YouTube is giving its video player a fresh new look, one that’s sleeker, cleaner, and more immersive, rolling out this week across mobile, web, and TV.
According to the company, the redesigned player includes updated controls and new icons designed to make the viewing experience more visually satisfying while obscuring less of the video itself. The update replaces the older solid interface elements with rounded, translucent buttons that subtly blend into the content, creating a smoother and more modern feel.
YouTube began testing these changes earlier this year, and they’re now ready for a global rollout. The visual refresh draws inspiration from contemporary UI trends, offering just enough gloss to feel premium, without going full “Apple Liquid Glass.”
But the redesign doesn’t stop there. YouTube is introducing several functional updates to enhance usability and engagement:
- Double-tap to skip: The familiar gesture is now “modernized and less intrusive,” ensuring smoother navigation through videos.
- Structured replies in comments: A new comment reply layout makes it easier to follow and participate in threaded discussions, improving readability on mobile.
- Dynamic like animations: When you like certain videos, a quick burst of animation (like a music note on music videos) will celebrate your action, adding a touch of personality to engagement.
With these changes, YouTube continues to refine not just how we watch, but how we interact with videos. It’s another step toward making the platform’s viewing experience feel more intentional and a little more delightful.