YouTube Auto-Playing Shorts: How to Fix the Annoying Bug on Your App

YouTube has been competing head-to-head with TikTok in the short-form content space since the launch of YouTube Shorts in 2020. While the platform has seen significant growth and success, recent reports reveal an issue that many users are facing: the YouTube app is automatically playing the Shorts tab when it’s opened. This annoying bug has been popping up more frequently in the last few weeks, affecting both free users and YouTube Premium subscribers alike. Here’s a closer look at the issue and how to fix it.

the Issue

Since YouTube Shorts debuted as a direct competitor to TikTok in 2020, it has become a major feature of the app. However, many users have recently reported an unusual problem: when opening the YouTube app, it automatically launches the Shorts tab instead of the main homepage. This bug appears to occur regardless of what was last viewed on the app, which is a notable change from its usual behavior.

Reports from Reddit users have highlighted this ongoing issue, and 9to5Google has also observed a growing trend of Shorts autoplaying even when users haven’t previously interacted with them. This problem has notably affected Android users, with devices like the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being particularly prone to the bug. At the time of writing, it remains unclear if iOS users are experiencing this issue.

Interestingly, the issue is affecting both free users and paying YouTube Premium subscribers, which has left many wondering if the bug is unintentional or a subtle tactic to push more users toward YouTube Shorts.

How to Fix the YouTube Shorts Auto-Play Issue

If

YouTube has yet to officially comment on the bug, and there’s no word yet on a potential fix. If new developments emerge, this story will be updated accordingly.

What Undercode Says:

YouTube’s decision to push Shorts aggressively is clearly paying off. By drawing users into a new format that competes with TikTok’s dominance, YouTube hopes to keep its massive audience engaged with short-form videos. While the autoplay bug could simply be a glitch, it also presents an opportunity to drive more traffic to the Shorts tab. YouTube has invested heavily in this feature, even adding innovative tools like a music video remix feature to make it stand out from TikTok. With these efforts, it seems clear that YouTube is actively working to build Shorts as a permanent fixture in its app.

From an analytical standpoint, this bug could be a strategy to increase interaction with Shorts. For some users, this unexpected autoplay could act as a gentle nudge to explore more of the platform’s short-form content. It would not be the first time a tech company intentionally tweaks features to subtly influence user behavior and boost engagement metrics. With millions of users already flocking to YouTube to watch Shorts, this bug could be inadvertently supporting YouTube’s mission to increase the visibility of short-form content.

However, this issue is also a point of concern. For many users, the glitch detracts from their overall experience, forcing them to spend time troubleshooting rather than enjoying the content they prefer. The fact that the bug affects both free and Premium users is a bit puzzling, as one might expect YouTube Premium subscribers to have a smoother experience free from interruptions or bugs. Ultimately, while YouTube’s Shorts feature has the potential to disrupt the social media landscape, its rollout needs to be carefully monitored to ensure that bugs like this don’t tarnish the user experience.

Another angle to consider is how this bug impacts user behavior. Some may argue that the autoplaying Shorts tab could lead to longer app sessions, increasing engagement metrics for YouTube. However, this might backfire if users grow frustrated with the app’s glitches. A balance must be struck between offering new features and ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience. It remains to be seen how YouTube will address this issue and whether it will evolve into a more permanent fixture in the app or just a temporary glitch.

Fact Checker Results:

Autoplay Bug Validity: The issue with YouTube’s Shorts tab auto-playing when opening the app has been verified by multiple users on Reddit and confirmed by 9to5Google.
Device Specificity: The problem seems to be more prevalent on Android devices, particularly on models like the Nothing Phone (3a) and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
YouTube’s Response: As of now, YouTube has not provided an official statement regarding the bug or its plans to fix it.

References:

Reported By: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/is-youtube-auto-playing-shorts-when-you-open-the-app-well-youre-not-alone-heres-how-to-fix-it
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.pinterest.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI