ScrollRot is a free browser extension designed to help users manage their time and attention on short-form video platforms by introducing a deliberate pause between videos. The extension targets the autoplay and infinite scroll features of feeds such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight, aiming to disrupt the cycle of continuous viewing and promote more intentional consumption habits.
Available for Chrome and Firefox on desktop, ScrollRot operates locally within the browser and requires no account or setup. After installation, it automatically inserts a user-configurable delay—ranging from 3 to 10 seconds—before each new video in supported feeds. This pause gives users a moment to decide whether they wish to continue watching, rather than passively consuming content selected by platform algorithms. The extension also offers daily video limits, enabling users to cap the number of videos they watch per day, after which the feed is locked until the next day. Additional features include a grayscale mode to reduce the visual appeal of feeds, usage tracking that shows the number of videos watched per platform each day, and a focus or Pomodoro lockout that completely blocks short-form content during timed sessions.
ScrollRot emphasizes privacy, stating that it collects no data, uses no analytics or tracking, and never sends browsing information outside the user's device. All settings, limits, and usage counts remain local. The extension is described as lightweight and only activates on the five supported platforms, having no effect elsewhere in the browser. There is no premium tier, subscription, or upsell; the tool is entirely free to use.
Designed for individuals seeking to build healthier digital habits and regain control over their attention, ScrollRot positions itself as a tool for digital wellbeing rather than a hard blocker. It allows continued access to short-form video platforms while adding friction and awareness, supporting users in making more conscious choices about their screen time.
ScrollRot sits in PulseGate's Lifestyle & Personal category. It helps users reduce compulsive scrolling on short-form video platforms by adding a pause. ScrollRot is a consumer product aimed at individuals seeking to manage screen time and digital habits. The product is available for free. The product ships for the web and embeddable surfaces.
It is developed by ScrollRot, and the product first shipped in 2025. Among its 4 catalogued features are short-form video delay, daily limits, and focus lockout.
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