YouTube's New TV App Design: Subscriptions Buried Under Shorts Feed

David

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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YouTube's New TV App Design: A Short-Sighted Move Burying Subscriptions Under the Shorts Feed?

YouTube's recent redesign of its TV app has sparked considerable controversy amongst users, with many complaining that their subscriptions are now buried under the increasingly prominent Shorts feed. This change, while seemingly aimed at boosting engagement with YouTube Shorts, the platform's TikTok competitor, has left many long-time users frustrated and struggling to find the content they actually want to watch. Is this a strategic misstep by YouTube, or a calculated risk to dominate the short-form video market?

The Problem: Finding Your Subscribed Channels is Now a Chore

The core issue is the placement of the subscriptions tab. In the previous design, subscriptions were front and center, easily accessible from the main menu. The new design, however, prioritizes the Shorts feed, pushing subscriptions further down the navigation hierarchy. For those who primarily use YouTube TV to watch their favorite creators, this change represents a significant usability downgrade. Instead of a seamless viewing experience, users now face an extra step – and sometimes multiple steps – just to access their subscribed channels. This is particularly frustrating on a TV interface where navigating menus with a remote isn't as intuitive as using a mouse or touchscreen.

Is YouTube Prioritizing Shorts Over Established Content?

This redesign strongly suggests YouTube is doubling down on its short-form video strategy. The prominent placement of the Shorts feed indicates a clear attempt to compete more aggressively with TikTok and Instagram Reels. However, prioritizing Shorts at the expense of the core user experience for those who subscribe to channels for longer-form content feels like a gamble. Many users are voicing their concerns on social media, with numerous threads on Reddit and Twitter expressing their disappointment with the new design.

What are the Potential Consequences?

This change could potentially alienate a significant portion of YouTube's loyal user base. While attracting new users to Shorts is crucial for growth, neglecting the needs of existing subscribers could lead to decreased engagement and even subscriber churn. The negative feedback already surfacing online suggests this could be a real risk. YouTube needs to carefully consider the long-term impact of prioritizing one feature over the core functionality that has driven its success for years.

What Can YouTube Do to Mitigate the Backlash?

Several options could help alleviate the negative reactions:

• Improved Search Functionality: A more powerful search function could help users quickly find their subscribed channels, even if they are less prominently displayed.
• Customization Options: Allowing users to customize their home screen and prioritize either Shorts or subscriptions could offer a compromise.
• A More Intuitive Navigation System: A simpler, more user-friendly navigation system on the TV app is crucial.
• Responding to User Feedback: Actively engaging with user feedback and making necessary changes based on that feedback is crucial for retaining user loyalty.

The Future of YouTube's TV App

The reception to this redesign highlights the delicate balance YouTube must strike between attracting new users and retaining its existing audience. While the push for Shorts is understandable in a competitive market, ignoring the needs of long-time users could prove detrimental in the long run. Only time will tell if YouTube will adapt and address user concerns, or if this design change will permanently impact user satisfaction and engagement. What are your thoughts on the new design? Share your experiences in the comments below.