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YouTube is exploring a new feature that could help curb doomscrolling on Shorts by allowing users to set a daily timer to limit their viewing time. While the option isn’t publicly available yet, recent beta findings suggest the platform is serious about addressing screen time concerns.
According to a report from Android Authority, a beta version of the YouTube app revealed a possible Shorts daily timer feature. The tool would let users set a specific number of hours to watch Shorts each day. Once the set time runs out, the Shorts feed would pause, limiting access for the remainder of the day.
YouTube confirmed that the feature is not in public testing but added that it is “exploring this for the future.” Notably, the code suggests users may still be able to watch individual Shorts even after the timer expires, meaning access isn’t entirely restricted.
The proposed Shorts daily timer builds on YouTube’s existing digital wellness features, such as the “Take a Break” reminder for regular videos.
This move follows a rising trend among users turning to third-party apps and even physical tools to manage their screen time. From app lockers to smartphone fobs, the demand for anti-doomscrolling solutions continues to grow.
YouTube isn’t alone in this space. Tech giants like Apple and Google have long offered native tools to combat digital fatigue, reflecting a growing awareness around the effects of social media addiction.
If implemented, the Shorts daily timer could position YouTube as a proactive platform in promoting healthier content consumption habits—especially for users caught in the loop of endless short-form videos. As concern over doomscrolling intensifies, YouTube’s efforts may serve as a key step in digital well-being.
