YouTube is testing a new video player UI on Android but not for everyone. This new UI looks similar to the one seen on Smart TVs. The design changes are currently being tested and might not reach all users. These changes could bring both useful and awkward features. Let’s explore the new updates in UI on YouTube.
Smaller Video Title and Channel Information
The first noticeable change is in the video title and channel name. YouTube tests the new UI by placing these details above the progress bar. The text is smaller, making it less distracting. You can also see the subscriber count and the number of views along with the Title.
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The publish date of the video is also displayed right next to the video title. This grouping of information makes the player screen look organized. On the top left of the screen, the rotate and expand buttons are now placed. These buttons used to be in different locations earlier.
Buttons for Likes and Comments
YouTube brings some changes to the position of important buttons. Previously, the like, dislike, share, and comment buttons were below the video. But now, these buttons are moved to the right side of the screen. Each button now shows more details, such as the number of comments and likes directly.
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When you switch to full-screen mode, a few changes are more obvious. The next and previous video buttons are no longer visible. However, when you pause the video in portrait mode, they show up again. This might be a bug or glitch that could be fixed later.
Another interesting addition is the Remix button. Earlier, this button was hidden under the three-dot menu. Now, it is placed with the other buttons, replacing the bookmark button. This could be a confusing choice for many users, as bookmarking videos are more common than remixing.
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Video Chapters and Playlist Changes
It is also testing a new feature for video chapters. A button is added to the bottom left corner of the screen. This button allows users to view different sections of a video. This feature can be useful for longer videos that are divided into chapters.
The upcoming User Interface also includes new options for videos that are part of a playlist. Users can now swipe up or down to switch between videos within the playlist. However, this gesture only works for the first video in the playlist. For other videos in the playlist, the swipe-to-minimize gesture does not work.
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The Final Words
YouTube tests a new video player UI on Android with several changes. While some features, like the video chapter button, are helpful, other changes may confuse users. The shift in button positions, especially the remix button, might not be user-friendly.
As the new design is still in testing, YouTube might make more adjustments based on feedback. The new UI has some positives but might not be ideal for smaller screens.
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