- Users can set daily viewing limits for Shorts.
- Pop-up notifications pause scrolling but are dismissible.
- Parental controls for kids expected in 2026.
YouTube is taking a step toward helping users manage their screen time with a new feature for Shorts. The platform’s latest digital well-being tool allows viewers to set daily limits for scrolling through short-form videos, addressing concerns about overuse and addictive design.
How the Time-Limit Feature Works
Users can now access the time-limit setting in the app, choosing how long they want to watch Shorts each day. Once the limit is reached, a pop-up notification pauses the feed. While users can dismiss the reminder and continue scrolling, it serves as a gentle nudge to step away from the app.
This feature builds on YouTube’s existing tools like “Take a Break” and bedtime reminders, which prompt users to pause videos at regular intervals or during set hours. By offering these options, YouTube balances user engagement with digital wellness.
Parental Controls Still Coming
Currently, the time-limit tool isn’t linked to parental controls. Parents can’t yet enforce viewing limits for children, but YouTube plans to roll out this feature next year. When launched, kids will be unable to dismiss prompts, giving parents more control over screen time and helping protect young users’ mental health.
Balancing Engagement and Responsibility
YouTube’s new feature arrives amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms. Nearly 2,000 lawsuits in the U.S. claim that social media companies design addictive features that harm children. By introducing optional time limits, YouTube addresses these concerns without drastically changing its core engagement model, showing a commitment to user well-being while maintaining growth.
Also Read: How YouTubers Are Building Billion-Dollar Brands
While the Shorts time-limit feature is optional, it reflects YouTube’s attempt to encourage healthier viewing habits and curb excessive screen time. Users seeking to reclaim their time on the platform can now use the tool to prevent endless scrolling, with stronger parental controls on the horizon.
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