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How to turn autoplay on or off on YouTube
We’ve all been there. You’re watching YouTube and, once your video ends, another seemingly unrelated clip begins automatically. The feature is known as autoplay, and may be great if you’re not picky about your entertainment, but it can be annoying if you are or you’re just putting on something to fall asleep . Let’s discuss how to turn off autoplay on YouTube.
QUICK ANSWER
To turn autoplay off on YouTube:
- On the web, click a video to start playing it and hover your mouse over the main video area. The autoplay slider is located in the video controls; click it to turn the function on or off.
- In the mobile app, tap your profile picture and go to Settings > Autoplay.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
What is autoplay on YouTube?
Autoplay is YouTube’s way of getting you to watch more content and generate more ad revenue. Instead of stopping playback, YouTube’s algorithm picks a video related to your last one, or something related to your watch history. This sometimes results in discovering gems, but can also be jarring — imagine watching something on the history of goth music but then being served deadlift tips or stand-up comedy. If you’re putting on ambient nature sounds to fall asleep, but often listen to trance music, you might find yourself startled awake by a set from Tomorrowland.
How to turn off autoplay on YouTube
Instructions vary based on your platform, but they’re never very complicated. It’s just a question of where to look.
Mobile app (within Settings)
Disabling autoplay on mobile is done within Settings. Tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Autoplay. Within the Autoplay menu, flip the switch under (or next to) Autoplay next video.
Mobile app (within a video)
To find autoplay controls, go to any video you want and start playing it. Tap anywhere on the video itself to reveal playback options.
The autoplay toggle is located along the top, next to the Cast, Subtitles/CC, and Settings buttons. Flip it.
Desktop
Go to YouTube and start playing a video.
Move your mouse over the video to reveal playback controls.
The autoplay toggle is located along the bottom, next to the Cast, Subtitles/CC, and Settings buttons.
If the toggle is switched to the right and it has a play triangle in the middle, then autoplay is on. Click the toggle to turn the feature off.
FAQs
Autoplay is one of those functions that’s often enabled by default. Follow the steps above to disable autoplay.