You may have recently noticed a few changes to the way YouTube looks and feels. This week, YouTube has introduced a new design and new features for their mobile app, as well as a new desktop design. Continue reading for the full detail on YouTube’s updates.

Mobile Updates

This week YouTube implemented a new design for their mobile app. They’ve made the header white to emphasize content, and also moved the navigation tabs to the bottom of the app so they are closer to the user’s thumbs. YouTube also added new library and account tabs that make it easier for users to access content they are looking for.

Earlier in the year, YouTube introduced a feature that lets users double tap on the left or right side of a video to fast forward or rewind. YouTube is also going to be experimenting with another feature that lets users swipe left to watch a previous video or swipe right to watch the next one. It's also now possible for users to speed up and slow down the playback of a video on the mobile app (a feature which was previously only available on desktop).

This week also brings new updates to the way videos are displayed on the mobile app throughout various pages within the app. Another cool change that you'll see soon is an update that automatically changes the shape and orientation of the YouTube player to match the video format that the user is watching (vertical, square, or horizontal). YouTube also recently added a feature that lets the user view suggested videos while they are watching a video in full screen on the mobile app. This will be extremely helpful in promoting your content to new potential viewers.

Desktop Updates

For the past few months YouTube has been working on a new desktop design, and that design is now available to all users. The new look applies Material Design to the site, creating a more simple and intuitive experience for the user and puts the focus on the content. Viewers also now have access to a new feature for the desktop called “Dark Theme”, which makes the background black instead of white.

To download the latest YouTube mobile app with all of the new changes, click here for iOS or here for Android. Let us know what you think of the new design from YouTube, and as always feel free to reach out to us with any questions.