Slop Blocker

Slop Blocker is a desktop Chrome extension that hides high-distraction surfaces while keeping the useful parts of YouTube and Instagram available.

What It Blocks

• YouTube Shorts shelves, cards, navigation entries, and direct /shorts/... routes.
• Instagram Reels routes, Explore routes, and visible Reels/Explore entry points.
• Direct blocked routes are redirected to a safer page: YouTube Subscriptions, Instagram Home, or Instagram Inbox.

Features

• Master filter for turning all protections on or off.
• Per-site controls for YouTube and Instagram.
• Temporary pauses for 10 minutes or 1 hour.
• Local-only settings stored in Chrome storage.
• No accounts, syncing, or remote service.

Development

Install dependencies:

npm install

Run a production build:

npm run build

Type-check the project:

npm run typecheck

Load In Chrome

1. Run npm run build.
2. Open chrome://extensions.
3. Enable Developer mode.
4. Click Load unpacked.
5. Select the generated dist/ directory.

Notes

This extension depends on the current desktop web structure for YouTube and Instagram. If either site changes its routes or DOM structure, selectors may need updates.