YouTube is making its short-form videos even faster, rolling out a new double-speed feature for Shorts as part of a broader update designed to help users consume content more efficiently and navigate videos with less friction.
- YouTube is making its short-form videos even faster, rolling out a new double-speed feature for Shorts as part of a...
- The update was announced on Wednesday, following years of user feedback.
- YouTube says the feature helps users “absorb information more quickly or find your favorite part faster.” How 2x Playback Speed Works...
- While playback speed controls have long been available on standard YouTube videos, Shorts previously lacked this option.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on 2x playback speed — everything you need to know is covered below.
The update was announced on Wednesday, following years of user feedback. The platform confirmed that Shorts now includes a 2x playback speed option, allowing viewers to move through content faster or quickly skip to key moments. YouTube says the feature helps users “absorb information more quickly or find your favorite part faster.”
How 2x Playback Speed Works on Shorts
“To fast forward a Short, simply hold down the edge of the screen in the Shorts player and the video will start playing at 2x speed. To stop, just lift your finger. You can also lock the speed at 2x for the entire video by swiping down while pressing on the player,” YouTube explained.
The feature activates instantly when users press and hold on the screen and returns to normal speed once released, unless locked in. While playback speed controls have long been available on standard YouTube videos, Shorts previously lacked this option.
Cleaner Viewing Experience and New Interface Changes
YouTube is also introducing a Clear Screen mode that removes on-screen icons and text during playback, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
In another major change, the platform is removing the Shorts dislike button. The traditional thumbs-up icon is also being replaced with a heart symbol, which YouTube describes as a “more meaningful way to express when a video truly connects with you.”
Additional updates include an easier mute function,users can tap to pause and then mute audio instantly, as well as a new timer control that can be adjusted down to zero.
YouTube says the updates are part of its effort to improve usability, stating that it is using community feedback to build “a more intuitive Shorts experience.”
The company did not confirm exact rollout dates, saying only that the features will be introduced gradually. YouTube Shorts recorded an average of 200 billion daily views as of June 2025, according to CEO Neal Mohan.