How to Remove Shorts from Your YouTube Feed on Desktop

Introduction

Are you finding yourself lost in an endless scroll of YouTube Shorts when all you really want are longer-form videos? You’re not alone. The rise of short-form video content has taken the internet by storm, and YouTube’s foray into this format, known as Shorts, is hard to ignore. While many enjoy these bite-sized clips, others find them a distracting clutter in their YouTube experience, especially when browsing on a desktop computer. If you’re among those who prefer a YouTube feed free from the constant barrage of Shorts, this guide is for you. We’ll explore several methods to minimize or even seemingly remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer browsing, allowing you to curate a more focused and enjoyable viewing experience.

It’s important to set expectations from the start: completely eradicating Shorts from your YouTube desktop experience might not be entirely possible. YouTube’s algorithm is constantly evolving, and the platform actively promotes Shorts. However, by employing a combination of techniques, you can significantly reduce their presence and reclaim your YouTube feed.

Understanding the Challenge of Eliminating Shorts

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why YouTube pushes Shorts so aggressively. The platform is strategically competing with other short-form video platforms, most notably TikTok, to capture and retain a younger audience. Shorts offer a quick and easy way for creators to upload content and for viewers to consume it. This constant stream of short-form videos is designed to keep users engaged and on the platform for longer periods.

YouTube’s business model relies on viewership, and Shorts are a key part of their strategy to increase overall engagement. This is why YouTube doesn’t offer a simple, straightforward “remove Shorts” button. Direct control over what the YouTube algorithm shows you is very limited.

Adding to the challenge is the ever-changing nature of the YouTube algorithm. Strategies that work today might become less effective tomorrow. YouTube constantly tweaks its recommendation system, so it’s important to be adaptable and potentially combine different methods to achieve your desired results. Therefore, understanding that eliminating YouTube short videos from your desktop computer entirely is near impossible is crucial before delving into the methods to reduce them.

Methods to Reduce or Remove Shorts from Desktop YouTube

Let’s explore several practical methods you can use to minimize or remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer sessions.

Leveraging Browser Extensions for a Short-Free YouTube Experience

Browser extensions are small software programs that extend the functionality of your web browser. They can modify website behavior, add new features, and customize your browsing experience. Several browser extensions are designed specifically to help filter out Shorts from your YouTube feed.

However, a word of caution is necessary. It’s crucial to choose reputable extensions from trusted sources. Always read reviews, check the developer’s reputation, and be aware of the permissions the extension requests. Some malicious extensions can track your browsing activity, inject ads, or even steal personal information. Prioritize extensions with good ratings and clear privacy policies. When looking to remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer feed, consider the privacy implications of your actions.

Here are a few example extensions that aim to remove Shorts:

Shorts Block (Example Name)

This extension typically works by hiding the Shorts shelf on the YouTube homepage, the Shorts tab in the sidebar, and Shorts videos from search results. To install it, you’ll typically visit the Chrome Web Store (or the extension store for your browser), search for the extension, and click “Add to Chrome” (or the equivalent button for your browser). Once installed, you may need to configure the extension’s settings to fine-tune its behavior. The pros are that it’s relatively easy to use and can be quite effective in removing most Shorts. The cons are that its effectiveness can vary depending on YouTube’s updates, and it might occasionally block legitimate long-form videos if they are misclassified as Shorts. A link to the extension page would be included here.

YouTube Shorts Hider (Example Name)

Another option, this extension often focuses on removing Shorts from the subscription feed and recommended videos. The installation process is similar to the previous extension. This kind of extension might be more effective if you primarily watch videos from your subscriptions. The pros are that it targets the areas where Shorts are most likely to appear in your personal feed. The cons are that it might not be as effective in blocking Shorts from search results or the YouTube homepage. It’s also important to be aware of potential conflicts with other browser extensions.

Custom Filter Extension (Example Name)

Certain general-purpose ad blockers or content filtering extensions allow you to create custom rules to block specific elements on a webpage. This approach requires a bit more technical knowledge, but it can be very powerful. With this method, you are able to remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer searches with greater precision.

