In an effort to promote healthier digital habits, YouTube has unveiled a new feature that allows users to set daily time limits for watching Shorts, its short-form video content. This initiative aims to help users manage their screen time and prevent excessive scrolling through endless videos.
Understanding the New Daily Timer Feature
The daily timer is accessible through the YouTube mobile app’s settings. Users can specify a daily limit for how long they wish to engage with Shorts. Once this limit is reached, a prompt appears, notifying the user that scrolling on the Shorts feed has been paused for the remainder of the day. This prompt is dismissible, allowing users to continue watching if they choose. However, YouTube plans to integrate this feature into parental controls later this year, making the prompt non-dismissible for children, thereby assisting parents in managing their children’s screen time more effectively. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/youtube-adds-at-timer-for-you-to-stop-scrolling-shorts/?utm_source=openai))
The Need for Time Management Tools
The introduction of this feature addresses growing concerns about the addictive nature of short-form video content. Platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels have been criticized for promoting endless scrolling, which can lead to excessive screen time and potential negative impacts on mental health. By providing users with tools to set viewing limits, YouTube acknowledges the importance of digital well-being and offers a solution to help users control their consumption. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/youtube-adds-at-timer-for-you-to-stop-scrolling-shorts/?utm_source=openai))
Comparisons with Other Platforms
YouTube is not the first platform to introduce such a feature. TikTok and Instagram Reels have already implemented similar time management tools, allowing users to set daily limits on their usage. These features are part of a broader industry trend towards promoting healthier digital habits and providing users with more control over their screen time. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/youtube-brings-instagram-reels-like-feature-for-shorts/articleshow/124743310.cms?utm_source=openai))
Implementation and User Experience
The daily timer feature is currently rolling out to YouTube users and may not be immediately available to everyone. Once available, users can activate it by navigating to the app’s settings and selecting their desired daily limit for Shorts viewing. While the initial prompt is dismissible, the forthcoming integration with parental controls will offer a more robust solution for managing screen time, especially for younger audiences. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/youtube-adds-at-timer-for-you-to-stop-scrolling-shorts/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
YouTube’s introduction of a daily timer for Shorts is a significant step towards promoting digital well-being. By allowing users to set and manage their viewing limits, YouTube empowers individuals to take control of their screen time and encourages more mindful consumption of short-form video content.
