Following the much-anticipated announcement last week, the revamped YouTube video player, new icons, and a comprehensive app-wide redesign are now rolling out to users on both Android and iOS platforms. This update aims to enhance user experience by making the app more visually appealing and user-friendly.
One of the most noticeable changes in this update is the complete overhaul of all YouTube icons throughout the app. The redesign includes updates to the top and bottom navigation bars, as well as the video player interface. The new icons feature bolder and more rounded outlines, significantly improving visibility and ease of use for viewers.
The majority of the redesign focuses on the video player itself, with the goal of minimizing distractions and allowing users to engage more fully with content. In portrait mode, users will find a refreshed icon set, with the landscape button now larger and encased in a circle for easier access. Premium controls have also received a modern touch, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
In a bid to make interactions more engaging, YouTube has introduced a new like and dislike button that features a longer thumb design. When users like specific videos, they will now see a “custom, dynamic visual treatment” that is tailored to the content. For example, liking a music video will trigger an animated musical note, while sports videos will showcase a visual cue from the game, adding an interactive layer to user engagement.
In the landscape mode, the thumbs up/down, comment, save, share, and overflow options are now conveniently located within a pill-shaped container at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Additionally, the “More videos” button has been streamlined for a cleaner look. A significant change is that when a video is paused, the background is no longer darkened, which allows for a more immersive viewing experience.
Transitioning between tabs has also been improved with a new “more seamless” animation that slides up the feed, making it easier for users to navigate the app. Furthermore, when saving videos to playlists or the Watch Later section, a refreshed design simplifies the process, making it more intuitive. The update also enhances comment threading, enabling users to follow conversations and replies more effortlessly.
With these updates, YouTube aims to create a more engaging and user-friendly platform for viewers on both Android and iOS. The combination of bold new icons, an upgraded video player, and enhanced interactive features demonstrates YouTube's commitment to improving user experience. Stay tuned for the full rollout of these exciting changes!
