YouTube has updated its TV app with a new feature that’s already sparking backlash: a dedicated Shorts feed that dominates the top of the Subscriptions page. Whether you watch Shorts or not, there's no way to turn it off, and it takes up a lot of screen space.
This update separates Shorts from long-form videos, but with a big catch
The new Shorts row only shows vertical videos from channels you’re subscribed to. That means you won’t see random Shorts in your feed — only from creators you follow. Sounds like a win, right? The problem is where YouTube placed it.
It sits at the very top of the Subscriptions tab, covering about half the screen. On a 75-inch TV, that means your long-form content is pushed so far down you won’t see it without scrolling. And because the Shorts shelf can’t be moved or hidden, it’s now the first thing you see when you open your subscriptions.
Why this change feels like a step backward for TV usability
Most TV interfaces are built around one simple idea: make it easy to find what you want. By prioritizing Shorts — a format designed for quick mobile consumption — YouTube is forcing a phone-first concept onto big screens. Vertical videos on a horizontal canvas rarely look good, and users report that they rarely stick around to watch Shorts on TV.
Reddit threads and comment sections are already filling up with complaints. Some users say they’re watching less YouTube because of this. Others have even deleted the app from their TVs in protest. The irony is that YouTube likely knows this move is more about pushing Shorts viewership than improving user experience.
What YouTube gained — and what it lost — with the new Shorts feed
One positive is that Shorts are no longer mixed into the regular subscription feed. If you liked scrolling through long videos without interruption, this at least separates the formats. But putting Shorts front and center without an opt-out feels more like a forced promotion than a feature.
For creators, this might actually be helpful. Shorts from your favorite channels won’t get buried anymore. But for viewers who don’t care for Shorts, it’s just more clutter on an already busy interface. And since YouTube doesn’t offer a way to customize the order of these shelves, users are stuck with whatever the algorithm wants them to see.
More changes are coming, but the Shorts shelf is the most controversial
This update is just one part of a broader redesign YouTube is rolling out to its TV app. Other additions include a "From your top channels" shelf and more looping options for videos. There are also new immersive previews that play in the background on channel pages.
But none of that matters to users who are frustrated by the Shorts shelf. It’s a small change with a big impact on how people navigate their subscriptions. And until YouTube lets users disable or move the Shorts row, it’s likely to remain a sore spot for anyone who prefers long-form content.
Will YouTube listen to feedback, or is this here to stay?
So far, YouTube hasn’t said anything about making the Shorts feed optional on TV apps. Given how heavily the company is pushing Shorts across all platforms, it’s unlikely they’ll backtrack anytime soon. The goal is clear: increase Shorts engagement, even if it means disrupting the TV viewing experience.
For now, the best users can do is voice their opinions and hope YouTube adds more customization options. Until then, Shorts are stuck at the top of your subscription feed, whether you like it or not.