YouTube Premium Subscribers Get a New Look

YouTube has introduced a new redesigned desktop watch page for Premium subscribers, aiming to enhance the viewing experience with improved layout and features. The updated watch page layout moves the video description and comments section to a pane on the right side of the video. It also adds larger thumbnail images for suggested videos at the bottom of the page.

YouTube’s new watch page design for Premium subscribers

YouTube says the changes are meant to provide “an improved viewing experience” that makes it easier to find related content and engage with comments. However, the redesign has proven controversial, with many users criticizing the radical rearrangement when it first debuted in April.

“The new design is a nightmare.” - A YouTube user

After widespread negative feedback, YouTube reversed the changes but has now brought the new layout back as an option for Premium subscribers. To enroll into the experiment, Premium members can go to the “Your Premium benefits” section in their account menu. Enabling the new watch page applies the redesign immediately, while the old layout can be restored by turning off the experiment in the same menu.

Enabling the new watch page design for Premium subscribers

YouTube is giving Premium members until July 1 to test the redesign and provide feedback before deciding its ultimate fate. The video streaming giant will be closely monitoring reactions to determine if the new watch page becomes a permanent fixture or gets shelved in response to subscriber backlash.

Providing feedback on the new watch page design

The new design is a significant change for YouTube, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new layout. Will it improve the viewing experience, or will it be met with further criticism? Only time will tell.