Tech Desk
Aug 16, 2024
YouTube, the Google-owned video-sharing platform, has been tipped to be working to redesign the bottom bar on its Android app.
Previously, the platform introduced a blurred bottom bar for iOS, while now it is testing a similar feature for the Android version to integrate it with the feed as you scroll.
The bar will feature new “Home” and “Subscriptions” buttons, along with a more subtle “+” button, and a translucent bar that shows what’s running in the background.
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Currently, YouTube’s bottom bar appears in a solid colour which seems different depending on whether a user has the Light Mode or Dark Mode on.
Now, the colours of the new blurred bottom bar will change according to what’s being played or shown in the video thumbnail.
Additionally, the “+” button has replaced its circular white outline with a “blurred filled circle,” making it more appealing than before.
Notably, the new bottom bar might double in size on Android phones that still use Android’s three-button navigation, as the navigation bar also adopts the blur effect.
The feature is likely to be set by default on YouTube, but users can also disable it according to their needs. Currently, the feature is in the testing process, and it is not yet confirmed when it will be available for all users.
YouTube might also get some major tweaks shortly, including experimenting with a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) miniplayer that YouTube Premium subscribers have already been able to experience.
