Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to block short videos in Google Search, an important step in reducing distractions and maintaining focus in educational environments. As students increasingly rely on Google Search for academic research and classroom assignments, the appearance of short, auto-playing video content can lead to unnecessary distractions. These shorts, typically sourced from YouTube or other platforms, can disrupt learning and divert attention from educational goals. For schools using Google Workspace for Education, applying content filtering measures to block short videos is essential to creating a more focused and student-safe online experience.

What are Short Videos?

Short videos are brief, vertical video clips that are designed for quick watch and are often under 60 seconds in length. These videos are popular on platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels and they frequently appear in Google Search results in a visually engaging, swipeable carousel format.

In the context of Google Search, short videos are often displayed in a section labeled Short videos or Shorts, pulling content from platforms like YouTube. While they can be informative or entertaining, they are usually algorithmically recommended based on user interests and may include non-educational or distracting content, making them a concern in classroom and school environments.

When Shorts are introduced in Google Search? 

Google began introducing Short Videos in Search results around late 2020. This feature was part of Google’s effort to present more visual and engaging content directly within Search, particularly in response to the growing popularity of platforms like Instagram reels and YouTube Shorts. These videos typically appear in a Short videos carousel, often placed midway through the search results page. 

Why Disable Short Videos in Google Search?

Short videos in Google Search can quickly distract students from academic tasks, engaging them in unrelated content like YouTube Shorts or TikToks. This not only affects student focus and learning outcomes but also makes it harder for teachers to keep students attentive during lessons. For school administrators, these videos pose challenges around content control, digital discipline and bandwidth usage. Disabling short videos helps create a safer, more focused online environment that supports effective teaching and responsible device use in schools.

Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:

  • Problem: Mr. Patel, a middle school computer science teacher, noticed that during class research assignments, several students were getting sidetracked. Instead of reading relevant articles or gathering information, they were watching short, unrelated videos that appeared in Google Search results. These videos led to off-topic conversations, disrupted classroom focus and made it difficult for students to complete their work on time.
  • Solution: Concerned about the growing distraction, Mr. Patel reported the issue to the school’s IT administrator. After assessing the situation, the administrator decided to implement settings in Google Admin Console to block short videos from appearing in Google Search results. This helped in restricting access to the video carousels that often appear midway through a search page.
  • Result: After the block was enforced, the distracting short video sections no longer appeared in student search results. Mr. Patel observed a noticeable improvement in student concentration and task completion during class. The solution helped reduce distractions, support better time management and ensure that students used the internet more purposefully during school hours.

By blocking short videos, schools can take back control of their digital learning spaces, ensuring students stay focused and on track.

How to Block Short Videos in Google Search Using Google Admin Console

Method 1: Block Short Video Platforms with URL Filtering

  1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users & Browsers
  2. Select the Organizational Unit (OU) for students.
  3. Scroll to URL Blocking or URL Blacklist and add the below URL
    https://www.google.com/search?udm=39
  4. Click Save.
    Block Short Video Platforms with URL Filtering

Understanding UDM and the Significance of 39 in Chrome Policy Management

When managing ChromeOS devices and browsers in an educational or enterprise environment, IT administrators often come across terms like UDM and 39, especially when working with policies and extensions in the Google Admin Console.

UDM stands for User Device Management. It refers to the set of tools and capabilities in the Google Admin Console that allow IT administrators to manage and configure user and device settings for ChromeOS and Chrome browsers.

The number 39 is a scope identifier for Chrome policy delivery, specifically used in policy files and extensions configuration for managed Chrome environments.

Method 2: Restrict YouTube Shorts Using YouTube Policies

Note: Applies only to your users with Google Workspace Enterprise Plus - Archived User and Google Workspace Enterprise Plus licenses.

  1. Go to Google Admin Console and log in with your admin credentials.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Additional Google Services > YouTube
    • Click YouTube.
    • Choose Service Status and turn it ON for everyone or specific OUs if you want more control.
      turn it ON for everyone or specific OUs
  3. Set Restricted Mode for YouTube
    • Go to YouTube settings > Content Settings.
    • Turn on Restricted Mode for students. This filters mature content, including many Shorts.
    • This doesn’t fully block Shorts but limits many of them.
      Set Restricted Mode for YouTube

Conclusion

Blocking short videos in Google Search helps maintain a focused and productive environment, especially in classrooms and managed school devices. By implementing YouTube Restricted Mode and URL filtering, administrators can effectively reduce distractions and ensure students stay on task. These measures provide greater control over what content is accessible, supporting safer and more intentional browsing behavior.

For a more robust and precise solution, consider using xFanatical Safe Doc, a powerful Chrome extension designed specifically for Google Workspace for Education. xFanatical Safe Doc offers the BlockYoutubeInGoogleSearch policy, which removes YouTube video results from Google Search pages entirely. This ensures students can't play videos directly within search results, helping educators regain control over classroom attention and student device usage.

To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  xFanatical Safe Doc

If you have yet to install Safe Doc, please get a 30 days trial.

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