YouTube is experimenting with a new mobile feature that could frustrate many users. The update repurposes vertical swipe gestures in fullscreen mode, mimicking the behavior of YouTube Shorts. Users can now swipe up to switch to the next suggested video or swipe down to return to the previous one. This change, spotted by Tushar Mehta on X, deviates from the current system where swiping down exits fullscreen mode.
Presently, YouTube’s gesture controls allow users to maximize or minimize videos. Swiping up transitions the video to fullscreen, and swiping down to exit it. With the proposed change, users must repeatedly swipe down to exit fullscreen from earlier videos or rely on a corner button, disrupting established muscle memory.
This modification appears to align long-form videos with the swipe-to-scroll model popularized by Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram. While this approach suits short, snackable content, it feels out of place for longer videos that viewers typically watch individually rather than browsing in a continuous feed.
Critics argue that the new gestures encourage mindless scrolling, increasing time spent in-app, and inflating view counts. However, such a shift might alienate users accustomed to the simplicity and intentionality of the current interface. Many are frustrated over these changes, citing broken workflows and confusion.
As with most test features, YouTube is likely gauging user feedback to decide the update’s future. However, some users fear it may roll out regardless of criticism, prioritizing engagement metrics over user experience. If implemented, this feature could redefine how users interact with YouTube’s mobile app whether they like it or not.
