Platform replaces the like button with a heart icon and introduces a clean screen mode for short videos.
YouTube is rolling out a series of updates to its short-form video format, Shorts, bringing the user experience even closer to that offered by TikTok. The changes were announced by the platform in an official post and aim to improve navigation and interaction for both creators and viewers.
Among the key new features is a "clean screen" mode, which allows users to remove overlapping text and icons during video playback. According to The Verge, the change seeks to provide a less cluttered view, focused entirely on the displayed content.
In addition to the viewing interface, YouTube has also modified its engagement options. The traditional "like" button (thumbs up) is being replaced by a heart icon. The company also introduced a new feature that allows users to watch videos continuously, a detail that brings the tool closer to dynamics already established in competing apps.
YouTube's strategy reflects a broader movement in the streaming platform and social media market. By adopting interface elements and interaction mechanics that are popular on other services, the company aims to retain users' attention within its ecosystem and strengthen the competitiveness of Shorts in the short-form video segment.
YouTube is rolling out a 'clean screen' mode that hides overlapping text and icons during video playback, and replacing the traditional thumbs-up like button with a heart icon.
The clean screen mode is a new viewing interface option that allows users to remove overlapping text and buttons, providing a less cluttered view focused entirely on the short video content.
YouTube is adopting popular interface elements and interaction mechanics from competitors like TikTok to retain users' attention within its ecosystem and improve the competitiveness of its short-form video segment.