Is YouTube Burying Your Subscriptions In Its New TV App's Shorts Feed?

David

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.2

Share

Is YouTube Burying Your Subscriptions in its New TV App's Shorts Feed?

YouTube's new TV app is rolling out, promising a streamlined viewing experience. But some users are complaining that their carefully curated subscription feeds are getting lost in a sea of Shorts. Is YouTube prioritizing short-form video over established creators and loyal subscribers? Let's dive in.

The new YouTube TV app boasts a sleek interface and promises easier navigation. However, early adopters are reporting a frustrating shift in how their subscribed channels are presented. Instead of a dedicated, easily accessible feed of videos from channels they follow, many find themselves bombarded with Shorts – YouTube's TikTok-competitor – often overshadowing content from their favorite creators. This raises concerns about the platform's evolving algorithm and its potential impact on smaller creators and long-form video content.

The Problem: Shorts Domination

The core issue lies in the app's design. While the traditional YouTube layout prioritizes subscribed channels, the new TV app appears to heavily favor the Shorts feed. Users report scrolling endlessly through short, often unrelated videos before finding content from channels they actively subscribe to. This makes it significantly harder to discover new videos from creators they already follow and value.

• Reduced Discoverability: The prominence of Shorts makes it challenging to find the longer videos many users subscribe to see. This decreased discoverability could significantly impact smaller creators who rely on subscriber engagement.
• Algorithm Bias: Many users suspect YouTube's algorithm is actively prioritizing Shorts views, potentially at the expense of longer-form content. This raises questions about YouTube's commitment to supporting diverse content formats.
• User Frustration: The change has sparked significant backlash from users who feel their subscription feeds are being deliberately de-emphasized, leading to a diminished viewing experience.

What YouTube Says (Or Doesn't Say)

So far, YouTube hasn't officially addressed this widespread user concern. The lack of transparency fuels speculation and adds to the growing frustration among users. The absence of a clear explanation leaves many wondering if this is a deliberate design choice or an unintended consequence of the app's development. A public statement addressing this would go a long way in alleviating concerns.

The Impact on Creators

The shift towards Shorts dominance could have significant repercussions for creators who primarily produce longer-form content. Reduced visibility on the platform could lead to lower viewership, impacting their income and motivation to continue creating. This could ultimately lead to a less diverse range of content on YouTube overall.

What You Can Do

While we await official word from YouTube, here's what you can do:

• Provide Feedback: Report the issue directly to YouTube through their feedback channels. The more users report this, the more likely YouTube will take notice.
• Engage Directly with Creators: Support your favorite creators by actively engaging with their content, leaving comments, and sharing their videos.
• Explore Alternatives: While drastic, consider exploring alternative video platforms if the situation doesn't improve.

The Future of YouTube's TV App

The success of YouTube's new TV app ultimately depends on its ability to balance the appeal of short-form videos with the needs of its established creators and loyal subscribers. The current design raises significant questions about the platform's long-term commitment to supporting diverse content and its established user base. Only time will tell if YouTube addresses these concerns and adjusts its algorithm to provide a more balanced and user-friendly experience. We will continue to monitor this developing story and keep you updated.