Today I built my very first browser extension called Smart Study Focus.
It is a Chrome/Edge extension that blocks YouTube and Instagram with one click and redirects you to a “Time to Study” page. I made this to help myself stay focused while preparing for exams.
Features:
- Blocks YouTube and Instagram
- Works on Chrome and Edge
- Simple one-click design How to use:
- Download the project from my GitHub(https://github.com/0xbhoomi/smart-study-focus).
- Extract the folder.
- Open chrome://extensions or edge://extensions
- Turn on Developer Mode
- Click “Load unpacked” and select the folder
- Open YouTube or Instagram and click the extension This is my first real project and I learned how browser extensions work, how to use manifest.json, and how to deploy on GitHub. GitHub repo: (https://github.com/0xbhoomi/smart-study-focus) Next, I plan to add a study timer and daily focus reminders.
Top comments (2)
Fixed: My extension now works on all devices .
I fixed a major bug where my extension only worked on my laptop.
The issue was missing permissions and wrong rules.
I updated the manifest and background script so it now blocks YouTube and Instagram on any browser.
This taught me how real browser extensions are shipped and tested.
Next: I want to add a toggle button and a timer.
Cool first project! One thing I've noticed with blockers like this is that blocking the entire site can be too aggressive. Sometimes you actually need YouTube to look up a tutorial or search for something specific.
There's a concept called "feed-level blocking" where you block just the homepage feed and recommendations (the parts that pull you into endless scrolling) but keep search and direct video links working. That way you get the focus benefit without losing access to the useful parts of the site.
Something to consider for your next iteration, especially with the timer feature you mentioned. Nice work shipping this as a class 10 student!