Kevin’s Picks: Control Panel for YouTube
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I have been using the browser extension Control Panel for YouTube to improve my experience using YouTube. It's available for Firefox and Chrome.
Instead of getting lost or distracted by YouTube’s algorithmically driven home page, this extension takes me straight to my subscriptions, where I know I’ll find content I have chosen to pay attention to.
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Skipping the Noise
One of the things that bothers me most about YouTube is the endless barrage of suggested videos. The homepage constantly urges you to watch content you didn’t plan on seeing, but catches your eye or interest, tempting you to watch, and possibly get lost in the rabbit hole.
With this extension, I no longer have to sift through those suggestions—I’m immediately taken to my subscriptions feed. It’s a simple tweak, but it makes a huge difference in keeping my focus on channels I actually follow.
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A Cleaner, More Focused Interface
Another feature I appreciate is the ability to hide the chat on any channel. Whether I'm watching a live stream or a pre-recorded video, the chat window can be a tempting distraction. With just a click that applies across YouTube, I can hide that, allowing me to concentrate on the video content.
It’s all about creating a more controlled environment that suits my personal viewing habits.
Why It Matters
For me, using Control Panel for YouTube isn’t just about convenience—it’s about taking back control of my screen time. Instead of letting YouTube’s algorithm decide what I watch, I get to decide what matters to me, and search for something else if I want to.
By eliminating unnecessary distractions, I find it easier to focus on the content I love, whether I’m catching up on my favorite channels or diving into new, thoughtful series from creators I trust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending stream of video suggestions and want a more intentional way to browse YouTube, I highly recommend giving Control Panel for YouTube a try.
It’s a small tool that makes a big difference in reclaiming your viewing experience. Have you found your own ways to filter out distractions on YouTube? I’d love to hear what works for you.
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