ZenMode

ZenMode is a browser extension for reducing distractions on supported sites and keeping browsing focused on the content a user wants to see. It works with YouTube, Twitch, and Bilibili, and it is described as free and open source. The extension is built to hide specific interface elements and recommendation surfaces, with a focus on digital wellbeing and privacy.

Its features include hiding YouTube Shorts, comments, sidebar recommendations, and the home feed. On Twitch, it can hide recommended channels, bits, and other noisy interface elements. ZenMode also offers a popup menu for controlling what is visible, including options to keep the home feed while hiding the sidebar, hide comments, or reset all settings to their defaults. Other supported controls include hiding the top navigation bar, notification icons, the YouTube logo, and using a one-click Hide All Videos option on the YouTube home page to make it search-only.

The extension runs entirely locally in the browser and does not communicate with external servers. It requires no login and uses local storage through the Chrome Storage API only to save user preferences. The page says it uses pure JavaScript and CSS, and it can be paused from the browser toolbar icon. Version 2.0 is supported on Chrome and Firefox, with add links for both browsers and a GitHub link on the site.

ZenMode is released under the MIT License. The page also states that it collects no data and does not store, sell, or transmit personal data, browsing history, or usage habits. WoodenDoor is credited on the page as the maker.