ScrollGuard

What it does

ScrollGuard is a mobile app that surgically blocks short-form video feeds—like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts—while leaving the rest of your social apps fully functional. It runs on top of Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and X (Twitter), detecting and removing algorithmic feeds in real time. On Android, it works directly inside the native apps; on iPhone, it creates clean web app versions where addictive content is blocked before it loads. The app also includes customizable blocking per app, an anti-scroll mode that detects doom scrolling, scheduled breaks, time saved insights, an adult content filter, and a strict mode that locks settings with a password.

Who it is for

ScrollGuard is for anyone who wants to stay connected on social media without falling into endless scrolling loops. It targets users who have tried screen time timers or deleting apps but found those approaches too restrictive or easy to bypass. The app is designed for people who need to check DMs, view stories, or browse posts from friends, but want to eliminate the algorithm-driven feeds that waste hours. Testimonials mention students, professionals, and readers who regained focus and finished books or improved grades.

Why it matters

The app addresses a fundamental design problem: social media algorithms are engineered to keep users hooked. ScrollGuard reframes the issue as a design problem, not a willpower problem. By removing only the addictive parts—Reels, Shorts, Explore pages, For You pages—it preserves genuine social connections while cutting out the time drains. Users report saving 3+ hours per day, and the app has over 80,000 downloads. It offers a middle path between total abstinence and unmanaged usage, which many find more sustainable.

Launch signal

ScrollGuard reached #1 on the Hacker News front page with 689+ upvotes on the Show HN post titled "I built an app to block Shorts and Reels." This strong community reception indicates early traction and validation from a tech-savvy audience. The app is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, with core blocking features free and optional premium features for extra customization.

Brand and naming

The name "ScrollGuard" clearly communicates the core value: guarding against endless scrolling. It is memorable, descriptive, and positions the app as a protective tool rather than a restrictive one. The tagline "Block Shorts and Reels Without Deleting Social Media" reinforces the precise value proposition. The brand emphasizes surgical precision and user control, contrasting with blunt screen time apps.