YouTube is developing a timer feature to reduce the viewing time of short videos in its official app

YouTube is reportedly considering introducing a new feature to limit the viewing time of YouTube Shorts. The feature would allow users to set a daily viewing limit, and code has been spotted in a beta version of the app, revealing that it is in the works.

YouTube preps new feature to save you from doomscrolling Shorts

https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-shorts-daily-timer-3543839/

YouTube considers a daily timer for users looking to cut back on Shorts | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/11/youtube-considers-a-daily-timer-for-users-looking-to-cut-back-on-shorts/

According to Google, YouTube Shorts receives more than 70 billion views per day, and as its popularity grows, so does concern about its addictive nature. In this context, YouTube appears to have become aware of the need for certain restriction features to improve viewing habits.

According to Android Authority, which covers Android news, the new feature allows users to set a timer in minutes or hours that will temporarily halt continuous scrolling of YouTube Shorts when the timer expires, but it doesn't block YouTube Shorts entirely, and individual YouTube Shorts videos that appear on the home screen, in search results, etc. will still be playable.

Unlike the existing 'take a break' reminder feature, this timer function is a time management tool specifically designed for YouTube Shorts that aims to prevent excessive viewing that can come with infinite scrolling. It is intended to improve users' time management skills and address the negative effects of watching short videos, such as reduced concentration and reduced learning efficiency.

The move coincides with a growing trend of people turning to dedicated apps or physical limiting devices to manage their screen time. Big tech companies like Apple and Google have offered features designed to curb 'doomscrolling,' and YouTube is joining the trend.

According to the IT news site TechCrunch, a YouTube spokesperson said, 'This feature has not yet been made public, but we are considering it for future implementation.' At the time of writing, it was not clear when this timer feature would be officially implemented, but since it is included in the beta version, it is believed that YouTube is seriously considering implementing the timer feature.