YouTube is experimenting with a redesigned video page layout on its mobile apps, and early feedback from users suggests the update may be divisive. The test appears to be rolling out to a limited group of people, many of whom have taken to Reddit to share screenshots and opinions—and most aren’t impressed.
The biggest visual change is the repositioning of the video title. Instead of appearing prominently above the description, the title is now placed next to the channel’s profile picture, which has also been enlarged. The larger avatar takes up more room, leaving less space for the title and often cutting it off. Users are also pointing out that the interface now displays the uploader’s username instead of the channel’s display name, which some find confusing or less professional.
Reactions so far lean negative. One Reddit user admitted the change “literally jumpscared” them, while others criticized the reduced readability and the extra emphasis on avatars over video titles. For viewers who rely on quickly scanning titles before tapping play, the new format could feel less practical.
This redesign follows a wave of recent feature additions, particularly for Premium subscribers, including better video quality options and new playback tools. While YouTube has often tested different layouts before deciding whether to roll them out broadly, the mixed reception suggests this experiment could be polarizing.
If the new interface does move forward, it would represent one of the more noticeable visual shifts in recent years—focusing attention on creators’ profile identities rather than the video content itself. Whether that approach enhances the sense of community or frustrates users who prioritize titles over avatars remains to be seen.
