Have you noticed anything different on your YouTube app lately? Whether you’re casually flipping through videos on your phone or lounging in front of your Android TV, YouTube is on a mission to make sure you see more of its short-form videos, aka Shorts. In its latest upgrade across Android TV, Apple TV, and several other platforms, Google has carved out prime real estate for Shorts, ensuring they greet you the moment you open the app.
Previously, YouTube’s algorithm simply mixed traditional long-form content with Shorts in one continuous feed. But with this update, the company has decided that short videos deserve their own VIP section at the top of the screen, according to 9to5Google. Get ready for an immersive Shorts takeover—love it or hate it, there’s no ignoring them now.
Shorts Stealing the Spotlight on Your Subscriptions Tab
One of the most noticeable changes is in the “Subscriptions” tab. Gone is the simple list of your favorite creators’ latest uploads mixed in chronological order. Now, Shorts occupy the first section, pushing everything else below the fold. This vertical carousel of bite-sized clips is the first thing you’ll see, and it’s impossible to miss.
While fans of quick, snappy videos will likely cheer, those who prefer classic 16:9 long-form content might find themselves scrolling endlessly to reach the videos they actually care about. And just so you know, there’s no toggle in the settings to revert this layout. Accept the new normal, or don’t—you don’t get a choice.
Why You Can’t Hide From Shorts Anymore
It’s not just about shuffling your subscriptions differently. The vertical format of Shorts inherently demands more screen real estate on a TV, where 16:9 is king. In many cases, watching a 9:16 clip on a big screen feels awkward, with black bars squished on either side or the app zooming in to fill the display, chopping off part of the image.
There’s no denying that this is a strategic push. By giving Shorts a permanent front-row seat, YouTube is essentially saying, “We want you to watch more Shorts,” whether you intended to or not. It’s a classic case of design steering behavior, and the design team has clearly chosen to favor bite-sized content over traditional videos in your subscriptions list.
The Great TikTok Showdown
Let’s be real: Google has made no secret of its ambition to position Shorts as the ultimate TikTok alternative. With TikTok hogging the spotlight in the short-video world, YouTube is leveraging its status as the world’s largest streaming platform to tip the scales in its favor. The more you’re forced to interact with Shorts, the higher the probability you’ll stick around and maybe even start creating your own.
This aggressive relocation of Shorts across all YouTube interfaces feels like a direct challenge to TikTok’s dominance. By making these videos unavoidable, YouTube is banking on the idea that increased exposure will drive up both view counts and the number of creators producing short snippets exclusively for the platform.
What This Means for Viewers
If you’re a Shorts enthusiast, this update is your dream come true: endless swiping through quick, engaging clips from creators you love. You’ll likely spend more time exploring the content you already follow and maybe discover some new favorites along the way.
However, if you prefer diving deep into longer tutorials, reviews, or full-blown vlogs, you’ll need to put in extra effort to find what you’re looking for. Scroll past the Shorts section, wait for the classic feed to load, and keep your fingers ready. It’s not the most streamlined experience, but hey—at least it keeps you on the platform longer.
What’s Next?
Google’s playbook seems clear: keep pushing Shorts, refine the creation tools, and hope that creators and viewers alike embrace the format. We might see more Shorts-specific analytics, editing features, or even monetization tweaks aimed at making short videos as lucrative—if not more so—than long-form content.
On the flip side, YouTube risks alienating users who don’t want to see their screens overrun by vertical clips. If the backlash grows too loud, Google might introduce an optional toggle or experiment with different layouts. Until then, brace yourself for a world where Shorts are not just an option—they’re the main event.
