14 DAY TRIAL // YouTube has been testing a new layout for its Android application for quite some time now and it seems that the new tab has just gone live. YouTube announced the change on its forums and revealed multiple updates that were added to the YouTube app on Android.
YouTube has been testing a new navigation layout since fall last year, making numerous modifications until the final version was ready for release. Still, a number of Android users have seen the modifications on their phones, although with some tweaks.
The new layout does bring a whole new experience to users, as it marks the switch from the large top navigation bar to a smaller top bar with only a few essential icons and options. The top bar now houses the search option, video recording feature and the profile icon. In addition, the upload button has changed from a floating action button to the top bar.
The bottom navigation bar brings some minor changes
The bottom bar comes with the same tabs as on the previous layout, but with one difference. The previous Account tab has been renamed to Library. In addition, the user’s likes, favorites, uploads and playlists are still located in the Library, while the account and app settings can now be accessed by tapping the user icon.
Moreover, the bar is quite static and appears to stay on the display at all times, with the exception when the user watches videos in full-screen mode. YouTube states that the new change is already available on iOS, while it should reach all Android devices once the rollout stage is complete.
Recently, YouTube introduced a number of new features during Google I/O, including the fact that YouTube’s 360 video feature will arrive to YouTube for TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles. Moreover, Google gave a demo of how the Super Chat feature works for YouTube streamers.
