YouTube has started testing a new video transition feature for its mobile app with a limited user base. This new feature of the company, which allows you to switch to the next or previous video by swiping up or down in full screen mode, is based on the vertical scrolling movement, as in the previous short video platform Shorts. During the testing period, this new feature, which aims to bring a significant change to users’ full-screen video viewing habits, began to attract attention on the technology agenda in a short time. This move by YouTube aims to increase the time spent in the application.
Currently, on YouTube’s mobile app, you have to swipe up to watch a video in full screen, and swipe down to exit full screen. When users scroll up in full screen mode, they can access the recommended video list. However, this habit may change as the new feature is tested; Users will now be taken directly to a new recommended video when they swipe up in full screen. Likewise, scrolling down will return to the previous video, and to exit full screen mode, it will be necessary to go back to the first video. In addition, another way to exit full screen is to tap the close button in the corner of the screen.
This new scrolling system of YouTube offers a very popular viewing experience, especially on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. In short video format content, such vertical scrolling movements enable users to quickly switch to new videos and increase the interaction rate of the platforms. However, YouTube users often prefer to watch long content by selecting a specific video. Therefore, implementing swipe transition on standard videos may be an unexpected experience for many users.
This change may be confusing, especially for users who choose YouTube to watch a specific video. While a simple swipe down gesture is sufficient to exit the full screen in the current system, the function of this gesture will have changed in the new system. When users are directed to videos they do not want, it may become difficult to use the gestures they are used to. There is curiosity on technology forums and social media about how this feature will receive feedback from users. It is thought that YouTube will observe user behavior with this test and make adjustments based on feedback.
YouTube is trying to keep users more within the app
However, it is known that YouTube has recently made various changes to keep users within the application. For example, the platform started to popularize the short video format with the Shorts feature, allowing users to immerse themselves in a fast video flow with vertical scrolling. However, there are question marks about how this innovation for standard videos will affect user habits. Because long videos are preferred when users want to watch specific content, and fast transitions may not always be preferred as in short videos.
Finally, this innovation is currently being tested with a limited number of users and no large-scale application update has been made. Especially in technology circles, it is a matter of curiosity what the feedback will be like if this feature is offered to large audiences. It will become clear to what extent YouTube will change the user experience with these and similar tests and how it will reshape the dynamics within the platform in the future.