YouTube has introduced a new feature that allows users to control the time spent on Shorts, its short video format. Mobile users can now set a daily time limit for Shorts.

Shorts viewing time can be limited

This feature prevents users from endlessly scrolling through videos, allowing them to manage their time more consciously. Similar screen time limit options are already available on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

When the set time limit expires, users will see a notification that Shorts are paused for the day. However, there is an option to turn this warning off. This means that whether or not the set limit is applied is entirely up to the user’s discretion.

Users can set specific time limits for Shorts in their YouTube account settings. The feature is rolling out gradually starting today. Therefore, it may take some time for it to reach all users. YouTube announced that this feature will also be added to parental controls by the end of the year.

In this version for children, time limit notifications cannot be turned off. With this move, the platform is taking a significant step toward supporting users’ digital well-being and preventing the potential overuse of short-form content.

Experts had previously noted that users’ screen time was increasing due to the fast-paced nature of short-form video formats. This new daily time limit feature allows users to manage this habit with self-imposed restrictions.

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