(2024) How To: Watch YouTube Shorts as Normal Videos

Article last updated on:
June 05, 2024

Tired of Shorts opening in that annoying format?

We’re here to show you how you can open YouTube Shorts and watch them just like any other video that’s not a reel.

Also known as: Converting Shorts to YouTube Videos.

How to watch YouTube Shorts as Normal Video

To watch a Shorts video as a regular one, like it and re-open it from the “Liked videos” playlist. This works for both computers and mobile devices.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Open the Shorts video
  2. Like it
  3. Go to the “Liked videos” playlist
  4. Re-open the Shorts you’ve liked
Watch a YouTube Shorts Video from the Liked Folder

Now, your Shorts video is opened like a normal one.

Other Methods

Liking the Shorts video isn’t your only option, it’s just a fast way to get the job done — and not just on computers, but on any device!

Here’s what else you can do:

1. Change the URL

You’ll find this way easier on a computer:

  1. Open the Shorts video
  2. Click the URL (Link on the searchbar)
  3. Replace “shorts” with “watch”
  4. Hit Enter
Instructions on how to watch Shorts as normal videos
Instructions for this option

You should now see the video in a regular format, like above.

2. Click “ago” on a comment

Use the timestamps on any YouTube Shorts comment to see it as a regular video.

  1. Click on a YouTube Shorts
  2. Open the comments
  3. Click “… ago” on any comment
  4. Video will open as a normal one
Showing where to click on Shorts comments to view them as normal videos
Click on any timestamp → Regular Video

Yes, this works for phones and tables as well.

3. Extension

Works wonders, especially for Google Chrome users:

  1. Search for a ‘Shorts blocker’ Extension
  2. Install it
  3. Click any YouTube Shorts
  4. Now it looks like a normal video
Extension that blocks YouTube Shorts

Link to the one above: Shorts to Normal player — it’s actually a great (and free) extension that’ll do the job perfectly!

FAQ

1. Can I watch Shorts as normal videos on iPhone?

Yes, you can!

All of the methods shown in this guide work for iPhones as well.

2. How about Android?

Yes to that as well. All 4 methods shown previously work for Android phones and tables the same way the work for computers.


Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test

About the author

David is the head of the editing team at ThumbnailTest. With his help, the editorial team is able to provide you with the best free guides related to YouTube thumbnails and A/B testing.