YouTube has quietly extended the Shorts section in search results on its mobile app, a change that’s catching the attention of users. For a while now, searching on the YouTube app would show just 2-4 Shorts at the top. Those are the short-form videos that feel a lot like TikTok clips. But recently, that small handful has turned into a much bigger section, letting people scroll through more Shorts right from the search page.
The shift first popped up on Reddit, where user blaziken_12 posted about it in the r/youtube subreddit. “This just started today for me. There used to be just 2-4 shorts on top,” they wrote. Other folks jumped in to weigh in. Electronic-Muffin934 wasn’t thrilled, saying, “Yes, and I hate it!” Meanwhile, Relative_Spinach_245 noted they only see it “sometimes,” hinting that YouTube might be rolling this out bit by bit.
I checked it out myself on the YouTube mobile app, and sure enough, the extended Shorts section is there in search results. It’s a noticeable difference, with way more short videos stacked up than before. Here’s a clip I recorded for reference (loads from Imgur):
YouTube’s been pushing Shorts hard since they launched in 2020, trying to grab a piece of the short-form video craze. This tweak could be their way of getting more eyes on those clips, especially since people love scrolling quick videos on their phones.
For creators, this might be a win. More Shorts in search could mean more views and maybe even new subscribers. But it could also shuffle things up, making it trickier for longer videos to get noticed. Not everyone’s on board with the change. Some users like the extra Shorts, but others find it annoying and miss the old setup that focused on regular videos.
YouTube’s always tinkering with its app to keep up with trends and rivals. This move shows they’re betting big on Shorts staying popular. Whether it sticks around or gets dialed back will probably depend on what users think in the long run. For now, though, get used to seeing a whole host of Shorts recommendations when searching for anything on YouTube.
Dwayne Cubbins
787 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
Follow Us
