YouTube can be an endless source of productivity pitfalls. If you want to stay focused while using YouTube, here’s how you can block distractions using uBlock Origin, customize your viewing experience with a fantastic YouTube enhancer, and why you should consider using Firefox for optimal control.

1. Use Firefox for Advanced Privacy and Performance

Why Firefox? Firefox is open-source, privacy-focused, and lightweight. It supports powerful extensions like uBlock Origin and gives you granular control over how websites function. 👉 Download Firefox: Mozilla Firefox

2. Block YouTube Distractions with uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a powerful, lightweight ad and content blocker that can block distracting YouTube elements such as recommendations, Shorts, comments, and more.

Steps to Install and Configure uBlock Origin:

Install the Add-on:
👉 Get it here: uBlock Origin for Firefox

Add the Blocklist to Remove Distractions:
Open uBlock Origin settings and navigate to the “My Filters” tab. Copy and paste the following filter list to block distracting elements on YouTube:

www.youtube.com###foreground-content www.youtube.com##ytd-rich-section-renderer.ytd-rich-grid-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(3) www.youtube.com##ytd-guide-section-renderer.ytd-guide-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(3) www.youtube.com##ytd-guide-section-renderer.ytd-guide-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(2) www.youtube.com##ytd-rich-section-renderer.ytd-rich-grid-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(2) www.youtube.com##ytd-rich-section-renderer.ytd-rich-grid-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(1) www.youtube.com###clarify-box www.youtube.com##ytd-reel-shelf-renderer.ytd-item-section-renderer.style-scope www.youtube.com##ytd-guide-section-renderer.ytd-guide-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(5) www.youtube.com##ytd-guide-section-renderer.ytd-guide-renderer.style-scope:nth-of-type(4) www.youtube.com###guide-links-primary www.youtube.com###guide-links-secondary www.youtube.com###copyright www.youtube.com###header > .ytd-rich-grid-renderer.style-scope www.youtube.com##ytd-thumbnail.ytd-rich-grid-media.style-scope www.youtube.com##.yt-spec-avatar-shape__button--tappable.yt-spec-avatar-shape__button--button-medium.yt-spec-avatar-shape__button.yt-spec-avatar-shape > div www.youtube.com###page-header-banner www.youtube.com##.ytd-rich-item-renderer.style-scope > .ytd-feed-nudge-renderer.style-scope www.youtube.com###related www.youtube.com###teaser-carousel www.youtube.com###wt-serializer !www.youtube.com###thumbnail-container !www.youtube.com##.ytd-two-column-browse-results-renderer.style-scope > .ytd-rich-grid-renderer.style-scope www.youtube.com##.ytp-show-tiles.videowall-endscreen.ytp-player-content.html5-endscreen www.youtube.com##ytd-thumbnail.ytd-video-renderer.style-scope www.youtube.com##.yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape--overlay-touch-response.yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape > .yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape__fill www.youtube.com##.yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape--overlay-touch-response.yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape > .yt-spec-touch-feedback-shape__stroke www.youtube.com###voice-search-button www.youtube.com##.style-default.ytd-masthead.style-scope www.youtube.com##.ytd-rich-grid-media.style-scope.yt-decorated-avatar-view-model-wiz www.youtube.com##.ytd-shorts.style-scope.navigation-container www.youtube.com##.yt-lockup-view-model-wiz__content-image www.youtube.com###avatar-section

Save the Filters: Click “Apply changes” after pasting the filters. This will instantly clean up YouTube’s interface, removing most distracting elements.

3. Enhance Your YouTube Experience

For additional control and customization, the Enhancer for YouTube extension is an excellent choice.

Features of Enhancer for YouTube:

• Control playback speed and volume using your mouse wheel.
• Block autoplay for videos.
• Hide Shorts, comments, and other distractions.
• Customize YouTube’s appearance with dark themes and custom CSS.

How to Get Started:

1. Install the Add-on:
   👉 Enhancer for YouTube
2. Use These Preferences for a Minimalist Experience:
   Paste the following JSON into the extension’s preferences for a distraction-free experience:

{"blur": 0, "brightness": 100, "contrast": 100, "grayscale": 0, "hiderelated": true, "hideshorts": true, "ignoreplaylists": true, "hidecomments": false, "customtheme": true, "darktheme": true, "themevariant": "youtube-deep-dark-ubuntu-purple.css", "volume": 50, "speed": 1 }

By combining uBlock Origin and Enhancer for YouTube on Firefox, you can transform YouTube into a productivity-friendly platform. No more Shorts, endless recommendations, or intrusive comments—just a clean and focused experience.