Google is currently testing a significant redesign of the YouTube mini player, focusing on removing some of its existing features. The updated design eliminates the dedicated bottom bar that previously housed the skip forward and backward buttons, shifting the pause button to the left corner instead. While core functionalities like the ability to close the player and utilize the double-tap gesture remain intact, the final iteration of this redesign may undergo further adjustments before being released to the public.
YouTube stands out as a premier streaming platform, attracting many users who opt for the Premium subscription to enhance their viewing experience. However, users who can tolerate advertisements can still enjoy improved streaming sessions without the additional cost by taking advantage of features like the mini player, swipe gestures, and incognito mode. Currently, the mini player is the focal point of Google’s redesign efforts.
In testing the new mini player with select beta testers, feedback from sources like Android Authority has raised concerns about the redesign’s utility. The mini player is intended to allow users to view videos while browsing through their home page, searching, and exploring the app without interrupting playback. The beta version (20.18.32) enables this function but at the cost of some critical control options.
Under the current setup, the mini player offers pause, skip forward, and skip backward buttons in a small bottom bar, making video playback control straightforward. In contrast, the updated mini player removes this bottom bar and the associated skip buttons. While users can still pause videos and access other options like closing the player and double-tapping to resize, the removal of the bottom bar has drawn criticism.
It is essential to note that these changes are still in testing, and the final design could potentially bring back some features, like floating skip buttons, to improve the user experience.
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