YouTube For iOS Update: What’s New?

YouTube has updated its iOS app, adding a few features and introducing some changes to make it easier for users to watch and interact with their favorite videos.

YouTube announced in its official blog that it has added a few gestures and control options to make it more intuitive. The changes should make watching videos easier, thus making the app more enjoyable for users.

First, YouTube said the app has a “more streamlined player page.” Closed captions can now be turned on or off simply by tapping on the button directly on the player. Users won't have to tap the ellipsis first before gaining access to the CC button anymore.

The company also said it re-arranged the buttons on the screen to simplify the player's look. One subtle, but undoubtedly major, change involves the autoplay button, which has been moved from the bottom of the video to the top of the screen, right above the video being played.

Second, YouTube added a few new gestures to make it easier to watch videos. Users can now enter full-screen mode by simply swiping up on the screen. Users can also exit full-screen mode by swiping down on the screen.

In addition, YouTube now offers users two ways to view the time. By tapping on the timestamp, users can switch from seeing how far they already are into the video (time lapsed) or how much time is left before the video ends (countdown).

Third, YouTube said the iOS app now offers suggested actions to help users enjoy the YouTube experience even more. For now, the app will prompt users to rotate their iPhone, or watch a video in VR, if it will give users a better viewing experience.

The developers said they are planning to add more suggested actions in the near future.

Fourth, YouTube extended the Video Chapters it introduced a while ago to add a new list view. This provides a complete list of all chapters included in the video, each with a preview thumbnail.

This feature will let users jump to the parts of the video that most appeal to them.

Lastly, YouTube reminded users to take advantage of the bedtime reminders feature to help them manage the time they spend on the app.