timer is the first control targeted specifically at the platform’s short-form video format.
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YouTube said the change responds to increasing public concern about “doomscrolling,” the habit of endlessly consuming bite-sized video content. The feature gives users a simple way to set personal boundaries and prevent hours of unintended viewing.
Industry observers note that YouTube’s move aligns with similar tools on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which have introduced built-in screen time alerts amid growing scrutiny over the impact of social media on mental health and productivity.
How to Use the Shorts Timer
To enable the Shorts timer, users can:
Open the YouTube app and tap the profile icon.
Go to Settings → Time watched → Shorts timer.
Choose a daily viewing limit (for example, 15, 30, or 60 minutes).
After the limit is reached, a notification appears pausing the Shorts feed for the rest of the day.
The reminder is meant to help users build awareness of their daily viewing habits rather than forcibly restrict access. For families, stricter parental controls — including hard limits for child accounts — are expected later this year.
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A Step Toward Healthier Algorithms
Analysts view the Shorts timer as a small but symbolic step toward healthier content algorithms. While YouTube’s recommendation engine drives massive engagement, it has also been criticized for encouraging passive consumption and short attention cycles.
By giving users the ability to control their viewing time, YouTube could improve trust and brand perception — particularly among parents, educators, and regulators pushing for greater accountability in app design.
At the same time, creators who rely on Shorts for audience reach may see changes in viewer behavior as audiences adopt daily limits. Experts suggest creators focus on stronger openings, clearer calls-to-action, and cross-promoting long-form videos to maintain engagement.
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Industry Reaction
Digital wellbeing advocates have welcomed the update as a positive development that gives users more autonomy. Marketing analysts, however, note that the change may slightly reduce average viewing time across the platform, though its impact on ad revenue remains uncertain.
For most users, the feature’s effect will depend on whether they actively set and honor their chosen limits. Many see it as a gentle reminder rather than a hard restriction — but one that could meaningfully change viewing habits for those seeking more balance.
Key Takeaways on YouTube Rolls Out Shorts Timer
YouTube Shorts timer lets mobile users set a daily limit for short-form video viewing.
Once the limit is reached, the Shorts feed pauses with a reminder that can currently be dismissed.
The update aims to curb doomscrolling and promote healthier screen-time habits.
Parental controls with stricter enforcement are expected in future updates.
The rollout continues globally across the YouTube mobile app.
Conclusion
YouTube’s new Shorts timer marks the company’s latest move to promote digital wellbeing and give users more control over how they engage with short-form content. While it may modestly impact engagement metrics, the update signals a broader industry shift toward responsible app design and user-driven time management.
For now, the Shorts timer remains an optional but useful reminder — one that could help millions reclaim minutes (or hours) lost to endless scrolling.
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