YouTube is giving users more control over their viewing experience with a new feature that allows them to hide the recommendation pop-ups—often called “end screens”—that appear after videos. The change comes in response to years of user complaints about intrusive recommendations disrupting the flow of content.
The Update
Previously, when a video ended, YouTube would display clickable thumbnails of suggested videos, playlists, or channels. While useful for discovery, many viewers found them distracting, especially when watching tutorials, music performances, or films where the pop-ups blocked important content in the final seconds.
Now, users can disable these overlays, ensuring a cleaner, uninterrupted experience. The option is currently rolling out across YouTube’s web interface and mobile apps, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks.
Why It Matters
The update reflects YouTube’s effort to balance content discovery with user satisfaction. End screens were designed to keep viewers engaged and help creators grow their audiences, but critics argued they prioritized platform retention over user experience.
By giving viewers the ability to turn them off, YouTube is addressing long-standing frustrations while signaling a shift toward offering more customizable features.
Impact on Creators
For creators, the change could reduce traffic from end-screen clicks. However, YouTube says other discovery tools—like recommendations in the “Up Next” column, home feed suggestions, and Shorts integrations—will continue to drive engagement.
Creators may need to adjust strategies by focusing more on compelling content and organic subscriptions rather than relying heavily on end screens for channel growth.
A Step Toward More Control
This isn’t the first time YouTube has introduced user-focused changes to improve viewing. Earlier updates included options to limit autoplay, disable Shorts in feeds, and adjust algorithmic recommendations. Together, these updates point to a growing trend: giving audiences more power to shape how they interact with the platform.
With this new feature, YouTube is sending a clear message—it’s listening to its community and making small but meaningful changes to enhance the viewing experience.
