YouTube TV is rolling out two separate interface updates — a redesigned sidebar for its television app and an updated Live Guide for its mobile applications.
These changes are being distributed to users on different platforms and affect distinct parts of the service.
TV App Sidebar Redesign
YouTube's television application, including on Google TV, is receiving a server-side update to its sidebar navigation.
Key Layout Changes
- The "Search" and "Home" options remain at the top of the sidebar.
- A new section below them includes "Subscriptions" and "Library" along with two direct channel shortcuts. YouTube has not confirmed whether these channels are selected based on recently viewed, recently subscribed, or algorithmic criteria.
- These two channel shortcuts remain visible even when the sidebar is collapsed.
- Below this section, the sidebar displays shortcuts for categories including "News," "Live," "Podcasts," "Music," "Gaming," and "Sports." The specific list may vary depending on the device.
- The "Settings" button remains at the bottom of the sidebar.
Observed Devices: The change has been reported by users on Google TV and Samsung TV devices.
Context: The previous sidebar design required additional navigation steps to access the "Subscriptions" and "Library" sections.
Mobile Live Guide Redesign
The YouTube TV Live Guide is being widely rolled out to both Android and iOS applications.
Previous Design: The "Live" tab previously displayed a simple program list with the active channel preview at the top of the screen.
Updated Design Features
- Channel icons are positioned on the left side of the interface.
- Users can view upcoming programs by swiping horizontally.
- A "Jump to live" button is located at the bottom of the screen for returning to live programming.
- Program duration and remaining time are displayed.
- A "Sort" menu is accessible in the top-left corner.
Channel Preview
Users can long-press on a program to view a floating sheet containing:
- The program preview
- A description
- Options including:
- Add to library
- Set a reminder
- Go to [program]
- Go to [channel]
Current Status
- The updated mobile Live Guide is consistent with the design introduced for televisions in 2023.
- The YouTube TV mobile app has not yet adopted YouTube's most recent design language in other areas. The "Library" and "Home" tabs, as well as the bottom bar's icon set, retain their previous design.
Recommendation: Users who have not yet received the Live Guide redesign should confirm their YouTube TV app is updated to the latest version on Android or iOS, then force stop and restart the application.