YouTube has announced a series of updates to its Shorts platform, introducing new features that make watching short videos faster, simpler and less distracting. The changes are rolling out gradually and are based on user feedback gathered over the five years since YouTube Shorts was launched. The company says the goal is to create a cleaner and more intuitive viewing experience while giving users greater control over how they watch content.
One of the biggest additions is Clear Screen mode. With a simple tap, viewers can temporarily hide all on-screen buttons, captions and other interface elements, allowing the video to fill the screen without distractions. This feature is especially useful for users who want to focus entirely on the content, similar to experiences already offered by some competing short-video platforms.
YouTube has also introduced 2x playback speed for Shorts. Users can now press and hold either edge of the screen to watch videos at double speed, making it easier to quickly browse content or replay favourite moments. In addition, a new mute option lets viewers silence videos with a single tap, offering more flexibility while watching in different environments.
The update also changes how users provide feedback on Shorts. The traditional Dislike button is being removed from the player. Instead, YouTube is encouraging viewers to use options such as “Not Interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel” to personalise their recommendations. According to the company, these tools provide clearer signals to its recommendation system and help deliver more relevant content.
To help users manage their viewing habits, YouTube is also introducing a sleep timer for Shorts in selected regions. This feature allows users to set a timer that automatically stops playback after a chosen period, making it easier to avoid endless scrolling, particularly late at night.
The latest update reflects YouTube’s continued effort to improve the Shorts experience as competition in the short-video market intensifies.
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