How to block YouTube on Chrome
Why YouTube is hard to put down
- The home feed is personalised to your weakest interests, and it's the first thing you see.
- Shorts removes every natural stopping point: no titles to read, no end, just the next swipe.
- Autoplay and end screens choose the next video before you've decided whether you want one.
Block YouTube in four steps
- 1Add ZenTab to Chrome. It's free, and your first 7 days include every Pro feature.
- 2Open the ZenTab dashboard and go to Site Blocker.
- 3YouTube is already in the Video & streaming pack: make sure youtube.com is switched on. If it isn't listed, type youtube.com and click Add site.
- 4Open youtube.com. Instead of the site you'll see ZenTab's calm block page, with your streak and a button to start a focus session.
A site covers its subdomains too, so youtube.com also blocks every *.youtube.com address. The free plan blocks 10 sites at a time; if you're at the limit, switch off one you need less, or go Pro for unlimited sites.
Smarter ways to limit YouTube
Most people still need YouTube for tutorials, lectures, music and channels they trust. Blocking everything isn't the only option:
Block only Shorts
ProAdd the page rule youtube.com/shorts instead of the whole site. Search, subscriptions and normal videos keep working, and Shorts links open as regular videos.
Block it during work hours
ProA schedule like YouTube off 9 to 5 on weekdays means the decision is made in advance. Evenings and weekends stay open.
Give yourself a daily allowance
ProA 30-minute daily limit lets you watch what you meant to, then closes the tab for the rest of the day.
Earn it
ProWith Earned Time, every 25 minutes of focus earns 5 minutes on blocked sites like YouTube, so watching becomes the reward.
Hide the YouTube feed instead
Feed Eraser keeps YouTube working but removes the parts built to keep you scrolling.
When you're tempted to unblock it
Most blockers fail in the same moment: you're tired, the urge hits, and switching the block off takes two clicks. ZenTab adds friction exactly there.
- I really need this site: the block page can open YouTube for a few minutes after a short wait, so a genuine need doesn't turn into an hour.
- Strict Mode (Pro): no quick unlocks, you can add sites but not remove or pause them, and turning it off takes a 15-minute cool-down.
- Commitment lock (Pro): keep Strict Mode on until a date you choose, with no way out early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I block YouTube but still watch videos my teacher or team sends?
Yes. Instead of blocking youtube.com, hide the home feed and recommendations with Feed Eraser. Links people send you still open, but there's nothing to drift into afterwards.
Can I block YouTube Shorts for free?
Yes. Hiding Shorts is part of ZenTab's free plan: the Shorts shelf and tab disappear, and Shorts links open as normal videos.
Does blocking YouTube on Chrome also block the app on my phone?
No. A Chrome extension only controls Chrome on your computer. On your phone, use the YouTube app's own time reminders or your phone's app limits.
Block YouTube in a minute
ZenTab is free: block up to 10 sites, hide YouTube Shorts and grow a focus streak. Pro adds unlimited sites, page rules, schedules and daily limits for $10 once.