Google is testing a new look for link and YouTube previews in Messages for Android, adjusting how shared content appears in a conversation thread. The previous layout placed the raw URL at the top, followed by a small image and a block containing the page title, short description, and domain. The updated design removes much of that structure and leans more heavily on a cleaner visual layout.
In the new approach, Messages hides the original link entirely when it’s sent on its own. Instead, users see a larger, taller preview image with less aggressive cropping. Beneath it is a simplified information block with a more prominent background and an oversized title aimed at improving readability. The domain remains visible and now includes the site’s favicon, but the short article snippet — often useful for context — has been removed. This brings Messages in line with how Google Discover surfaces articles, prioritizing visual elements over text.
If a link is shared alongside additional message text, the preview may shrink to fit the layout. The removal of the visible URL may make conversations look cleaner, but it also reduces clarity for users who want to confirm what they’re about to tap. Those who prefer the traditional format can disable previews entirely under Messages settings by turning off Show all previews or Show only web link previews. Long-pressing and copying the link still works as a fallback for checking the raw URL.
YouTube links behave differently in this beta as well. Tapping one opens the video inside Google Messages’ built-in picture-in-picture player, which the app recently brought back. There’s currently no option to send the link directly to the YouTube app. Turning off Android’s PiP setting forces the video to open fullscreen inside Messages using the web player, but still doesn’t hand off playback to the YouTube app. This limitation appears to be a beta issue, especially given reports of sign-in prompts that cannot actually be completed from within the player window.
The update creates a visually cleaner interface, but it also removes functional elements that some users may rely on. Link transparency and flexible hand-offs to other apps are areas that may need refinement before the redesign reaches all Android devices. The new previews are showing up in the latest Google Messages beta, version 20251121_00_RC01, and more adjustments are likely as Google gathers feedback.
