YouTube Just Gave You Control Over Shorts – And Took Something Away
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – In a move that’s already sparking debate among YouTube users, the platform has rolled out significant changes to its search filters, giving viewers the power to exclude Shorts from their search results. This is breaking news for anyone who’s found their feed increasingly dominated by the TikTok-style short-form videos, but the update isn’t without its drawbacks. The changes, announced today, represent a shift in YouTube’s strategy as it navigates the ongoing battle for attention in the short-video space.
Finally, A Way to Skip the Shorts?
For months, YouTube users have voiced their frustration with the proliferation of Shorts, often appearing unexpectedly in search results alongside traditional, longer-form videos. While Shorts have undeniably boosted engagement on the platform – largely as a response to TikTok’s explosive growth – many viewers simply prefer the depth and detail of traditional YouTube content. Now, YouTube is responding.
The new filter options allow users to specify whether they want to see only videos, only Shorts, or a combination of both. This granular control is a welcome addition, particularly for those who use YouTube for educational purposes, in-depth reviews, or long-form entertainment. It’s a feature many assumed already existed, making its belated arrival all the more surprising. This update is a direct response to user feedback and a clear indication that YouTube is listening – even if it’s not always acting immediately.
What’s Gone Missing: The ‘Last Hour’ Filter
However, the update isn’t all good news. YouTube has quietly removed the filter that allowed users to search for content uploaded within the last hour. This is a significant loss for those who rely on YouTube for breaking news, live event coverage, or rapidly evolving topics. The reasoning, according to YouTube, is that the filter wasn’t performing reliably and generated numerous complaints.
The ‘sort by rating’ filter has also been removed for similar reasons – inconsistent results and user dissatisfaction. While YouTube still offers filters for content uploaded today, this week, this month, and this year, the absence of the ‘last hour’ option leaves a noticeable gap. This is especially problematic in the fast-paced world of Shorts, where timeliness is paramount. Imagine trying to find a reaction video to a major event that just happened – without the ‘last hour’ filter, you’re likely to wade through a lot of older, less relevant content.
The Evolution of YouTube Search: From Menus to AI
This update reflects a broader trend in online search. Historically, users navigated websites through complex menu structures. Now, the search bar reigns supreme, powered by increasingly sophisticated AI. YouTube’s search functionality has benefited from these advancements, and we’re already seeing the impact of AI in other Google products, like Gmail’s new AI-powered search capabilities (currently US-only). The ability to quickly and accurately find what you’re looking for is more crucial than ever, and platforms are constantly refining their search algorithms to meet this demand.
The shift towards AI-driven search isn’t just about speed; it’s about understanding intent. YouTube’s “Popular” filter, for example, doesn’t just rank videos by view count. It also considers watch time, indicating which videos are truly engaging and holding viewers’ attention. This is a more nuanced approach than simply measuring popularity, and it suggests that YouTube is prioritizing quality over quantity.
The removal of the ‘last hour’ filter is a setback, but the addition of the Shorts filter is a clear win for user control. As YouTube continues to evolve, balancing the demands of different content formats and user preferences will be a constant challenge. The platform’s ability to adapt and innovate will ultimately determine its success in the ever-competitive landscape of online video. For now, YouTube users can at least breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can finally curate their search results to prioritize the content they truly want to see – even if finding the very latest uploads just got a little harder.
