6 hacks to reclaim your YouTube experience (and your sanity)
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
YouTube is a constantly evolving beast. Between the endless UI experiments, the rise of Shorts, and the ever-growing ad invasion, it's harder than ever to enjoy the platform like we used to in the good old days. But even though I eventually caved and got YouTube Premium — because when you can't defeat the system, sometimes, you've got to join the system — all hope is not lost. There are still plenty of ways in which I can take back control of my YouTube experience, and you can too. From browser tweaks, extensions, settings changes, and filters that can bring back a cleaner, calmer, and more customizable experience, here are six YouTube hacks you need to try today:
Hack #1: Kill the Shorts
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
If you're tired of YouTube's not-so-subtle push to get you hooked on Shorts, you're not alone. While bite-sized, snackable content is great when you're trying to avoid a YouTube deep dive, Shorts are overwhelmingly taking over the platform. Open the YouTube homepage, and you'll find just three proper video suggestions (one of which is inevitably an ad), followed by an aggressive wall of Shorts. No thanks!
If you're on Google Chrome, grab the Remove YouTube Shorts extension. It's plug-and-play and simple, and it wipes Shorts not just from your homepage but also from search results. In fact, it entirely removes the Shorts category from YouTube's left panel. You can even use it on the Kiwi Browser for mobile, if that's your thing.
The folks who make this extension also have an Android app called Block Scroll, which removes Shorts from your YouTube app on Android. But fair warning: the app asks for more permissions than I'm personally comfortable handing over, so use it with caution if you have to.
If you're a Firefox user, check out the excellent Control Panel for YouTube. It not only deals with Shorts but also tackles YouTube's other UI sins, which brings me to my next point.
Hack #2: Control the number of videos you see per row
Regular YouTube UI with three videos in a row
YouTube UI with uBlock Origin filter and 5 videos per row
For reasons known only to YouTube, the homepage now shows just three videos per row on any screen size. On a 13-inch laptop, that's mildly annoying. On a 27-inch monitor? It's downright ridiculous. The good news is that you can also change this.
If you're using Firefox or Brave (browsers that still support uBlock Origin with manifest v2), open the uBlock Origin settings and paste this line into the 'My filters' section:
www.youtube.com##ytd-rich-item-renderer:style(--ytd-rich-grid-items-per-row: 5)
Note that this hack won't work on uBlock Origin in Google Chrome because it no longer supports adding custom filters. That said, on other browsers, the trick works like magic, and you can change the number in that mod above from five to anything else you want, depending on the number of rows you want to see on YouTube.
If you don't want to mess with uBlock filters to do this, you can also use the YouTube Row Fixer extension in Chrome or the aforementioned Control Panel for YouTube extension on Firefox to fix your video per row problem. Some of these extensions also give you additional controls like hiding sponsored and live videos, customizing thumbnail sizes, and skipping ads automatically, so be sure to check out those additional features as well.
Hack #3: Get the old YouTube look back
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
If you're tired of YouTube's cluttered look and endless Shorts, you can also check out the YouTube Redux extension to take things back to how they used to be. The Chrome extension brings back the classic, retro YouTube layout you know and love, complete with the old-school video player size, simpler homepage grid, and none of the extra fluff. Apart from the familiar interface, you'll also be saved from autoplaying channel trailers and distracting sidebars. So if you've been missing the way YouTube used to feel, Redux will let you reclaim that experience in just a few clicks. The best part if you can customize it further to suit your style.
Hack #4: Disable picture-in-picture
Exiting the YouTube app means you'll just get a floating player that stubbornly follows you around your phone like a clingy ex. That's YouTube's picture-in-picture mode at work, and while it's admittedly useful, it can be annoying if you just want the video to stop when you leave the app.
Thankfully, disabling YouTube's picture-in-picture feature doesn't require help from any third-party tools. To disable it, just Tap your profile avatar in the YouTube app
Go to Settings > Playback
Toggle off picture-in-picture
If you have a device that natively supports system-wide automatic PiP, like iPhones, you'll have to disable that setting, too, to get rid of YouTube's picture-in-picture mode.
Unfortunately, there's no way (yet) to turn off the mini-player inside the YouTube app on mobile. However, you can use Chrome extensions like YT Mini Player Destroyer or Enhancer for YouTube to remove the mini player on desktop.
