YouTube considers a daily timer for users looking to cut back on Shorts

Tech Crunch - Apr 11th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

YouTube is considering a new feature that would enable users to set a daily timer to limit their time spent on Shorts, the platform's short-form video service. This development, initially spotted in beta app code by Android Authority and confirmed as a possibility by YouTube to TechCrunch, aims to help users manage their screen time. The feature would allow users to specify a number of hours for viewing Shorts, after which the service would pause access for the rest of the day, though individual Shorts might still be accessible. This initiative comes as part of the growing trend of tech companies introducing tools to combat excessive screen time.

The move by YouTube reflects a broader industry response to increasing concerns about social media addiction and its effects on users' mental health. With tech giants like Apple and Google already offering tools to manage screen time, YouTube's exploration into this area highlights the company's recognition of the issue's significance. The feature also aligns with the current trend of users seeking third-party apps and devices to regulate their social media usage. As this feature is not yet publicly tested, its potential impact on user engagement and platform dynamics remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing conversation about digital well-being and media consumption habits.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a timely and relevant look at YouTube's potential new feature aimed at addressing screen time concerns. It is largely accurate, supported by credible sources, and offers a clear presentation of the information. While the article effectively covers the main points, it could benefit from including more diverse perspectives, such as user or expert opinions, to enhance balance and engagement. Additionally, further verification of specific details about the feature's functionality would strengthen its accuracy. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a significant development in digital well-being, though it leaves room for deeper exploration of the topic's broader implications.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, with YouTube's exploration of a daily timer feature for Shorts being confirmed by a company spokesperson to TechCrunch. The article correctly reports on the feature's development status, stating that it is not yet publicly tested but under consideration. However, the claim regarding the specifics of the beta version findings, such as the timer pausing Shorts once the allotted time is reached, requires further verification. Additionally, the mention of users still being able to view individual Shorts suggests a partial functionality that needs more clarity. Overall, while the story provides accurate information based on available sources, some details about the feature's implementation remain speculative and need confirmation.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by discussing both the potential benefits of the feature for users and the broader context of social media addiction concerns. It acknowledges YouTube's efforts in line with industry trends, mentioning similar tools by Apple and Google. However, the story does not include perspectives from users or experts on digital well-being, which could provide a more comprehensive view of the feature's potential impact. Including such viewpoints would enhance the article's balance by addressing possible criticisms or limitations of the proposed feature.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and concise language, making it easy to understand the key points about YouTube's potential feature. It logically presents the information, starting with the main claim and providing context with existing features and industry trends. The tone is neutral and factual, which aids in maintaining clarity. However, some technical details about the feature's functionality, such as the partial blocking of Shorts, could be explained more thoroughly to avoid any potential confusion for readers unfamiliar with the platform's mechanics.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as TechCrunch and Android Authority, which are reputable in the technology news domain. The confirmation from a YouTube spokesperson adds authority to the claims about the feature's exploration. However, the reliance on beta version findings for specific details about the feature's functionality could benefit from additional corroboration from independent sources or more direct evidence. Overall, the sources used are reliable, but further verification from diverse outlets would strengthen the article's credibility.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about the current status of the feature, clearly stating that it is not yet publicly tested. It provides context by mentioning YouTube's existing 'Take a Break' feature and the broader trend of screen time management tools. However, the article could improve transparency by offering more insight into the methodology behind the beta version findings and any potential limitations or biases in the reported information. Greater disclosure of how the information was obtained would enhance the article's transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-shorts-daily-timer-3543839/
  2. https://beamstart.com/news/hacked-documents-reveal-guide-to-17443875152409
  3. https://www.techlusive.in/news/youtube-shorts-might-limit-your-scrolling-time-heres-what-it-means-for-users-1554462/
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=369658http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D369658
  5. https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-shorts-daily-timer/