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How to get rid of YouTube distractions: the perfect extension for Chrome
Short answer: install the Chrome extension called Undistracted (hide Facebook, YouTube feeds) from the Chrome Web Store, pin it next to the address bar, open it and turn on the YouTube options you want: hide recommendations, hide the sidebar, hide comments, hide next suggestions and hide Shorts. After that, YouTube becomes a clean search box. You see the video you were looking for and nothing else pulling you away. It only takes a few clicks.
If you open YouTube to watch one tutorial and end up an hour later somewhere you never planned to go, this is for you. Here is exactly how I set it up in the video.
If you are searching for how to hide YouTube recommendations in Chrome, how to remove YouTube Shorts and comments or how to stay focused on YouTube, the extension I use is called Undistracted. It turns YouTube into a search box and a video player, so you watch what you came for and nothing else.
Below I expand my video with a setup checklist, a settings table, tips to make it work better and a troubleshooting list. Extensions and the YouTube page change, so some option names may differ. Install extensions only from the official Chrome Web Store and review the permissions they ask for.
Step 1: Find the extension in the Chrome Web Store
Go to Google and type Chrome Web Store. The Chrome Web Store is usually the first link. Once you are there, click the box that says Search for extensions and type:
undistracted hide Facebook YouTube feeds
Open the result and click Add. I also leave the direct link to the extension in the video description, so you can go straight there if you do not want to search.
- Use the official store. Type Chrome Web Store in Google and open the first result from Google.
- Check the extension. Look at the name, the reviews and the permissions before you click Add.
- Chrome only. The same extension may be available for other browsers, but the video uses Chrome.
Step 2: Pin the extension so you can see it
After you add it, look at the top right of Chrome. You will see a small puzzle piece icon. That is where all your extensions live. Click it and you will find Undistracted in the list, but without the pin it will not show up next to the address bar.
Click the pin next to it. Now you will see a small circle icon at the top right. That circle is the extension, and that is where you control everything.
- Open the puzzle piece menu at the top right of Chrome.
- Pin the extension to keep its icon next to the address bar.
- Check the icon after you pin it. It shows the controls.
Step 3: Choose what to hide on YouTube
Click the circle and choose the site you want to work with. The same extension works with Facebook, YouTube and other sites, but in this case we are working with YouTube. If you turn everything off, YouTube looks the same as usual. These are the options I use:
- Hide recommendations, so the home page stops feeding you random videos.
- Force redirect to my subscriptions, so you only see content from the channels you subscribe to. If you do not want that, you can leave it off.
- Hide breaking news.
- Hide sidebar, so you do not even see your subscriptions list. In my case I think that is the best option.
- Hide comments.
- Hide next suggestions.
- Hide Shorts.
Leave it like that, go to YouTube, and you are not going to see anything on the home page. That is the whole idea.
- Choose the site in the extension menu.
- Start with the options you want. Recommendations, sidebar, comments, next suggestions and Shorts are the ones I use.
- Test it. Reload YouTube after changing an option to see the effect.
What YouTube looks like after the setup
Let's say you are searching for something specific, for example an airplane. You type it, you get the search results, and you click a video. You watch that video and that is it. No comments, no videos on the side, nothing pulling you to the next thing. When you finish, you go back to YouTube and the home page is empty again.
To me, this is the best way to use YouTube as a learning tool instead of a time-waster.
- Home page. It looks empty, which is the point.
- Search results still work, so you can find what you need.
- Video pages show the video without the side list and comments.
Great for YouTube creators too
If you are a creator and you just make videos, you can go to YouTube Studio, do whatever you need, upload your videos, and you are not going to get distracted anymore. Just do your thing, create the videos, upload them, and that's it.
- Use it for YouTube Studio. You can upload and manage videos without being pulled into the feed.
- Turn options on and off when you need to check comments or recommendations.
Keep learning with my channels
Usually YouTube does not recommend my content, so even if you subscribe you may not see my new videos. With this extension you go straight to the channel instead. On Gabak USA, open the Playlists tab and you will see all my videos organized by topic. I also have another channel about business tools, organized the same way.
Settings I use and what they do
| Option | What it hides | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hide recommendations | Home page suggestions | Stops random videos |
| Force redirect to my subscriptions | Shows subscription content | Only if you want it |
| Hide breaking news | News shelf | Less noise |
| Hide sidebar | Subscriptions list and menu | Cleaner page |
| Hide comments | Comments below the video | No debates and distractions |
| Hide next suggestions | The list of next videos | Avoids autoplay rabbit holes |
| Hide Shorts | Shorts shelf | Fewer short clips |
Make it even more effective
- Decide before you open YouTube what you want to watch.
- Use search or your subscriptions page to find it.
- Turn off autoplay in YouTube settings.
- Close the tab when you finish.
- Use a timer if you tend to spend too long.
- Turn the extension off only when you really need the feed.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Nothing changes on YouTube | Reload the page and check that the extension is enabled. |
| The icon is missing | Pin the extension from the puzzle piece menu. |
| YouTube looks broken | Turn off one option at a time. YouTube updates can break extensions. |
| You need comments | Turn off Hide comments for a moment. |
| The extension asks for too many permissions | Check them carefully and remove it if you are not comfortable. |
Privacy and safety tips for extensions
- Install only from the Chrome Web Store.
- Read the permissions, and be careful with any extension that asks for access to all your data on all sites if it is not needed.
- Remove extensions you no longer use.
- Keep Chrome updated.
For more productivity and PC guides, see how to remove Facebook feed and Reels distractions, how to disable Windows efficiency mode and how to remove viruses, spyware and trojans from a PC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Chrome extension to remove YouTube distractions?
The one I use is called Undistracted (hide Facebook, YouTube feeds). You can find it in the Chrome Web Store.
How do I hide YouTube Shorts and recommendations?
Open the Undistracted extension, choose YouTube, and turn on Hide recommendations and Hide Shorts. You can also hide comments, the sidebar and next suggestions.
Why can't I see the extension icon after installing it?
Click the puzzle piece icon at the top right of Chrome and pin the extension. Without the pin it does not show next to the address bar.
Can I still search and watch videos?
Yes. Search works normally and you can watch any video, you just will not see comments, side videos or suggestions.
Is the Undistracted extension free?
Check the Chrome Web Store listing for its current price and features.
Does it work on Facebook too?
Yes, the same extension works with Facebook and other sites, but this guide is about YouTube.
Can I still search for videos?
Yes. Search results are not hidden, so you can find what you want.
Can I turn it off?
Yes, you can switch each option on or off from the extension icon.
Is it safe to install extensions?
Install only from the official store and check the permissions and reviews.
Does it work for YouTube creators?
Yes, it can help you work in YouTube Studio without distractions.
Watch the video
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