YouTube Adds New Search Filters for Shorts and Longform

YouTube is rolling out an update to its search functionality, introducing new filters that allow users to separate Shorts from longform videos. Currently, a search without filters displays a mix of both formats, which can be difficult for users seeking a specific type of content. The new update addresses this by adding specific options to view only Shorts or only longform Videos.

In addition to these additions, YouTube is removing two existing filters: Upload Date - Last Hour and Sort by Rating. The platform stated that these specific filters 'were not working as expected' and had contributed to user complaints. These changes are intended to streamline the search process and ensure that users receive results that match their viewing preferences without encountering broken functionality.

YouTube is modifying its search filters to address the growing distinction between Shorts and longform content. Currently, users searching for topics often encounter a blend of short-form vertical videos and traditional longform uploads. This mixture can be annoying for viewers who have a strong preference for one format over the other. For instance, a user looking for a detailed tutorial might find their results cluttered with brief, vertical clips that do not meet their needs.

To solve this, YouTube is introducing specific format filters. Among the new options, users can select "Videos," which limits the search results to traditional longform content. Alternatively, selecting "Shorts" will display only the short-form vertical videos. This separation allows for a more tailored search experience, giving users direct control over the type of media they consume.

Alongside the introduction of format-specific filters, YouTube is also removing certain existing options that have proven problematic. The platform has decided to remove the "Upload Date - Last Hour" filter. Additionally, the "Sort by Rating" filter is being taken away from the search interface.

According to the platform, these specific features "were not working as expected and had contributed to user complaints." By removing these options, YouTube aims to reduce confusion and improve the overall reliability of the search results. This cleanup of the filter menu suggests a move toward more stable and functional search parameters.

The changes to the search filters are designed to directly improve how users interact with the platform. By separating Shorts from longform videos, YouTube is acknowledging the different viewing habits of its audience. Users who prefer longform content can now easily filter out the short-form clips that have become ubiquitous on the platform.

Furthermore, the removal of the "Sort by Rating" and "Upload Date - Last Hour" filters is expected to streamline the search interface. While these features were available, their unreliability caused frustration. Eliminating them ensures that the remaining filter options are functional and useful for the majority of users.

YouTube is making significant adjustments to its search filters to better accommodate the diverse needs of its user base. The ability to specifically filter for Shorts or longform Videos represents a major quality-of-life improvement for those who prefer a specific viewing format. Simultaneously, the platform is taking steps to remove features that were not performing well, specifically citing issues with the "Upload Date - Last Hour" and "Sort by Rating" filters. These updates signal YouTube's ongoing effort to refine its search engine and address user feedback regarding the mixing of content formats and the reliability of filter tools.