FocusTube is a browser extension that lets users customize their YouTube experience by hiding main elements, disabling Shorts, and blocking distracting tabs, helping them avoid endless scrolling. The tool operates without collecting any user data, relying on a subscription model to remain ad‑free and privacy‑focused, with a free tier offering essential distraction blocking and a paid tier providing a complete focus toolkit.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm and UI elements like Shorts encourage endless scrolling, making it difficult for users to watch specific content without distraction.
Solution
FocusTube is a browser extension that gives users direct control over the YouTube interface. It hides the main navigation, Shorts feed, and other distracting elements, and can lock these settings to prevent accidental changes. The extension also blocks additional YouTube tabs to keep the browsing session focused. A free tier provides essential blocking features, while a paid Pro plan adds the full focus toolkit and privacy‑first support, all without collecting any user data.
Target Audience
Primary users are individuals who watch YouTube for work, study, or leisure and want to avoid algorithm‑driven distractions, such as students, professionals, and content creators.
Features
- Hide main YouTube UI components (e.g., sidebar, recommendations)
- Disable YouTube Shorts feed
- Lock toggle settings to maintain a chosen configuration
- Block opening of new YouTube tabs
- Pro version includes the complete set of focus controls and priority support
- Zero data collection, no analytics or tracking