YouTube is implementing several new features in its Shorts section to make the experience more agile and simple. One of the main features is the ability to play videos at double speed, allowing users to absorb information faster or jump directly to their favorite part.
The company, owned by Google, aims for users to consume this brief content even more efficiently. These adjustments are intended to improve the way people interact with short videos, as explained by the platform.
Additionally, they removed the "dislike" button in Shorts. Instead, users will have to use the options "Not interested" and "Don't recommend this channel" to avoid certain types of content. On the other hand, the classic thumbs up is now replaced by a heart emoji.
These modifications are part of an effort to create a more positive and fluid environment in the app.
Clean Screen mode and other details
Another new feature is the "Clear Screen mode," which temporarily hides all icons and text during playback. This way, a cleaner view without floating distractions is achieved, ideal for enjoying content without visual interruptions.
YouTube aims for a more intuitive experience for its users with these changes, although there are still no exact dates for when they will be available to everyone. The platform indicated that they will be implemented gradually.
Shorts arrived later to the world of short videos compared to competitors like TikTok or Instagram Reels, but they have grown significantly since their launch. In June 2025, they averaged 200 billion daily views, according to CEO Neal Mohan. It should be noted that YouTube considers a "view" from the moment the video is opened.
Additionally, a recent report showed that more and more people are watching Shorts on their televisions, with monthly consumption reaching 2 billion hours. These numbers demonstrate the strong impact this format has on the platform.