Archive — US — techcrunch
YouTube considers a daily timer for users looking to cut back on Shorts
YouTube is exploring a feature to set a daily timer for limiting user engagement with Shorts, following concerns about social media addiction. The feature would allow users to set hours for Shorts usage, pausing access after the limit is reached, although individual Shorts could still be viewed. This initiative reflects a broader trend in tech aimed at combating excessive screen time.
Key points
- YouTube is investigating a daily timer for users to limit Shorts viewing.
- This feature is based on beta findings and is not yet publicly tested.
- The timer will pause Shorts once the set limit is reached, but individual videos remain accessible.
- Currently, YouTube has a 'Take a Break' feature for regular videos.
- This reflects user demand for tools to manage screen time and concerns about addiction.
Why it matters
- In 2025, there is a growing focus on mental health within tech design.
- The rise of screen time management apps and features from companies like Apple and Google emphasizes a collective move towards responsible tech use.
- Social media platforms are increasingly acknowledging their role in user well-being and taking actions to mitigate negative impacts.
YouTube's potential daily timer feature for Shorts highlights the platform's responsiveness to user concerns about screen time, aligning with industry trends towards promoting healthier social media use.