Published: 2026/01/12 04:11:13
YouTube Now Lets You Filter Out shorts From Search Results
YouTube has listened to user feedback and implemented a new search filter allowing viewers to exclude Shorts from their search results. This update provides a more focused viewing experience for those who prefer longer-form content, addressing a growing frustration among dedicated YouTube users. The change, rolling out now on both desktop and mobile, marks a notable shift in how YouTube presents its diverse video library.
The Rise of Shorts and User Concerns
As their introduction, YouTube shorts have rapidly gained popularity, becoming a major component of the platform’s overall viewership. While Shorts offer a fast and engaging form of entertainment, their prevalence in search results has frequently enough overshadowed customary, longer-form videos. Many users have expressed difficulty finding the content they specifically seek when search results are dominated by short-form clips [[2]]. This new filter directly addresses these concerns, giving users greater control over their viewing experience.
How to Use the New Search Filter
Filtering out shorts is a straightforward process.YouTube has integrated the option directly into the search functionality:
- Perform a search on YouTube as usual.
- Locate the “Videos” filter option within the search results. Selecting this filter will immediately remove Shorts from the displayed results [[1]].
On desktop, users can find the “Filters” option in the search results and select “Videos” under the “Type” category. Mobile users can access the filter through the three-dot menu, then “Search filters,” and choosing “Videos.”
Temporary Filtering and Other Search Updates
It’s critically important to note that this filter is not a permanent setting. Each new search requires users to re-apply the filter to exclude Shorts. This means the platform isn’t offering a global setting to disable shorts entirely from search. [[3]]
Beyond the Shorts filter, YouTube has also made subtle adjustments to other search controls. The “Sort by” menu has been rebranded as “Prioritize,” and the “View count” option is now labeled “Popularity.” According to YouTube, “Popularity” considers multiple factors, including watch time, offering a more nuanced ranking system than simply counting views. Moreover, the “upload date – Last hour” and “Sort by rating” options have been removed, though recent uploads remain accessible through other date filters.
What Does This Mean for YouTube’s Future?
This update signals YouTube’s responsiveness to its user base. While Shorts are a key part of the platform’s strategy, YouTube recognizes the value of catering to viewers who prefer longer-form content. The introduction of this filter demonstrates a commitment to providing a customizable experience.
The temporary nature of the filter raises questions about whether YouTube might introduce a more permanent solution in the future. Users may continue to request a global setting to disable Shorts from all search results. It’s also possible YouTube will explore further refinements to its search algorithm to better differentiate between content types and cater to individual preferences.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube now allows users to filter out Shorts from search results.
- The filter is applied on a per-search basis and is not a permanent setting.
- YouTube has updated other search filters, renaming “Sort by” to “Prioritize” and refining the “Popularity” metric.
- The changes reflect YouTube’s attempt to balance the prominence of Shorts wiht the needs of viewers who prefer longer-form videos.
