YouTube working on revamped Video Player UI for Android

YouTube is currently testing a new user interface (UI) for its Video Player. This updated UI introduces several changes to improve user experience. Some people think the new design looks cluttered, while others see the changes as useful improvements.

The fresh look of the Video Player reveals several changes in comparison to the previous UI, spotted by Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority). Let’s check what’s coming.

WHAT’S NEW

Several changes have been noted in the new Video Player UI of YouTube. Now, the video title is located above the progress bar, and the channel icon along with the subscriber count is shown next to the channel name. Below the title, viewers can now find the view count and the date the video was published.

The expand button has been shifted to the top left of the screen and a new rotate button has been added. A second playlist button replaces the old expand button, just above the progress bar.

Moreover, the forward and backward buttons are not visible when watching in fullscreen mode. However, these buttons appear when the video is paused in portrait mode. The like, dislike, comment, and share buttons have been placed above the progress bar on the right side.

The bookmark feature is now shifted under a menu, while a new Remix button is shown by default. There’s also a button for video chapters added to the bottom left of the screen.

Users can now swipe up and down to switch between videos in a playlist. However, you can only swipe down to minimize a video if it’s the first one in that playlist.

Several users are sharing their opinions on Reddit, and most seem to prefer a simpler design. Currently, Google is testing these new changes and will soon release the final version.