YouTube's New Look: Rounded Corners Take Over Mobile App


YouTube, the juggernaut of online video platforms, has been on a roller coaster ride in its quest for user-friendly features and its ongoing battle against adblockers. Recently, YouTube introduced rounded corners to its web player, a decision that didn't sit well with all users. Now, it seems this design change is making its way to the YouTube Android app as well.

Rounded Corners Arrive on YouTube Android

When YouTube first announced the introduction of rounded corners on its desktop version, there was no mention of it coming to the mobile apps. However, it appears that YouTube is indeed planning to bring this rounded corner design to its Android app.

As shown in the side-by-side comparison, the most noticeable change is the empty white space on either side of video thumbnails. Some users preferred the previous rectangular thumbnails that extended to the full width of the screen. However, YouTube has opted for rounded corners, and this change may be one that users have to adapt to, whether they like it or not.

Similar to the desktop version, the rounded corners on the YouTube Android app likely apply not just to thumbnails but also to the video player. It's important to note that these rounded corners don't appear in full-screen or Theater mode; they are visible when the video player is minimized.

YouTube's Battle Against Adblockers

YouTube's recent redesign isn't the only topic stirring controversy. Over the past few months, this Google-owned streaming service has been taking aggressive measures to combat the use of adblockers, particularly for non-paying customers.

The first sign of this campaign was the introduction of anti-adblock warnings, coinciding with Google I/O. Subsequently, YouTube introduced a three-strikes policy and a timer for non-paying users, encouraging them to subscribe to YouTube Premium to bypass these restrictions. In response to criticism, YouTube made the Skip Ads button less prominent, a move seen by many as an attempt to deceive users into watching full ads.

This controversy came to a head when YouTube began blocking video playback for users employing adblockers. Simultaneously, it displayed messages explaining the importance of ads in keeping YouTube free, while encouraging users to whitelist YouTube or consider a Premium subscription.

Conclusion

YouTube's journey has been marked by significant changes, and the introduction of rounded corners is just one of the latest in a series of updates. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, YouTube's commitment to providing free content is evident in its efforts to tackle adblockers.

As the platform continues to evolve, users can expect more changes, and it remains to be seen how YouTube's strategies will impact the online video landscape in the long run.

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