YouTube's New TV App Design: Subscriptions Hidden Behind Shorts

David

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.1

Share

YouTube's New TV App Design: Subscriptions Hidden Behind Shorts – A Controversial Update?

YouTube's recent redesign of its TV app has sparked considerable debate amongst users. The most controversial change? The burying of the subscriptions feed behind the increasingly prominent Shorts feed. This seemingly small shift has ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising questions about YouTube's priorities and user experience.

The Change: Shorts Take Center Stage

The new interface prioritizes YouTube Shorts, the platform's short-form video competitor to TikTok. While Shorts have undeniably gained popularity, many users feel their prominence comes at the expense of the core YouTube experience: accessing subscribed channels. Instead of a readily accessible subscriptions tab, users now must navigate through multiple screens, often encountering a barrage of recommended Shorts before reaching their subscribed content.

User Backlash: A Vocal Minority or a Wider Issue?

The response has been swift and largely negative. Numerous users have taken to social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to express their frustration. Common complaints include:

• Increased Difficulty Finding Subscribed Content: The extra steps required to access subscriptions disrupt the viewing flow and make it less convenient to watch videos from channels users actively follow.
• Forced Exposure to Unwanted Content: The prominent placement of the Shorts feed leads to involuntary exposure to content users have no interest in, resulting in a more cluttered and less personalized experience.
• Prioritization of Algorithm over User Choice: Many users feel this redesign prioritizes YouTube's algorithm and its push for Shorts over the preferences and viewing habits of its users. The feeling is that YouTube is forcing content upon them rather than letting them choose what they want to see.

YouTube's Perspective: A Focus on Growth and Engagement?

YouTube has yet to issue a formal statement directly addressing the widespread criticism. However, the change likely reflects the platform's strategic focus on Shorts as a key driver of growth and engagement. Short-form video is a booming market, and YouTube is aggressively competing for market share. This redesign reinforces that competitive strategy.

Is This Change Here to Stay?

The long-term impact of this design change remains to be seen. YouTube may be gauging user reaction before deciding whether to revert the changes or make further adjustments. The strength of the negative feedback, however, suggests that a reassessment is likely. User feedback is crucial for any successful platform, and ignoring the widespread dissatisfaction could have significant consequences for YouTube's user base and overall platform engagement.

What can users do?

While directly influencing YouTube's decisions might seem challenging, users can still make their voices heard. Providing feedback through the app itself, engaging in online discussions about the update, and even reaching out to YouTube directly through official channels are all potential avenues for expressing dissatisfaction and advocating for change.

The Future of YouTube's TV App:

This redesign highlights the ongoing tension between platform growth strategies and user experience. The success of this change will ultimately hinge on whether YouTube can find a balance between promoting Shorts and maintaining a user-friendly interface that respects the viewing preferences of its loyal users. Only time will tell if this controversial update will be a temporary hiccup or a permanent alteration to the YouTube TV experience. The conversation, however, has clearly begun.