Remember to thoroughly research each extension before installing it. Check user reviews, look for reputable developers, and pay attention to the permissions the extension requests. Prioritize your online safety and privacy.

Harnessing YouTube’s “Not Interested” and “Don’t Recommend Channel” Features

While YouTube doesn’t offer a dedicated “remove Shorts” button, you can influence the algorithm by consistently using the “Not Interested” and “Don’t Recommend Channel” options. When you see a Short you don’t want to watch, click the three dots (…) next to the video title and select “Not Interested.” If you consistently see Shorts from a particular channel that you don’t enjoy, you can select “Don’t Recommend Channel.”

This is a long-term strategy, and it requires consistent effort. Every time a Short appears in your feed that you don’t want to see, take the time to mark it as “Not Interested.” The more you do this, the more the algorithm will learn your preferences and tailor your feed accordingly. This actively tells the algorithm you do not want to remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer recommendations.

While this method might not eliminate Shorts entirely, it can significantly reduce their frequency. It’s like training the algorithm to understand what you want to see. Be patient and persistent, and you should notice a gradual improvement over time.

Creating Custom Filters with Ad Blockers: An Advanced Technique

For more technically inclined users, some ad blockers offer the ability to create custom filters to block specific elements on a webpage. This involves using CSS selectors or other filtering techniques to target Shorts videos.

This method is more complex and requires some knowledge of web development concepts. Incorrect filters can potentially break YouTube’s functionality, so proceed with caution. It is also another way to remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer feed.

For example, you might be able to use a filter to hide elements with a specific class name that identifies them as Shorts. However, YouTube’s HTML structure can change, so these filters might need to be updated periodically. AdBlock or uBlock Origin is a good option to use, as it is open source.

Avoiding the Shorts Tab: A Simple Solution

This might seem obvious, but one of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to Shorts is to simply avoid the Shorts tab on the left-hand navigation and the dedicated Shorts page. Actively choosing not to engage with Shorts content will naturally lead to seeing them less often.

Instead, focus on watching videos from your subscriptions or revisiting your watch history. Prioritizing content from channels you already enjoy will help you stay within the longer-form video ecosystem. This is a passive way to remove short videos from YouTube desktop computer searches by avoiding actively engaging with them.

Exploring Alternative YouTube Experiences (Optional)

While YouTube Premium doesn’t directly remove Shorts, it does offer other benefits that might improve your overall viewing experience, such as ad-free viewing and background playback. However, if the primary goal is to remove Shorts, YouTube Premium won’t achieve that.

Some third-party YouTube frontends, like LibreTube or Piped, offer different features and filtering options, including the potential to block Shorts. However, use these options at your own risk, as they are not officially supported by YouTube and might violate YouTube’s terms of service.

Troubleshooting and Considerations

Even after implementing these methods, you might still occasionally see Shorts appearing in your feed. The YouTube algorithm is complex and constantly evolving. If Shorts persist, try clearing your YouTube watch history and cookies. This might help reset the algorithm and give it a fresh start.

Remember that YouTube can change its interface and algorithms at any time, which might affect the effectiveness of these methods. Stay informed about YouTube updates and be prepared to adapt your strategies accordingly.

It’s also important to note that these methods primarily apply to the desktop website and not the mobile app. The mobile app has a dedicated Shorts feed that is more difficult to avoid.

Conclusion

While completely removing short videos from YouTube desktop computer experiences might be an elusive goal, several strategies can help you minimize their presence and curate a more focused viewing experience. From utilizing browser extensions to leveraging YouTube’s built-in features and exploring alternative YouTube frontends, there are options to suit different levels of technical expertise and preferences.

The key is to be consistent, patient, and adaptable. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you. And remember that YouTube’s landscape is always changing, so stay informed and be prepared to adjust your approach as needed. While YouTube Shorts can be distracting, these strategies can empower you to take control of your YouTube feed and reclaim your desktop viewing experience. With a bit of effort, you can create a YouTube environment that prioritizes the content you truly want to see.