New Delhi: YouTube has recently reported that it is testing several latest design changes across its apps, including YouTube Music and YouTube Shorts. These updates are still being tested and are not available to all users yet. They offer a preview of how Google may update the look and everyday experience of its applications in the future. Along with the changes to the YouTube Music player, the company is also experimenting with how users give feedback on Shorts, including a Dislike button to make recommendations clearer and easier to manage.
YouTube Music has been testing different versions of its Now Playing screen on both Android and iOS. The most recent change is the latest design for the Song and Video switcher, which replaces text with clear icons. This makes the switcher easier to spot and use, while still keeping the familiar features that long-time users rely on. The main controls, progress bar and carousel remain in their usual positions. The progress bar now has rounded edges and no visible playhead. When the users scrub through the track, the bar becomes thicker, making it easier to follow. The reports also suggested that this design is closer to the main YouTube app and gives the player a more modern look.
YouTube Music has removed the separate Lyrics and Related tabs, leaving just a single tab named after the album, playlist or mix that is currently playing. Lyrics have been moved into the carousel, which should make them easier and faster to access, while related content can now be opened by tapping on the song title. This layout lets the users view the playback controls and the queue on the same screen, although it also means that some familiar options have been repositioned. The company is also testing a change to the Dislike button on YouTube Shorts. YouTube also stated it has noticed that many users use Dislike and Not Interested in the same way, or are not always clear about the difference between the two. To address this, the platform is experimenting with combining both options into a single thumbs-down action.
The thumbs-down option is placed inside the three-dot menu on Shorts. Some of the users will see it labelled as Dislike, while others will see it labelled Not Interested. When the users tap the thumbs down option, they may also be shown a short feedback survey, similar to the current Not Interested. The support page noted that these tests are meant to make it easier for users to control their recommendations and share feedback. It may take some time before YouTube decides whether to roll out the change more widely.
