EntertainmentStreamingYouTube embraces the darkness with a big upgrade on everythingYouTube’s getting a makeover on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs tooWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentStreamingYouTube embraces the darkness with a big upgrade on everythingYouTube’s getting a makeover on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs tooWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
YouTube’s getting a makeover on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs too
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
What’s the best birthday present for astreaming servicethat’s got everything? A makeover. YouTube’s celebrating its 17th birthday this year, and according to user experience director Nate Koechley “we wondered if it was time to give it a small makeover. So we gathered input from thousands of viewers around the world and heard there was a desire for a cleaner, more lively design that better represents what we’re all about.”
The result is a pretty significant redesign of the YouTube interface across all kinds of devices including Smart TVs as well as phones, tablets and computers. It’s rolling out from today, so here’s what to expect.
What’s new in the 2022 YouTube redesign?
Some of the improvements are quite subtle. The new Ambient Mode subtly adjusts the background colour of the app to match the video, so for example if the video has a lot of red in the background then the YouTube app will take a reddish tint. It’s not as dramatic as the colour matching inApple’s Safari, which can be a bit jarring; it’s a lot more subtle and a lot more effective, I think. Video playlists also get the new colour treatment.
There’s also a big update to the dark theme, which is even darker than before. That one’s coming to the web, to the mobile app and to smart TVs.
The most important changes are to the actual video player. As Koechley explains, “YouTube links in video descriptions will change to buttons, and frequent actions such as like, share and download, are now formatted to minimize distractions. The subscribe button is also getting a touch up: the new shape and high contrast make it really stand out, and while it’s no longer red, it’s easier to find and way more accessible to everyone on both watch pages and channel pages.”
There’s also the much-requested pinch to zoom, and much more precise seeking as you scroll through clips. That should prove particularly useful for watching tutorials or reviews where there’s one specific bit you want to rewatch.
Today’s best YouTube, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music dealsYouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
Today’s best YouTube, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music dealsYouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
Today’s best YouTube, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music dealsYouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
Today’s best YouTube, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music deals
YouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
YouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
YouTube Premium$11.99/mthViewatYoutube
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium
$11.99/mthView
$11.99/mth
$11.99/mth
/mth
atYoutube
atYoutube
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
PS5 could finally be getting Gears of War and Halo after game-changing decisionThe age of exclusives is coming to an end
The age of exclusives is coming to an end
Samsung’s latest laptops changed my mind about AI – here’s whyThe Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
The Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
Amazon finally unveils its most dystopian show yet with a real trailerBeast Games looks fairly horrifying
Beast Games looks fairly horrifying
Finished The Gentlemen? There’s a forgotten Guy Ritchie TV spinoff you can also streamBefore The Gentlemen there was…
Before The Gentlemen there was…
Watch YouTube on your TV? This free software upgrade is making it even betterThe interface for watching YouTube on a TV is being changed
The interface for watching YouTube on a TV is being changed
iPhone users are getting this cool free iOS YouTube upgradeSometimes tech moves incredibly quickly. Not here: we’ve been waiting for this upgrade for years
Sometimes tech moves incredibly quickly. Not here: we’ve been waiting for this upgrade for years
YouTube offers TV shows to stream for freeThe latest move sees YouTube vying for the cord-cutting audience with its new ad-supported offering of over 4000 TV episodes
The latest move sees YouTube vying for the cord-cutting audience with its new ad-supported offering of over 4000 TV episodes