YouTube is introducing a new way for users to navigate between videos this week. Instead of tapping on the next video, all they need to do is swipe left or right.
With over 70% of video viewing taking place on mobile devices, YouTube has been working on several features that make the user experience on mobile a lot better. One of these, is a new “swipey watch” feature as it’s dubbed internally at YouTube. According to reports, the feature has been in the making for several years and is starting to roll out on iOS this week.
The new feature allows users to move through videos on mobile simply by swiping through them. So, instead of tapping on the next video in a playlist, or the next suggested video, just swipe to the next one. What happens if you swipe back? You go back of course. However, according to the users who have tried it, swiping back takes you to the same position you skipped from in the previous video in your history.
Up until now (or until you get the new feature) you’d have to tap on the next video, or wait for it to load automatically at the end of the previous one. Things have become a bit easier, since you can swipe back and forth between videos now.
Swiping is an improvement according to UX research, making navigation easier for users than tapping as it typically doesn’t require exact positioning of a finger on the device. And while Instagram users seemed to hate that “swipe vs scroll” test earlier this month, swiping is most definitely a recognised form of interaction with mobile devices.
And while Tinder was arguably the most well-known example of the swipe being used in an app, many others are adopting it too. And despite what users might think, Instagram is probably far from done with its little experiment that rubbed users the wrong way recently.
You might also like
More from Youtube
YouTube Expands Offense Warnings To Desktop, Updates Payments System
New updates for creators! A dedicated payments account within AdSense, and warnings on potentially offensive text detected by AI.
YouTube Offering Podcast Networks Up To $300k To Film Episodes
YouTube is offering financial incentives to podcasting networks to adapt their shows to a video format and share them on …
YouTube Adds Guided Support For Community Guideline Violations
YouTube has updated its review process to provide creators with specifics about the reportedly violative video and facilitate a resolution.
YouTube Announces #YouTubeBlack Voices Creator Class Of 2022
YouTube's second edition of its $100 million #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund has announced 135 worldwide winners.
YouTube Is Looking To Innovate Its Product Offering With NFTs And DAOs
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki hinted at the possibility that YouTube will expand its range of creator offerings to include NFTs.
YouTube Significantly Improves User Experience On TVs
Google has announced new features that improve the user experience on its TV app, to save users time when using …
YouTube Is Enhancing Its Studio Mobile App
YouTube Studio is bringing its mobile app in line with its desktop version for creators to better manage their channels …
YouTube Introduces New Tools And Features In Support Of Shorts
YouTube's product development team has announced the addition of several updates that will enhance the creation and experience of Shorts.
YouTube Launches Three New Creator Features
YouTube has expanded channel permissions, added customizable text in chapters and links to places mentioned in a video.