YouTube has introduced a new feature to its Shorts platform, aiming to curb the addictive habit of endless scrolling through short-form videos. This optional timer allows users to set daily viewing limits, signaling a proactive response to the growing concern over the impact of prolonged screen time on mental health and productivity. The feature, which was initially spotted in an APK teardown, is now available in the app, offering a gentle reminder to users when they’ve reached their set limit for the day.
What is Doomscrolling and Why Target Shorts?
Doomscrolling is a term coined to describe the compulsive habit of endlessly consuming negative or low-value content on social platforms. This behavior is particularly prevalent with YouTube Shorts, a short-form video format that encourages rapid, non-stop viewing. The vertical video feed of Shorts, similar to TikTok, has contributed to increased screen time as the platform’s algorithm promotes continuous playback to maximize user engagement. This endless scrolling through Shorts can lead to reduced productivity and mental fatigue, making the timer a necessary intervention from YouTube.
The Announcement of YouTube’s Timer Feature
The timer feature was officially rolled out on October 22, 2025, as a user-controlled tool to set daily limits specifically for Shorts viewing, separate from general YouTube watch time. This optional feature is integrated into the Shorts interface and appears as a notification when the set time expires, encouraging users to take breaks from their screens. Initial reactions from tech outlets have been positive, with many emphasizing that the timer is an empowerment choice rather than a strict enforcement, as WeRSM reports.
How the Timer Feature Works in Practice
Setting up the timer is straightforward. Users can access it via the Shorts settings to select a daily duration. Once this limit is reached, the app dims or pauses the feed and suggests alternative activities. The user experience includes customizable alerts such as “Time’s up!” prompts that redirect to the main YouTube home or remind of the limit without blocking other content. Techlusive provides a step-by-step guide on how to use this feature, highlighting its seamless integration that doesn’t disrupt non-Shorts usage.
Development Timeline Leading to the Rollout
The feature’s origins can be traced back to an APK teardown on April 11, 2025, where code strings revealed that YouTube was working on a new feature to save users from doomscrolling Shorts. This early discovery led to six months of refinement, turning the concept into a live tool amid growing concerns over short-form video addiction. The teardown also implied potential testing phases, such as beta flags for timer activation, showing YouTube’s iterative approach before public release.
Benefits for Users and Potential Drawbacks
The timer feature offers several advantages, including better time management and reduced exposure to algorithmic rabbit holes. As PCMag notes, the timer specifically targets Shorts without affecting long-form videos. However, there could be challenges, such as users ignoring notifications or setting unrealistically high limits that undermine the feature’s intent. It’s also worth considering broader wellness integration, such as pairing the timer with device-level screen time tools for enhanced effectiveness.
YouTube’s Broader Strategy on User Well-Being
The introduction of the Shorts timer aligns with YouTube’s ongoing initiatives to promote healthy habits among its users. This feature, along with existing reminders for long videos, forms part of a holistic effort to balance platform growth with user well-being. It also aligns with industry trends, where competitors like TikTok have similar controls, positioning YouTube as responsive to user feedback on addictive design. While data-driven motivations, such as internal metrics on Shorts retention, may play a part, the feature ultimately serves to sustain long-term user trust without revenue loss from reduced views.
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