YouTube’s TV Interface Just Got a Major Navigation Upgrade
▼ Summary
– YouTube has redesigned its TV app interface to create a more intuitive experience with easier navigation by relocating elements and adding new buttons.
– Key changes include moving the video title to the top left and introducing a dedicated “Description” button to access creator info and video features, replacing the old title click function.
– The controls under the video are now grouped into distinct sections for Channel/Subscribe, playback, and interactive features like Like, Comment, and Settings.
– The update includes new specialized controls, such as a “Multiview” option for live sports and a “Display Mode” for Music and Premium subscribers.
– This redesign is currently rolling out to some TV platforms but is not yet universally available, arriving later than YouTube’s initial summer announcement.
YouTube’s television application has received a significant visual overhaul, designed to simplify navigation and improve the overall user experience for viewers on the big screen. The update reorganizes key elements like the video title and playback controls, introducing a dedicated button for accessing detailed information. This redesign focuses on creating a more intuitive layout that helps users find what they need without confusion.
The most noticeable change is the relocation of the video title. It now appears in the top left corner of the screen, rather than sitting just above the progress bar at the bottom. This title is no longer a clickable link to comments and creator details. To access that information, users must now click the newly added “Description” button. This separates the act of reading the title from engaging with supplementary content, which may help reduce accidental clicks.
Further streamlining is evident in the channel interaction area. The creator’s profile picture and the subscribe function have been split into two separate buttons. Tapping the creator’s thumbnail now takes you directly to their channel page, while the subscribe button stands alone. This clarifies the purpose of each action, making channel navigation and subscription management more distinct.
Beneath the video, the control bar has been completely restructured into logical groups. On the left side, you’ll find Channel, Description, and Subscribe buttons. The center houses traditional playback controls: Previous, Pause/Play, and Next. The right side consolidates engagement and settings tools into two clusters, including Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings. YouTube states the Subscribe button will remain visible even to current subscribers, where it can transform to indicate special content like member-only videos or alert users to new live streams.
The update also brings new features for specific content types and subscribers. A “Multiview” control has been added for live sports, allowing fans to watch multiple games simultaneously. Additionally, YouTube Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control, offering more viewing options. This rollout appears to be gradual, as the interface is already live on platforms like the Nvidia Shield Pro and some smart TV operating systems, but not yet universally available on devices like Apple TV. The changes arrive later than initially anticipated, following an announcement last spring.
(Source: The Verge)
