How to use YouTube’s new tools to limit Shorts viewing time for your kids

Shorts feed limit

• YouTube lets users set daily time limits for Shorts on mobile devices
• An on-screen reminder appears when the chosen Shorts time limit is reached
• Users can dismiss reminders, maintaining control over viewing habits.

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Shorts are designed for quick consumption, but continuous scrolling can lead to longer screen time than intended. To address this, YouTube allows users to set a daily time limit for the Shorts feed. Once enabled, the app reminds users when the chosen limit is reached, helping them stay aware of their viewing habits.

How to set a Shorts feed limit

Follow these steps to enable and manage the Shorts feed limit on YouTube:

1. Open the YouTube app on your smartphone.

2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.

3. Select Settings from the menu.

4. Tap General.

5. Choose Shorts feed limit.

6. You will see a list of available time limits.

7. Select the time limit that fits your preference.

After selecting a limit, YouTube will automatically track the time you spend scrolling through Shorts each day.

What happens when the limit is reached

When the set time limit is reached while watching Shorts, YouTube displays an on-screen message. This reminder informs you that your daily Shorts feed limit has been met. At this stage, you are given two options: you can dismiss the message to stop watching Shorts, or ignore the reminder and continue scrolling despite the limit. This ensures the control remains flexible rather than restrictive.

Supported platforms

• Android smartphones and tablets

• iPhone and iPad

The Shorts feed limit is available on the YouTube mobile app and may not appear in the same form on the desktop web version.

Why this feature matters

The Shorts feed limit is designed to promote more intentional content consumption. It helps users, including teens and families, stay aware of screen time without completely blocking access to Shorts. By combining reminders with user choice, YouTube aims to support healthier viewing habits while keeping control in the hands of users.