YouTube is updating its new web interface, users are 'going crazy'

Google is giving YouTube's web interface a significant overhaul. The company is testing a completely new interface, repositioning key elements of video playback on youtube.com on a select group of users.

Previously, video descriptions were located directly below the video player, providing information and context to users. But with the new design, the entire video title, uploader information and comments section move to a narrow column on the right side of the screen. Right below the player will be replaced with suggested videos and Shorts.

This has caused user support features, like transcripts and video descriptions, to be crammed into a small space. Even when switching to Cinema mode, the problem is still not resolved.

YouTube's new interface received a lot of negative feedback. Some users expressed dissatisfaction, expressing concerns about the layout being reminiscent of adult websites. However, others are quite excited about the change, saying that the new sidebar configuration allows watching videos, reading descriptions and interacting with comments simultaneously without having to scroll continuously.

Youtube said that the new design of the YouTube interface is part of a limited test, to make reading comments easier when watching videos on a desktop computer.

This is just one of many layouts that Youtube has been testing since February this year. YouTube will rely on user feedback to carefully consider and review this new interface.

Samuel Daniel

Update 15 April 2024