YouTube has started testing a retro-inspired video layout on its website. This layout brings back some design elements from YouTube’s early days when it first launched in 2005.
Nostalgia meets modern design
The new design, currently being tested with a select group of users, marks a significant shift from the layout users have become accustomed to over the past decade. Instead of the usual setup where video descriptions and channel details appear below the video, the new design displays them on the right side of the video player.
Feedback from the community
The news of this experiment sparked a buzz on social media platforms like Threads, with users expressing mixed feelings. One user, Brian Hamilton, commented on the change, saying, “Twenty years of ‘in the description box down below’ on YouTube, gone! I don’t think I’ll get used to ‘smash that like button to the right of the video’ anytime soon.”
Users have been extremely vocal about their thoughts on the new design, with others pointing out that the platform now looks like other online video sites.
Interestingly, some users pointed out that this new design isn’t entirely new. From 2006 to 2010, YouTube had a similar layout with user information on the right side of the video. This historical tidbit was confirmed through archived videos.
YouTube’s clarification
In response to the chatter, YouTube clarified on Twitter/X that this layout change is an experimental feature limited to specific accounts.
They mentioned, “Jumping in! it sounds like you’re seeing an experiment/test feature. diff teams at YouTube often test new ways to improve features & experiences.”
We will have to see if and when YouTube decides to launch the new design of the platform.
Featured image courtesy: @_BRIANHAMILTO on Threads