YouTube stays fresh with new look on desktop and mobile

[Shawn Knight]

YouTube has come a long way since its humble beginnings in early 2005. Whereas the site originally only supported 320 x 240 resolution clips at an aspect ratio of 4:3, it’s now possible to watch videos on nearly any Internet-connected device in SD, HD, 4K, 360, 3D and of course, live.

The Google-owned video sharing service owes much of its success to its ability to adapt to marketplace changes. That evolution continues today as YouTube has announced multiple design updates (some of which are still in the works) for its mobile and desktop platforms.

In the mobile app, YouTube has made the header white and moved the navigation tabs to the bottom so they’re closer to your thumbs. It’s now possible to adjust the playback speed on mobile devices just as you can on the desktop and check out suggested videos while you’re watching in full screen.

Soon, YouTube will automatically change shape to match the video format you’re watching for the best possible viewing experience (vertical videos with no black bars on the sides, YouTube promises). In the coming months, you’ll also be able to jump between videos with a simple hand swipe (swipe left to view the previous video or right to move to the next in queue).

YouTube in May announced a preview for its new desktop design and today, it’s rolling out worldwide. If you recall, the desktop refresh is based on Google’s Material Design and includes more white space, a smaller search bar, a decluttered sidebar menu and a new Dark Mode.

Last but certainly not least is a refreshed YouTube logo and icon that’s designed to look good on even the smallest of screens.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/70773-youtube-stays-fresh-new-look-desktop-mobile.html

 

[Teko03]

The new logo is a few steps backwards imo. It looks dated.

 

[Uncle Al]

You know, they have a winning formula "as is" and whomever is running that site needs to realize that and not be persuaded to give it a "new look". The site is functional .... don't fix what isn't broken!

 

[hahahanoobs]

I noticed when I got home. Looks great.

 

[Nobina]

This "new" look existed for some time. Looks a bit different, but I really like the bigger theater mode, now the video takes up more of your screen.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

I don't see any difference. I had the dark themed one for a few days a few weeks back and I liked it but Google took it away from me and substituted with their standard fare which it seems I still have. I guess I'll get it back one of these days. As for mobile, I wouldn't know, I don't use my phone for that sort of thing. There's just far too many ads needlessly wasting my data and I can't block them so I don't bother with the YouTube mobile app.

 

[hahahanoobs]

I don't see any difference. I had the dark themed one for a few days a few weeks back and I liked it but Google took it away from me and substituted with their standard fare which it seems I still have. I guess I'll get it back one of these days. As for mobile, I wouldn't know, I don't use my phone for that sort of thing. There's just far too many ads needlessly wasting my data and I can't block them so I don't bother with the YouTube mobile app.

Boo hoo. Just use Power Browser. Its chromium based, fast af and blocks all ads.

I found it doing a Google search, because I also hate mobile ads.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Boo hoo. Just use Power Browser. Its chromium based, fast af and blocks all ads.

I found it doing a Google search, because I also hate mobile ads.

Thanks. Being retired now and more at home than not, I seldom do any browsing on my mobile anymore. The same goes for watching YouTube. While smartphones are indispensable and that much is true, you simply just cannot beat a proper desktop computer for most computer related tasks. These days my smartphone is only used for calls and messaging and little else but I still can't do without it or go back to using a regular cellphone. (y)

 

[DAOWAce]

Another redesign, another backlash from the community, especially the PC based one.

Google never learns.