Hack #5: Remove podcasts, music, mixes, and more from the YouTube UI
I stumbled upon several useful uBlock Origin filters on Reddit, which I used to maximize my YouTube UI. These filters need to be applied with the same method I described in hack #2. They'll help you remove everything from podcast playlists to music playlists, mixes, livestreams, and more. Removes podcast playlists from home:
youtube.com##ytd-rich-item-renderer #view-more.ytd-rich-grid-media.style-scope:has-text(/^View full podcast/):upward(ytd-rich-item-renderer)
Removes music and other playlists from home:
youtube.com##ytd-rich-item-renderer #view-more.ytd-rich-grid-media.style-scope:has-text(/^View full playlist/):upward(ytd-rich-item-renderer)
Removes mixes from the homepage:
youtube.com##ytd-rich-item-renderer:has([href$="start_radio=1″])
Remove live videos:
www.youtube.com##:is(ytd-rich-item-renderer,ytd-grid-video-renderer,ytd-compact-video-renderer):has(.badge-style-type-live-now-alternate)
You can customize your YouTube UI by picking any (or all) of these filters and pasting them into uBlock Origin or choosing more from this very useful filter list that a Redditor has shared.
Hack #6: Take a break
Falling down the YouTube rabbit hole is inevitable sometimes. I'm sure there are days you've found yourself streaming for hours. But YouTube gives you an easy way out of this bad habit. To control your binge-watching urges on the YouTube mobile app, you can set Take a Break reminders that appear at chosen time intervals and pause the video, reminding you how long you've been watching. To set Take a Break reminders: Tap your profile picture
Tap Settings
Tap General
Next to Remind me to take a break, tap the switch to turn reminders on
Set your Reminder frequency and tap OK.
You can also set a bedtime reminder by going to Profile picture > Settings > General > Remind me when it's bedtime and selecting a start and end time.
We hope you found these YouTube hacks helpful. If you have any tips or tricks of your own, drop them in the comments and share the wisdom with us and fellow readers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dolby, Lenovo, and Google Unveil the World's First Chromebook with Dolby Atmos
The new Lenovo Chromebook Plus (14", 10) transforms the capabilities for Chromebook sound systems SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dolby Laboratories, Lenovo, and Google today unveiled the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus (14", 10), the world's first Chromebook with Dolby Atmos. This groundbreaking device ushers in a new era of immersive audio on Chromebook, making premium sound even more accessible to consumers everywhere. Whether you're lost in the story of your favorite movie or show, jamming to the latest hits, or getting swept away in that new audiobook, Dolby Atmos creates an amazing experience with breathtaking, moving audio that flows above and around you. Immersive and emotive, Dolby Atmos is sound you can feel, creating a powerfully moving entertainment experience. "Chromebooks are powerful devices celebrated for their simplicity, affordability, and ability to inspire creativity," said Mahesh Balakrishnan, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Entertainment, Dolby Laboratories. "With Dolby Atmos now available on the Lenovo Chromebook Plus, we are bringing cutting-edge, immersive audio to an even broader and more diverse audience." "The Lenovo Chromebook Plus (14", 10), the first Chromebook with Dolby Atmos, is an important milestone in our long-standing collaboration with Dolby," said Benny Zhang, Executive Director and General Manager of Chromebooks in Lenovo's Intelligent Devices Group. "We are committed to bringing innovative firsts to consumers everywhere and, through working with Dolby, our Chromebook users will now enjoy best-in-class premium audio." "As we continue to innovate within the Chromebook lineup, our priority remains delivering exceptional performance and experiences that truly matter to you," said John Maletis, VP of ChromeOS Product, Google. "Dolby has been an invaluable partner in this journey, enabling us to offer best-in-class audio experiences through Dolby Atmos, cherished by leading creators and loved by entertainment fans around the globe." Dolby Atmos places users in the action as sound comes alive with unparalleled clarity and depth that goes beyond ordinary listening experiences. It brings your content to life with rich, dynamic sound so you can connect more deeply to the entertainment you love. Whether you're using headphones or laptop speakers while winding down with your favorite show or jamming during a work session with your favorite tracks in Dolby Atmos, the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus raises the bar for audio on Chromebooks. About Dolby LaboratoriesDolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) is a world leader in immersive entertainment. From movies and TV, to music, sports, gaming, and beyond, Dolby transforms the science of sight and sound into spectacular experiences for billions of people worldwide across all their favorite devices. We partner with artists, storytellers, and the brands you love to transform entertainment and digital experiences through groundbreaking innovations like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, and Dolby OptiView. Media Contacts:Cairon (Jamie) Guru View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MobLand Renewed for Season 2 at Paramount+
