YouTube is reportedly testing a new design feature for YouTube Android app, which will feature a blurred bottom bar akin to a feature which is already present for iOS users. The said blurred bottom bar focuses on enhancing the integrated and seamless experience for users by blending the bar with the background colours of the app. This will make scrolling through the feed more soothing for the viewer's eyes.
Notably, this design update is a significant change from the existing translucent bar, which appears White in the light mode and Black in the dark mode.
YouTube Navigation Update
YouTube is not only introducing a blurred effect but also revamping several buttons on the bottom bar. The Home and Subscriptions buttons now have a sleeker, more minimalist look. Additionally, the “+” button has been redesigned to include a "blurred filled circle," replacing the old circular white outline, which makes it stand out more, according to a report by 9to5Google.
This redesign also adds a dynamic aspect to the blurred bottom bar. The colours of the bar will now shift based on the video thumbnails shown in the feed. As YouTube's app feed automatically plays dynamic video thumbnails, the bar’s colours will change accordingly, offering a more unified visual experience.
Bottom Bar To Increase In Size
For users who continue to use Android's traditional three-button navigation, the bottom bar will become larger. This adjustment is due to the navigation bar adopting the same blurred effect, creating a more uniform appearance throughout the app.
These features are still in the testing phase, and there is no official confirmation on when or if they will be released to all users. YouTube often tests design changes that don't always reach the final version of the app. However, these ongoing experiments indicate that YouTube is planning notable updates, such as a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) miniplayer and the possible introduction of mid-roll ads in the PiP format.