YouTube Tests Radical Redesign of Video Player Buttons on Android
YouTube is experimenting with a streamlined button layout on its Android app, removing text labels and repositioning key interaction elements.
The experimental design removes text labels from buttons under the video player and repositions the likes count away from the like button. The channel name has been replaced by the username and moved above the channel logo. View and like counts have been relocated, while the Save and Download buttons are now placed under the expandable three-dot menu.
The change appears sporadically on devices running YouTube app version 21.23.487, as reported by Android Authority staff and Reddit users. This test follows YouTube's experiment with hiding the dislike button on YouTube Shorts.
The design may not be permanent, as YouTube frequently tests changes that do not always become final.