14 DAY TRIAL // YouTube is preparing a number of new features for its Android users, as some have noticed that a server-side test has been launched, with some new tools. YouTube users have taken to Reddit to signal the addition of video preview frames in the app.
Video preview frames have been available in the YouTube web interface for quite some time now, and the feature allows users to place the mouse pointer on the progress bar and check out a preview of frames to come.
The feature on Android is very similar, but instead mobile users would have to long press on the progress bar and release to jump to another frame further inside the video. So far, the feature doesn’t seem to work in full-screen mode, at least for us. The feature is available on YouTube for iOS, and it’s about time that Google aligned YouTube features across all mobile platforms.
Bottom bar layout in Android, similar to YouTube for iOS
Aside from this, YouTube is also working on a new bottom bar interface for the YouTube app for Android, a new look that would relocate all navigation tabs from the top of the screen to a bottom bar, just like on the iOS YouTube app.
This would certainly make it easier for users to access the home section, check out trending videos, subscriptions or account options. Aside from layout adjustments, YouTube will also split the Account tab into a Library tab and a new Account popup, which will house Feedback, Settings and Help sections.
Moreover, YouTube is bringing new tools for content creators and enabling live streaming for more and more accounts, even those that have less than 10,000 subscribers. Mobile live streaming allows users to broadcast live video sessions and allow users to comment. The feature has now started to roll out to content creators with at least 1,000 subscribers, but it’s unclear if YouTube will make it available to other users as well.
