I got tired of opening YouTube for one video and losing an hour, so I built this
Demo video is also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeliberateYouTube
I originally made it because I kept opening YouTube intending to watch one specific video, only to realize much later that I'd spent far more time than I meant to.
Instead of blocking YouTube entirely, the extension is designed to help you stay aware of how you're actually using it.
Some of the features include:
Reflection prompts before sessions get too long
An alignment system that notices when you're drifting into recommendation loops
A timeline showing exactly how your session unfolded
Multiple intent modes with different levels of restriction
Highly customizable settings
Everything runs locally on your computer. There are no ads, subscriptions, or accounts.
If you're interested in helping a little further, there's also a short optional google forms feedback form linked in the README, but there's no obligation. Simply using the extension and sharing your thoughts is already incredibly helpful.
EASIEST AND RECOMMENDED DOWNLOAD IS FROM CHROME, but for reading through an expanded version what I have to say and to see more information regarding the extension, use GitHub.
(TLDR, Download (and give a review) from Chrome Web Store and read/watch for info in GitHub)
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/intentional-youtube/gkhfmpgkclckdkbhlkbcelhnigdclklp
Posted Jul 29, 2026, 1:06 PM UTC