I started watching YouTube less when the content shifted to longer 10+ minute videos and shorts. It's harder to just browse. So now only via specific search.

I started watching YouTube less when the content shifted to longer 10+ minute videos and shorts. It's harder to just browse. So now only via specific search. However that's got worse as noise increasingly outpaces signal. I also don't log in, clear cookies, or subscribe to anything though do have a mental note of some channels. Adblockers are not a problem as I surf from Germany, Sweden or Denmark via VPN - perhaps some content just gets not shown. I get that I'm not YouTube's target captive audience. Perhaps you aren't any more either.