After extensive testing that began in November, YouTube Music is officially launching a significant Now Playing redesign for both Android and iOS users. This update aims to enhance user experience by streamlining navigation and improving accessibility while listening to music.
One of the most noticeable changes is the relocation of the Song/Video switcher, which is no longer positioned at the top of the Now Playing screen. Instead, the Cast icon remains conveniently located next to the three-dot overflow menu. Following the song title—now clickable to access Related content—and the artist name, users will find a newly designed controls row that enhances the overall interface.
While this redesign does not significantly affect one-handed usage, it does elevate the controls further up the screen, making them more accessible during playback. The new interface features a boxy scrubber that eliminates the traditional playhead. When users interact with it, the scrubber becomes thicker, providing a more tactile experience during song navigation.
In addition to the new scrubber, all other controls are now organized in a compact carousel. This carousel includes options for thumbs up/down feedback, comments, and save functions, followed by Lyrics. Notably, YouTube Music has removed the bottom row of tabs, streamlining the interface for a cleaner look. The Video/Song switcher is seamlessly integrated into this carousel, alongside options for sharing, downloading, and accessing radio features.
Another exciting addition is the new drag handle for the "Up Next" section, which immediately displays the current playlist or radio station. Users can easily tap to view upcoming tracks instead of sliding up, benefiting from a new dual-pane view that is both visually appealing and efficient. This dual-pane view allows users to see four or more upcoming songs, with the option to expand the queue for a more in-depth look.
It’s important to note that this view is not persistent and will close once the user exits the Now Playing screen. The Related and Lyrics sections have also been revamped; they can now be fully expanded but will still display the song currently playing along with play/pause controls at the top row. Podcast controls have received similar enhancements, ensuring a consistent experience across all audio formats.
This exciting YouTube Music Now Playing redesign is rolling out via a server-side update. If you have not yet seen the new interface, you can try to force stop the app from the App info settings or remove it from the multitasking menu to expedite the update process. Stay tuned for more updates on YouTube Music as the rollout continues.
For more information about the latest features and enhancements on YouTube Music, keep an eye on our updates!
