YouTube Shorts are getting even shorter with an update that lets you double the playback speed

YouTube is set to enhance its Shorts feature with a series of updates aimed at optimizing user engagement. Announced on Thursday, the platform will now allow viewers to increase the playback speed of short videos, effectively doubling it. This new option is designed to help users digest content more rapidly or quickly locate their favorite segments. In an effort to foster a more positive user experience, YouTube has also decided to eliminate the dislike button for Shorts. Instead, users will have alternative options, such as 'Not Interested' and 'Don’t recommend this channel,' to manage their content preferences. The like feature has been revamped as well, with users now expressing approval through a heart emoji instead of the traditional thumbs-up. Additionally, YouTube is rolling out a 'Clear Screen mode' that temporarily removes all icons and text from the viewing area, allowing for an uninterrupted focus on the content. These updates are part of YouTube's mission to create a more intuitive experience for Shorts users. While the exact rollout timeline for these features remains unspecified, YouTube has indicated that they will be implemented gradually. Despite entering the short-form video arena later than competitors like TikTok and Instagram Reels—launching Shorts in 2024—YouTube has successfully captured a significant audience. As of June 2025, Shorts were reportedly achieving an impressive 200 billion daily views, as stated by CEO Neal Mohan at a keynote event in Cannes last year. Notably, a recent report highlighted that Shorts are increasingly being enjoyed on larger screens, with viewers collectively consuming around 2 billion hours of content each month.