In a significant move that may impact the way users interact with content on its platform, YouTube is reportedly working on a new feature that would allow users to set a daily timer for watching Shorts. This feature, designed to help manage screen time, comes amidst growing concerns regarding the addictive nature of short-form videos and their potential negative effects on user well-being.

According to insights from a recent APK teardown of the YouTube app (version 20.15.32 beta), code has been uncovered indicating that this timer will enable users to set limits on how long they can engage with Shorts, whether for minutes or hours, depending on individual preferences. This development suggests that YouTube is taking steps to address issues related to excessive screen time, which has become a common concern in today's digital age.

It's important to note that while the new timer will limit continuous scrolling through Shorts once a user-defined daily limit is reached, it will not entirely block viewing. Users will still have access to individual Shorts that may appear in other areas of the platform, such as the Home feed or search results. This means that while users may be encouraged to take breaks from scrolling, they will not be completely cut off from accessing the content they enjoy.

The growing popularity of YouTube Shorts, which reportedly garners over 70 billion views daily, underscores the platform's aggressive push in the realm of short-form video content. With easily accessible tools for content creation, YouTube has made it simple for users to upload and share their own short videos. However, the addictive nature of such content has been linked to several negative outcomes, including distractions, poor time management skills, and diminished capacity for learning.

As the prevalence of doomscrolling becomes more evident, particularly on social media and video platforms, it is reassuring to see a major player like YouTube acknowledging these challenges. The impending introduction of a dedicated Shorts timer might serve as a valuable tool for users who wish to manage their viewing habits more effectively.

This feature is still in the testing phase, and it remains unclear when it will be made available to the general public. However, the emergence of this new functionality in the beta version indicates that YouTube is taking proactive measures to enhance user experiences on its platform. Stakeholders and users alike are keen to see how effective this timer will be in encouraging healthier viewing habits among its audience.

As we await further updates on this potential rollout, it will be interesting to observe whether this feature genuinely helps users take a step back from the all-consuming nature of Shorts and promotes a more balanced approach to video consumption.