YouTube is reportedly testing a few new design changes across its apps, including YouTube Music and YouTube Shorts. These updates are still being tested and are not available to all users yet. However, they offer a preview of how Google may update the look and everyday experience of its apps in the future. Alongside changes to the YouTube Music player, the company is also experimenting with how users give feedback on Shorts, including a Dislike button to make recommendations clearer and easier to manage.
According to the report, YouTube Music has been testing different versions of its Now Playing screen on both Android and iOS. The most recent change is a new design for the “Song” and “Video” switcher, which replaces text with clear icons. As per the report, this makes the switcher easier to spot and use, while still keeping a familiar feature that long-time users rely on.
The main controls, progress bar and carousel remain in their usual positions. However, the progress bar now has rounded edges and no visible playhead. When users scrub through a track, the bar becomes thicker, making it easier to follow. The report noted that this design is closer to the main YouTube app and gives the player a more modern look.
The report added that the major change appears at the bottom of the Now Playing screen. YouTube Music has removed the separate Lyrics and Related tabs, leaving just a single tab named after the album, playlist or mix that is currently playing. Lyrics have been moved into the carousel, which should make them easier and faster to access, while related content can now be opened by tapping on the song title. According to the report, this layout lets users view the playback controls and the queue on the same screen, although it also means that some familiar options have been repositioned.
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