YouTube may eventually introduce a feature that allows users to set a timer to limit how much time they spend watching Shorts. As Android Authority reports, a description of a special daily timer was found in the code of the YouTube beta app version 20.15.32. The feature would automatically stop Shorts playback once the user has reached the daily viewing limit.
A YouTube representative confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is not currently being publicly tested. However, the company is exploring the possibility of implementing it in the future. We’ll keep you updated as more details become available.
What the Code Reveals
According to the code, the new daily timer would let users set a specific amount of time for watching Shorts. Once that time is up, videos in the Shorts section would become unavailable for the rest of the day. Importantly, access to Shorts wouldn’t be entirely blocked—users would still be able to watch individual Shorts if they appear in other areas of the platform, such as the news feed or search results.
YouTube already offers a “Take a break” reminder for standard video content. The addition of a daily timer tailored specifically for Shorts suggests a growing recognition of how this content format affects user behavior.
Growing Concerns About Short Video Consumption
For some people, endlessly scrolling through short videos can become a genuine concern. Studies suggest that excessive use of short video apps is linked to negative effects like reduced attention span, poor time management, and a decline in learning ability.
According to Google, YouTube Shorts receives over 70 billion views each day. The platform continues to push the format, offering simple tools to encourage content creation. Yet, as NIXSOLUTIONS notes, this potential new timer indicates that Google may be starting to acknowledge some of the drawbacks tied to this type of content. It reflects a broader industry trend toward digital well-being, especially as users grow more aware of the impact of online habits.
The feature may not be available anytime soon, but the fact that it is being considered signals a shift in how platforms are thinking about user engagement. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.