I have permananently blocked youtube on my browser. I use yt-dl to download and watch important videos. It is cumbersome but keeps the addictive tactics employed by yt at bay by increasing friction.
I use Hide Feed [1] and Intention [2] that were featured on HN some time ago (both by the same developer). They are amazing to reduce the addictive mechanisms employed by YouTube and similar sites.
Here's how I watch YouTube right now. Maybe it helps someone:
1. Use RSS to subscribe to your Channels [1]
2. On iOS, use Shortcuts to forward to either HookTube, Invidious, or use YouTube PIP [2]. When you want to open a YT-Link, hold it, select share and then select your shortcut.(It seems cumbersome but it's actually faster than going to the website and dismissing the stupid sign-in prompt every time)
3. Use DDG !v and inline playback as an alternative player.
I have found youtube to have become actually the opposite of addictive: annoying. The recommendations are always the same unrelated, popular garbage. Back in the day the videos were actually from different, related channels.
The front-page seems to be filled with fake-news and videos containing unnecessary jump cuts to keep the the attention of hyperactive 8-20 years olds, that can't concentrate for longer than 5 seconds.
You approach however is the same that I use to ween myself off things that I notice take up too much of my time. It is quite effective indeed.
It is a lot better when you have an account and are logged in. It matches my interests quite well. Though it is quite scary to see the amount of crap there is when you open youtube without being logged in.
