YouTube is exploring a new feature aimed at addressing concerns around prolonged engagement with its short-form video format, Shorts.
Highlights
According to details found in a beta version of the YouTube app, the platform is testing a daily timer that would allow users to set limits on how much time they spend watching Shorts each day.
The feature, first reported by Android Authority, is not yet publicly available. YouTube try the reflects a growing trend in the tech industry to provide users with digital wellbeing features that encourage healthier usage patterns.
Daily Timer Functionality Spotted in Beta Code
An APK teardown of YouTube’s beta app (version 20.15.32) revealed code indicating the potential introduction of a Shorts-specific timer.
The timer would allow users to configure a daily limit for watching Shorts. Once that limit is reached, the scrolling experience within the Shorts feed would be paused for the rest of the day.
However, individual short videos accessed through other parts of the app—such as the Home feed or search—would still be available, suggesting a nuanced approach rather than a full restriction.
This would represent a more targeted tool compared to existing features, such as the platform’s “Take a Break” reminder, which applies to standard-length video content.
The Shorts timer is specifically designed to address the continuous, swipe-driven experience of short-form video consumption.
Responding to Engagement Challenges with Shorts
YouTube Shorts attract over 70 billion views per day, underscoring their widespread appeal. However, this popularity has also sparked concerns about potential overuse.
Research has linked excessive consumption of short-form videos to reduced attention spans, difficulties with time management, and increased digital fatigue.
By introducing a timer, YouTube aims to provide users with a tool to better manage their time and promote healthier interaction with the app.
Rather than limiting access entirely, the proposed feature appears focused on interrupting prolonged scrolling sessions, which are often cited as the most difficult behavior for users to moderate on their own.
Part of a Broader Digital Wellbeing Strategy
The potential Shorts timer would complement existing efforts by YouTube and other tech companies to support user wellbeing.
Platforms like Apple and Google have already implemented system-level features that let users monitor and limit screen time. YouTube’s timer would be a platform-specific measure tailored to address the unique design and engagement patterns of Shorts.
The timing of this development reflects a broader shift in the industry. As concerns grow around screen addiction and mental wellness, many users are turning to external tools, including third-party apps and physical devices, to enforce screen-time limits.
YouTube’s own addition would bring this functionality directly into the app, making it more accessible and user-friendly.
No Confirmed Release Date Yet
While YouTube has not announced when or if the feature will roll out widely, the presence of related code in the beta version suggests the company is actively developing the feature.
If implemented, it could serve as a practical measure for users looking to strike a healthier balance with short-form content, without eliminating access altogether.
