Curbing the Scroll: YouTube Shorts Adds Timer to Fight Digital Addiction

YouTube has introduced a timer feature for Shorts, enabling users to set daily viewing limits and curb mindless scrolling, with a reminder pop-up appearing once the limit is reached. According to TechCrunch, the feature has begun rolling out to all users within the app’s settings, and the prompt can be dismissed with a single tap.

At present, this timer is not yet integrated with parental controls, but YouTube plans to add that functionality next year, enabling guardians to set daily Shorts limits for children with a more robust form of supervision. YouTube’s push for digital well-being follows long-standing take a break reminders and bedtime notifications aimed at healthier viewing habits.

Bloomberg notes that nearly 2,000 lawsuits have been filed against major platforms over what critics describe as addictive features, underscoring the wider pressure on the industry to recalibrate engagement with user welfare. 24 October 2025.