How to set a daily time limit for YouTube on a computer
Updated · tested in Chrome
Short answer
YouTube’s “Remind me to take a break” lives in the mobile app. On a computer, turn on “Watch time stats” and “Daily limit” in ytbud for YouTube. Set 15 minutes to 4 hours; at the limit an overlay offers “5 more minutes” or “Done for today”.
Add to Chrome — it’s freeWhat YouTube offers
The mobile app has take-a-break and bedtime reminders. Time watched is shown per account in the app. On desktop there’s neither.
With ytbud, step by step
- Add ytbud to Chrome.
- In Tools → Habits, turn on Watch time stats and Daily limit.
- Set your limit under the switch (60 minutes by default).
- When you reach it, a card on the player says how long you’ve watched today.
Good to know
- Counts only real watching
- Seconds count while a video plays in a visible tab, in daily buckets kept for 90 days.
- See your week
- A bar per day for two weeks, with today and your daily average.
Questions
Does it block YouTube?
No. It never stops playback outright. It’s a nudge you can dismiss.
Where is my watch time stored?
In your browser only. ytbud has no servers for your data and no analytics.