YouTube unveils sleek new video player for Android and iOS
The update is now available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, marking the start of YouTube’s next chapter in digital design.
YouTube has officially launched a redesigned video player for Android and iOS users, introducing smoother controls, new icons, and a refreshed interface aimed at creating a more immersive viewing experience.
The update, which began rolling out globally this week, marks one of the biggest visual overhauls on the platform in recent years.
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The changes are already live for many users worldwide, bringing a cleaner, more futuristic look to the familiar YouTube interface.
The new video player replaces the old, sharp-edged buttons with rounded, translucent icons that blend seamlessly into the video background. This subtle transparency makes the screen feel less cluttered, allowing the content itself to take centre stage.
Key playback controls such as "Like", "Comment", "Share", and "Save" have also been relocated into a compact pill-shaped menu at the bottom left corner of the player.
Meanwhile, the play and pause buttons remain at the centre for easy access, with smoother transitions when tapped.
YouTube says the redesign is about “keeping viewers connected to what they’re watching, not what they’re tapping”.
The minimalist layout also reflects the company’s recent effort to unify the design of its mobile and TV apps.
The update enhances several familiar features.
The double-tap to skip gesture has been refined to be faster and less visually intrusive, while new haptic feedback gives users a subtle vibration when they jump ahead or rewind a video.
Comments now appear in a threaded format, making it easier to follow conversations beneath popular videos.
The section expands smoothly when tapped and minimises automatically when you resume full-screen viewing, a touch borrowed from TikTok’s seamless comment experience.
The redesign began appearing for users on October 15, 2025, and YouTube has confirmed that the rollout is now complete for most Android and iOS devices worldwide.
The new interface is expected to extend to web and smart TV versions in the coming weeks.
For those who have not seen it yet, updating the YouTube app and restarting it should activate the new layout.
“Everything looks cleaner, but I keep reaching for the old buttons,” one Reddit user wrote, echoing the sentiments of long-time viewers.
The update is now available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, marking the start of YouTube’s next chapter in digital design.
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