YouTube updates bottom bar for Android users

Updated bottom bar is part of YouTube’s ongoing effort to enhance user experience
A representational image. — Canva
A representational image. — Canva 

YouTube is introducing updated icons on its Android app as part of a broader redesign announced last month, aimed at making navigation cleaner and more user-friendly.

What’s changed in YouTube’s bottom bar?

The layout of the bottom bar remains the same, but four out of five icons have a fresh look:

  • Home: A new, more prominent facade.
  • Shorts: Thicker, bolder lines.
  • Create (+): Now sits inside a grey circle without an outline.
  • Subscriptions: A sleeker, more rounded design.
  • You (Profile): No changes here.

The update is live for Android users running version 19.45 of the app, while iOS users are still waiting. These YouTube icons are also visible on the app's web platform, but there’s no confirmation yet for YouTube Music or YouTube TV.

YouTube recent updates

In addition to these design tweaks, YouTube recently made other improvements:

  • Redesigned playback speed controls on Android and iOS.
  • A new mini-player and settings layout for Android.
  • Refreshed app shortcuts, removing the "Explore" tab, and introducing outline-style icons across the app.

The updated bottom bar is part of YouTube’s ongoing effort to enhance user experience. With its sleeker icons and streamlined design, navigating the app feels more intuitive. Android users can explore these changes now, while iOS updates are likely coming soon.