Block YouTube Shorts: The Ultimate uBlock Origin Filter

TL;DR:

Tired of endless YouTube Shorts? Use a simple uBlock Origin filter to remove them from your feed and search results.

Why It Matters:

YouTube Shorts are designed to be addictive, leading to wasted time. Blocking them lets you focus on longer content, improving productivity. This is about taking back control of your viewing experience.

The Problem with YouTube Shorts

Short-form video is addictive. YouTube promotes Shorts aggressively, leading to mindless scrolling instead of focused content discovery. A solution is needed to reclaim your YouTube feed.

The Solution: uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a free, open-source browser extension for content filtering. It's lightweight and doesn't sell your data. Its customizability and performance make it a great choice.

Installing uBlock Origin

1. Go to the uBlock Origin website.

2. Choose your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).

3. Install the extension.

Adding the YouTube Shorts Filter

This is where the magic happens. You'll add a custom filter to block Shorts.

1. Open uBlock Origin's settings (click the uBlock Origin icon, then the gear icon).

2. Go to the "My filters" tab.

3. Add the following filter rule:

youtube.com##ytd-rich-shelf-renderer:has(ytd-thumbnail[src*="shorts"])

   

4. Click "Apply changes".

This filter hides any ytd-rich-shelf-renderer element that contains a YouTube thumbnail with "shorts" in the source URL. It removes Shorts shelves from your YouTube homepage and search results. YouTube HTML changes may require filter adjustments.

Trade-offs and Limitations

* Maintenance: YouTube might change its HTML structure, requiring filter updates. Monitor for changes.

* False Positives: Rarely, the filter might block legitimate content if YouTube uses "shorts" unexpectedly.

* Mobile: This method primarily works on desktop browsers. Blocking Shorts on mobile requires different methods (e.g., modified YouTube apps).

Alternative Filters

Consider these alternative filters if the primary one doesn't work perfectly:

www.youtube.com##[title="#shorts"]

* www.youtube.com##.ytd-reel-shelf-renderer

Test each to see what works best.

Why This Works: CSS Selectors

uBlock Origin uses CSS selectors to identify and block elements. The filter youtube.com##ytd-rich-shelf-renderer:has(ytd-thumbnail[src*="shorts"]) tells uBlock Origin to:

1. Look at youtube.com.

2. Find all ytd-rich-shelf-renderer elements.

3. Select elements that contain a ytd-thumbnail element whose src attribute contains the string "shorts".

4. Hide those selected elements.

It's precise and efficient. Basic CSS selectors let you customize your web experience.

Founder Takeaway:

Control your attention. Don't let algorithms dictate your consumption.

How to Start Checklist:

* [ ] Install uBlock Origin.

* [ ] Add the YouTube Shorts filter to your uBlock Origin settings.

* [ ] Refresh YouTube and enjoy a Shorts-free experience.

* [ ] Consider donating to uBlock Origin to support its development (it's free, but donations are appreciated).

Poll Question:

Do you find YouTube Shorts more helpful or distracting?

Key Takeaways & FAQ:

* uBlock Origin effectively blocks YouTube Shorts.

* Custom filters give granular control over your browsing experience.

* CSS selectors are powerful tools for web customization.

FAQ:

Q: Does this block all* short-form videos?

* A: Only YouTube Shorts. Other platforms need different filters.

* Q: Will this slow down my browser?

* A: uBlock Origin is designed to be lightweight.

* Q: Can I use this on my phone?

* A: Not directly. Mobile requires different ad-blocking or modified apps.

References & CTA:

* uBlock Origin Website

* CSS Selectors Reference

Want to build your own custom filters? Check out Copy.ai for AI-powered copywriting and GTM automation!