YouTube revamps video viewing experience

by Stevie Smith - Apr 1 2010, 06:05

YouTube has announced the introduction of a more streamlined video viewing page as the latest step in one of the largest redesigns the Google-owned clip service has ever undertaken.

According to YouTube, the simplified look and functionality is in keeping with the “back to basics” approach of the ongoing redesign and will help focus user attention on the reason why they visit YouTube in the first place – namely to watch video clips.

“We first unveiled the new video page two months ago and checked in four weeks later to tell you about the latest set of changes,” outlined YouTube product manager Shiva Rajaraman in an official blog post.

“Truth is, we've been thinking about this for a long time: what you see is the result of eight months' worth of user research, feedback and data analysis,” Rajaraman added. “Now, after a few more additions based on your latest feedback, we are rolling it out to 100% of YouTube users.”

Beyond offering a sleeker page layout, YouTube has updated some of the site's older features and even introduced a selection of new user elements. For example, the old five-star rating system has been replaced with a simpler “likes/dislikes” model, and a new “Videos I Liked” list has been added into the mix.

Also, the comments section now sports a 'highlights' view which summarises the best discussions, there's a new playlist interface, the actions bar has been tidied, both the channel name and subscribe button are positioned on top of video clips, and the right-hand side of the page is now devoted to the next video to watch.

“We know this is a big change,” said YouTube in its release, “but we hope you'll find the new page to be an improvement to your YouTube experience and to be a reflection of what you've told us thus far through your usage of the site and your comments to us.”

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