You can't keep the Harrigans down: Paramount+ has renewed MobLand for Season 2, TVLine has learned. The drama hails from Guy Ritchie, Ronan Bennett and Jez Butterworth and stars Tom Hardy as Harry, a fixer for a sprawling crime family. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren play the clan's patriarch, Conrad, and matriarch, Maeve, respectively. More from TVLine The Sandman's Final Season Trailer Features Dream's Return to Hell, Warns 'All Good Stories Come to an End' Andor Tops Nielsen Streaming Chart With Release of Series Finale; Rogue One Returns to Top 10 Movies Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to End With Season 5 at Paramount+ When Is Your Favorite TV Show Back? View List The cast also includes Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Laura Pulver, Mandeep Dhillon, Jasmine Jobson, Geoff Bell, Daniel Betts, Lisa Dwan and Emily Barber. 'With more than 26 million viewers and climbing, MobLand has become a resounding triumph — driven by the creative brilliance of Guy, Jez, Ronan and David Glasser, and brought to life by the powerhouse performances of Tom, Pierce, and Helen,' Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount and President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment, said via statement. 'We are elated to greenlight a second season of this global phenomenon, which has dominated both domestic and international charts and soared to #1 in the UK.' MobLand broke a record in early April as the streamer's largest global series launch ever, amassing 2.2 million global viewers on March 30, the day it premiered. It has since climbed to 26 million global viewers, Paramount+ reports, making it the streamer's No. 2 original series, behind Landman. MobLand wrapped its first season at the streamer in early June. (Read a full finale recap.) MobLand: Who Should Run the Show in a Potential Season 2? View List Are you excited for more ? Hit the comments with your thoughts! Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New Study Reveals AI Adoption in Healthcare Payments Reaches Strategic Inflection Point
Study finds AI is delivering double-digit gains in revenue cycle performance, becoming indispensable to healthcare providers' success LEHI, Utah and LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Waystar (Nasdaq: WAY), a provider of leading healthcare payment software, today announced the results of a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Waystar revealing that AI is becoming mission-critical in revenue cycle management (RCM) because of its proven impact and measurable return on investment. The study, "AI in Healthcare Payments Software: A Strategic Imperative," shows that 82% of healthcare leaders now consider AI integral to their RCM operations, with 70% identifying it as a top organizational priority. The study also found that AI is delivering significant improvements in key revenue cycle metrics, including claim accuracy, denial prevention, workforce efficiency, and payment speed, signaling a sharp acceleration in healthcare's AI adoption curve. "This research reinforces what we're seeing across the industry. AI is no longer theoretical and is fundamentally reshaping how providers operate," said Matt Hawkins, CEO of Waystar. "As healthcare organizations navigate growing complexity, the study shows they're relying on proven and trusted RCM software providers to deploy AI." Key findings include: AI is yielding 13-37% improvements in high-impact revenue cycle areas. These capabilities consistently exceed expectations for enhancing performance and automating critical processes, such as claim follow-up, payment accuracy, denial prevention, and workforce efficiency. Trust in AI is accelerating, with 60% of decision-makers reporting that their confidence has increased since implementation. Firsthand experience is quickly building trust in AI's accuracy and its ability to transform the revenue cycle. The majority of healthcare decision makers who were initially skeptical now say their concerns have significantly decreased or disappeared. 82% of healthcare leaders say AI is now an integral part of their revenue cycle operations, reflecting growing trust and proven impact. Nearly 70% view AI as a high or critical organizational priority, and 60% plan to increase AI investment, underscoring its strategic role in driving payment performance and process transformation. The majority of healthcare leaders are turning to existing RCM software partners for AI capabilities, citing faster time to value, proven integration, and established data security protocols. Onboarding new-to-market AI vendors remains the least common path, highlighting the preference for trusted, integrated platforms. Based on responses from more than 300 healthcare leaders, the study shows that providers are prioritizing strategic AI implementation, especially in payer-facing workflows such as prior authorizations and denial appeals. The research points to a broader shift as AI delivers measurable impact across organizations of all sizes, accelerating automation, enhancing analytics, improving accuracy, and driving stronger returns on investment. To view the full study, visit About Waystar Waystar's mission-critical software is purpose-built to simplify healthcare payments so providers can prioritize patient care and optimize their financial performance. Waystar serves approximately 30,000 clients, representing over 1 million distinct providers, including 16 of 20 institutions on the U.S. News Best Hospitals list. Waystar's enterprise-grade platform annually processes over 6 billion healthcare payment transactions, including over $1.8 trillion in annual gross claims and spanning approximately 50% of U.S. patients. Waystar strives to transform healthcare payments so providers can focus on what matters most: their patients and communities. Discover the way forward at Media Contact Kristin Lee View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Waystar Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
