Tech Desk 
Oct 22, 2025
YouTube on Wednesday unveiled a new timer feature that allows users to manage their behaviour while viewing Shorts, which will improve long-term engagement rather than risking burnout.
Users can set a daily timer for Shorts viewing within the app's settings. Once you reach the time limit, YouTube Shorts will pop up notification — though the pop-up is dismissible — that scrolling on the Shorts feed is paused.
YouTube noted that currently the feature isn't integrated with parental controls, which means that parents can't set a timer; however, the company said that the feature will be launched for parents next year, following which kids won't be able to dismiss the pop up notification.
A day earlier, YouTube launched a new AI detection feature, allowing users to identify and report unauthorised uploads that use their likeness.
After verifying their identity, creators can easily check flagged videos in the Content Detection tab on YouTube Studio. In case any unauthorised, AI-generated content is found, they can request the platform for its removal.
