In recent years, YouTube’s many adjustments to its product strategy have repeatedly caused controversy, among which the most discussed is the promotion of Shorts. Since the launch of the short video and audio function, the platform has not only greatly enhanced its exposure, but has also not provided a deactivation option for a long time, making many users feel forced to accept this form of content. For many viewers who prefer long-form videos, this approach seems tough and has become the focus of community complaints.
YouTube is testing a new feature that lets users watch Shorts without interruption
However, Google’s attitude seems to be starting to loosen. Last month, YouTube quietly rolled out a way to remove Shorts from homepage feeds, with little fanfare but seen as a response to user demand. However, this does not mean that YouTube’s investment in Shorts has weakened. On the contrary, the platform is still actively strengthening the short video experience and trying to make Shorts a more immersive content form.
The latest sign is that YouTube is testing a new feature similar to Instagram, with the goal of allowing users to watch Shorts “without distractions.” In the current Shorts interface, the right side of the screen is lined with operation buttons such as like, downvote, comment, and share, and the creator’s name and video title are also displayed at the bottom. Although these elements provide interactive convenience, they also occupy a considerable amount of screen space, which for many users becomes a distraction during viewing.
The amount of stuff blocking the videos on YT Shorts
by u/duckpath in mildlyinfuriating
This issue has been discussed on Reddit for years, with many users asking YouTube to provide a cleaner viewing mode, and now it seems that the request is finally being answered. Application researcher Radu Oncescu recently discovered that YouTube is testing a new option called “Clear Screen” in the menu of the Shorts player. Although the details of this function have not been made public, judging from the arrow extending outward in the option icon, it is likely to be used to switch to a full-screen, interface-free viewing mode.
📲YouTube may add a “Clear Screen” feature for YouTube Shorts. @SaadhJawwadh @howfxr pic.twitter.com/NVMbzwNOd6
— Radu Oncescu (@oncescuradu) May 11, 2026
This is not a new concept. Instagram Reels has already provided a “full screen display” function. After clicking, all operation buttons will be temporarily hidden, making the video the only focus of the screen. TikTok also has a similar design. YouTube’s “Clear Screen” looks to be heading in the same direction, trying to address long-standing user complaints about a noisy interface. However, it’s still unclear whether YouTube will include gestures to trigger this mode. Instagram once added a swipe gesture to Reels to quickly switch to full screen, but later removed it in an update for undisclosed reasons. It remains to be seen whether YouTube will adopt a similar approach.
Judging from current signs, the “Clear Screen” function is still in the late stages of development and has not yet been officially launched to general users. If you cannot see this option in the app for the time being, it is normal. More importantly, YouTube has not yet announced the official launch time, so it may not be fully available in the short term.
Overall, YouTube is responding to users’ dissatisfaction with Shorts by providing more control; on the other hand, it continues to enhance the immersive experience of short videos, showing that Shorts is still a core project in the platform strategy. Whether this “clear screen” function can improve the viewing experience and enhance users’ acceptance of Shorts in the future is still worthy of continued attention.
Source: KOCPC Chinese