If you are worried that you spend too much time on YouTube, especially with videos that are unproductive or irrelevant to you, then it's best to use the video viewing platform like a minimalist.
Why you should watch YouTube like a minimalist.
YouTube as an app and platform falls in the golden zone of comfort for non minimalists who do not like to optimise their time.
On one hand, it's not short form content like Instagram nor is it a 90 minute episode that will take too much of your time.
YouTube videos in the 5 to 30 minute range can perfectly work for some to get their fix of entertainment.
But if your watch time is piling up, how do you focus on reducing that?
How the minimalist watches YouTube
The minimalist will watch YouTube on their phone to get the best out of it in the least amount of time.
This will be educational, self-development or skill heavy video content that can help them learn more about the world, themselves or the values that they bring.
Save hours by watching YouTube with a minimalist mindset
Reducing watch time and saving hours for important things in life is where the goal must lie if you are reading this.
Not being trapped by YouTube's algorithm that makes you watch videos one after the other is vital in being able to save time.
How to watch YouTube like a minimalist
To watch YouTube like a minimalist, you must need to set an open mind because we are breaking common conventions around how you interact with the platform.
First, we make adjustments even before we click a video and then we move to the important steps in reducing screen time.
Unsubscribing useless YouTube channels is the first step.
Go to your Subscriptions are unsubscribe to all YouTube channels you do not watch anymore.
You'll ask, "But Anthony, what's the point? As it is my feed is full of random suggestions!"
No, the first step is to reduce signals that you send to YouTube: this means unsubscribing from channels that you do not actively desire to interact with and in tandem, their content types.
I subscribed to Clash of Clans' channel many years ago along with a few famous creators; though I do not play the game I will still get suggestions randomly for some CoC live or some update.
Stop liking videos and creating playlists
I understand that both are important features on the app but these are signals again. If you like something I suggest you maintain that list externally.
Copy the video or channel's URL, paste it in the Notes app and write a small description or context around why you are saving this video.
We are still reducing signals.
Turn off notifications from the app
Notifications on your phone and on YouTube's home page can distract you from using the platform productively.
Control the noise and when you hear it by seeing things you search for actively.
How to reduce screen time on YouTube
To reduce your screen time on YouTube there are some easy and hard steps I recommend.
These may sound too convoluted or harsh but they work in your favour once you follow them well.
Watch YouTube only on the big screen
I am a believer that bigger screens lead to more productivity.
- Uninstall YouTube on your phone.
- Install it on your iPad or use the website on your laptop or use the TV app/Chromecast.
- Watch YouTube only on the big screen.
- Avoid using your phone while you are watching YouTube. This is a Double Doomer and should be actively avoided.
Remove suggestions from your feed
My experience: I watch Beyblade content when I am free; this led to watching a special release for the Star Wars two pack which had Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. I had no interest in Star Wars but the suggestions kept popping up and I understood some of the lore around that cinematic universe.
Initially I would have watched Beyblade content that is contained in its own biome, but because of that collaboration which was in suggested I found myself looking at Star Wars lore when I had zero intent.
This was 3 hours wasted.
Whenever you see an unrelated video or a video that will cause you to waste time and be unproductive, simply long press and click Disinterested.
Only keep videos that are valuable and help you to learn skills.
Use the search feature to find videos you truly like. And once related videos appear in your feed as suggestions, click on Disinterested again.
Get Premium if you can
YouTube Premium can be one of the best purchases you can make for a subscription.
Time spent on watching ads is time wasted too.
5 minutes of ad time saved is 1825 minutes saved in a year.
That's 30 hours and 25 minutes.
Saving time spent on individual videos:
- Use Sections to skip to parts that are most relevant.
- Avoid parts where people drone on about something.
- Use comments and description for timestamps or answers to what you are looking for.
- Scrub through or increase speed on certain videos where you don't need audio context.
- Find tools that summarise the video in itself.
I hope these help you reduce screen time on YouTube. As a minimalist generalist, I love finding ways to reduce my screen time and improve my digital lifestyle.
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