YouTube search filters are getting a long-requested upgrade, making it easier to control what shows up in search results. Users can now choose to see only Shorts or only long-form videos, solving one of the platform’s most common frustrations. The change answers popular queries like “How do I remove Shorts from YouTube search?” and “Can I filter YouTube Shorts?” within a few taps. Instead of a mixed feed, searches can finally match viewing intent. For creators and viewers alike, this signals a clearer separation between short and long content. YouTube says the update is part of broader efforts to improve search usefulness. The rollout is already appearing for many users worldwide.
YouTube Search Filters Separate Shorts and Long Videos
Previously, a standard YouTube search blended Shorts with full-length videos, often burying deeper content under quick clips. With the updated filters, users can explicitly select “Videos” to see only long-form uploads or “Shorts” to view bite-sized content. Early testing shows the filters working cleanly, with no crossover between formats. This makes research, tutorials, and deep dives far easier to find. Casual scrollers, meanwhile, can stick to Shorts without clutter. The change reflects YouTube’s acknowledgment that Shorts and traditional videos serve very different needs. Clear separation improves satisfaction on both ends.
New “Popularity” Filter Replaces View Count
Another notable change involves how YouTube surfaces trending content. The platform has removed the old “View count” sorting option and replaced it with a new “Popularity” filter. According to YouTube, popularity is calculated using multiple signals, including views, watch time, and relevance to the specific search query. This means highly engaging videos may rank higher even if they have fewer raw views. For users, this could surface more useful results faster. For creators, it shifts focus from click volume to actual engagement. The goal is smarter discovery rather than simple numbers.
YouTube Removes Broken Search Options
YouTube is also cleaning house by removing filters that weren’t working well. The “Upload Date – Last Hour” option and “Sort by Rating” have been discontinued after generating consistent user complaints. YouTube admitted these tools failed to perform as expected, often returning unreliable results. However, broader upload date filters remain available, including Today, This Week, This Month, and This Year. These still allow users to find fresh content without confusion. The removals suggest YouTube is prioritizing reliability over feature overload. Fewer filters may actually mean better search accuracy.
“Sort By” Becomes “Prioritize”
Alongside functional changes, YouTube has also updated its language. The familiar “Sort By” menu has been renamed to “Prioritize,” a subtle but intentional shift. The company says the new wording better reflects how results are organized based on user intent. Rather than simply sorting, the system now emphasizes relevance and usefulness. This aligns with YouTube’s broader push toward AI-driven discovery. Clearer terminology may also help less technical users understand their options. Small wording changes can significantly improve usability at scale.
What This Means for Everyday Users
For everyday viewers, these YouTube search filter updates mean less friction and more control. Those tired of Shorts interrupting research sessions can now remove them entirely from results. At the same time, fans of short-form content can focus solely on quick videos without distractions. The popularity filter may also surface higher-quality content faster. Overall, search feels more intentional and less chaotic. These improvements bring YouTube closer to how people actually use the platform. It’s a quality-of-life update many users didn’t realize how badly they needed.
A Subtle but Important Shift for YouTube
While the update may seem minor, it represents a meaningful evolution in YouTube’s search experience. Separating Shorts from long-form videos acknowledges that one size no longer fits all. Combined with smarter ranking signals and simplified filters, YouTube search is becoming more user-centric. For creators, discovery dynamics may shift toward engagement over raw metrics. For viewers, finding the right content should feel faster and less frustrating. Sometimes, the most impactful platform changes are the quiet ones. This update proves that YouTube is listening—at least this time.
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