Question 1

What is SubFocus?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus is a Chrome extension that lets you curate an approved list of YouTube channels. Recommendations, Shorts, and Up Next suggestions from channels you haven't approved are hidden across the home feed, watch pages, and search results — so YouTube only ever shows you content you've chosen.

Question 2

How does SubFocus work?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus runs in the background while you browse YouTube. You build an approved channel list (up to 10 channels on free, unlimited on Premium) by adding channels via URL, handle, or a one-click button on any channel page. Once active, SubFocus hides the home feed recommendations, Up Next sidebar, end-screen suggestions, Shorts from non-approved channels, and filters search results to show only your approved channels first.

Question 3

Is SubFocus free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SubFocus has a fully functional free tier that lets you curate up to 10 approved channels and hides algorithmic recommendations, Shorts, and Up Next suggestions. Premium plans unlock unlimited channels, focus lock, recurring schedules, and turn-off friction features.

Question 4

What do you get with SubFocus Premium?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus Premium adds: unlimited approved channels (no 10-channel cap), focus lock (lock SubFocus on for a set duration so the toggle is unavailable), recurring schedules (auto-protect your mornings or deep-work hours), and turn-off friction (require a cooldown timer or written paragraph before SubFocus can be disabled). Premium is available monthly ($2.99), annually ($19.99), or as a one-time lifetime purchase ($39.99).

Question 5

How is SubFocus different from AdBlock or uBlock Origin?

Accepted Answer

AdBlock and uBlock Origin are general-purpose ad blockers that remove ads sitewide. SubFocus is purpose-built for YouTube attention management — it doesn't block ads, but it does hide the recommendation engine (home feed, Up Next, Shorts, search noise) while keeping your approved channels fully accessible. SubFocus is about curating what you watch, not just removing ads.

Question 6

How is SubFocus different from BlockSite or Cold Turkey?

Accepted Answer

BlockSite and Cold Turkey block entire websites or apps entirely. SubFocus takes a different approach: it doesn't block YouTube — it removes the algorithmic noise so you can still access the channels you've chosen. You keep the value (learning, entertainment from trusted creators) and lose the distraction (recommendations pulling you into unplanned watch sessions).

Question 7

Does SubFocus work on all browsers?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus is currently available as a Chrome extension, which also works on Chromium-based browsers such as Brave, Edge, and Arc. It is not yet available for Firefox or Safari.

Question 8

How to prevent distraction on YouTube?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent YouTube distraction is to remove the recommendation engine, not YouTube itself. SubFocus is a Chrome extension that hides the home feed recommendations, Shorts feed, and Up Next suggestions while keeping your approved channels fully accessible. You build a list of channels you trust — SubFocus hides everything else.

Question 9

How to stay focused on YouTube?

Accepted Answer

To stay focused on YouTube, use SubFocus — a Chrome extension that blocks algorithmic recommendations, Up Next suggestions, and Shorts from channels you haven't approved. You curate a list of channels you actually want to watch; everything outside that list is hidden. Premium adds focus lock and recurring schedules so you can't disable it during deep work hours.

Question 10

What is the best tool for blocking YouTube recommendations?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus is a Chrome extension purpose-built to block YouTube's recommendation engine. Unlike general ad blockers or site blockers, SubFocus lets you keep YouTube accessible for channels you've approved while hiding home feed recommendations, Shorts, and Up Next suggestions from everything else. It's the most focused tool available for this specific problem.

Question 11

What is a free extension to avoid distractions on YouTube?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus has a free tier that hides YouTube home feed recommendations, Shorts, and Up Next suggestions from channels you haven't approved — with no time limit. You can add up to 10 approved channels for free. It's available on the Chrome Web Store.

Question 12

How do I block YouTube recommendations without losing access to the platform?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus lets you block YouTube's recommendation algorithm while keeping the platform fully usable. You curate an approved channel list; SubFocus hides recommendations, Shorts, and Up Next suggestions only from channels you haven't approved. Your approved channels remain completely accessible.

Question 13

Is there a Chrome extension to curate YouTube channels?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SubFocus is a Chrome extension built specifically for curating your YouTube experience. You add channels by URL, handle, or a one-click button on any channel page. Once added, those channels are shown normally; everything else is filtered out of the home feed, search results, and Up Next suggestions.

Question 14

How to hide YouTube Shorts?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus hides the algorithmic Shorts feed entirely. Shorts from your approved channels still play normally, but Shorts from channels you haven't approved are blocked — with a one-click option to add the channel if you want to. No more Shorts pulling you into an unplanned scroll session.

Question 15

How to stop YouTube autoplay and Up Next suggestions?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus hides the Up Next sidebar and end-screen suggestions on watch pages so one video doesn't automatically pull you into the next. Combined with hiding home feed recommendations and Shorts, it removes the main vectors YouTube uses to extend watch time beyond your intention.

Question 16

How to remove YouTube home feed recommendations?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus replaces the YouTube home feed recommendations with quick links to your approved channels. Instead of an algorithmically curated feed designed to maximise watch time, you see a clean starting point that directs you only to channels you've chosen.

Question 17

Can I use YouTube without being distracted by the algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SubFocus is designed specifically for this. It removes YouTube's recommendation engine (home feed, Shorts, Up Next, search noise from non-approved channels) while leaving the platform fully functional for channels you've approved. You keep the value of YouTube; you remove the part built to distract you.

Question 18

What's the best Chrome extension to control YouTube content?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus is the most focused Chrome extension for controlling your YouTube experience. Rather than blocking YouTube entirely or just removing ads, it lets you define exactly which channels you want to watch and hides everything else — recommendations, Shorts, Up Next suggestions, and off-list search results.

Question 19

How to filter YouTube search results to specific channels?

Accepted Answer

With SubFocus active, YouTube search results from your approved channels are shown at the top while results from non-approved channels are collapsed with a count of what was hidden. You can still expand and see other results if needed, but your approved channels are always surfaced first.

Question 20

How to block YouTube distractions for productivity?

Accepted Answer

SubFocus blocks YouTube's recommendation engine — the primary source of unintended watch sessions. For deeper productivity protection, SubFocus Premium adds focus lock (disable the toggle for a set duration) and recurring schedules (auto-activate SubFocus during work hours like Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00). Turn-off friction adds a cooldown or required paragraph before SubFocus can be disabled, defeating impulse decisions to turn it off.

Watch only the YouTube channels you choose.

What is SubFocus?

Approved channel list

Home feed

Watch video pages

Search

Shorts

Channel pages

Premium equips you with the discipline to stay focused.

Focus lock

Recurring schedules

Turn-off friction

Unlimited channels

Start free. Upgrade when you're ready.