In a recent move by Google, YouTube has seen yet another tweak in its design layout. The video streaming platform has decided to shift from square to rounded corners, which has ruffled a few feathers among its massive user base.
Shift to Rounded Corners
Google’s approach to YouTube’s design seems to be ever-evolving. From the web version to the Android application, the transition from sharp square corners to softer rounded edges has become evident. But unlike the constructive changes observed in other platforms, like Google Maps, some users believe these alterations on YouTube are unnecessary.
Android Police recently unveiled a screenshot confirming the implementation of rounded corners in the YouTube Android application. This design choice has introduced more blinding white light in the video’s background, which could prompt users to activate the Dark theme.
Statistics and Changes
- YouTube boasts an impressive 2.70 billion active users in 2023.
- The platform continually incorporates new features and improvements for a seamless user experience.
- However, the recent design changes have left users puzzled about their actual benefits.
- Feedback on the rounded corners, especially in the web version, has not been particularly positive.
- The same design changes are soon expected to be mirrored on the YouTube Android app, though it has not yet been launched universally.
Steps to Experience the Change on Android
For users curious about exploring this change on their Android devices, the process is fairly straightforward:
- Open the YouTube application.
- Click on the profile picture located in the upper right corner.
- Proceed to Settings > General > Appearance.
- A popup will emerge, asking users to select a preferred device theme, be it Light or Dark.
Web Version Nuances
With the redesign, it is not only the thumbnails on the web version of YouTube that have experienced the shift to rounded corners. However, these rounded edges disappear when videos are viewed in full-screen or Theater mode, making a reappearance once users revert to the Default view. As of now, it remains unclear whether similar behavior will be observed in the Android app.
Yet to Reach All Devices
Not every YouTube aficionado with an Android device has experienced this change. Notably, devices like the Pixel 6 Pro running on Android 14 Beta 5.3 are yet to showcase this update. The company’s plans concerning the iOS YouTube applications and whether they will adopt this rounded design remain under wraps.
User Feedback and Implications
Feedback is crucial when it comes to design evolution. Companies like Google, owning vast platforms like YouTube, must be receptive to the comments and criticisms of their users. Thus far, the feedback regarding the rounded corners has been a mixed bag. While some users find the rounded corners modern and aesthetically pleasing, others feel it is an unnecessary tweak that detracts from the viewing experience, especially due to the increased white light surrounding videos. This kind of polarized response is not uncommon and has been observed with past YouTube redesigns.
Conclusion
YouTube’s journey in the tech realm has indeed been a tumultuous one. While the platform reigns supreme among video streaming services, its design choices are not always well-received by its users. The recent move to introduce rounded corners to both the web and Android app versions has undoubtedly ignited conversations, both in favor and against. Only time will tell if this change becomes a permanent fixture or is soon replaced by another design evolution.
As with any major platform, especially one as influential and user-centric as YouTube, design changes and updates are par for the course. The goal of these updates is typically to enhance user experience, make navigation more intuitive, and ensure content is consumed in the most enjoyable manner. However, given the vast and diverse user base of YouTube, it is almost inevitable that any change will be met with a mix of enthusiasm, indifference, and resistance.
