YouTube's TV App Overhaul: Finding Your Subscriptions Just Got Harder (Shorts Feed Impact)

David

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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YouTube's TV App Overhaul: Finding Your Subscriptions Just Got Harder (and Shorts are Everywhere!)

YouTube's recent redesign of its TV app has left many users scratching their heads, and not in a good way. While the company aims to streamline the viewing experience, the changes, particularly concerning subscription access and the overwhelming presence of Shorts, have sparked considerable backlash. Is this a step forward for the platform, or a stumble into user frustration?

The Great Subscription Hunt:

Perhaps the most significant complaint revolves around the difficulty in finding your subscribed channels. The previous, simpler layout allowed for easy navigation to your favorite creators. Now, accessing your subscriptions requires several extra clicks, a frustrating detour for those who primarily use YouTube TV to catch up with their regularly watched channels. This change feels counterintuitive, especially considering the core function of a subscription service is quick and easy access to subscribed content. The new interface prioritizes trending videos and algorithm-driven recommendations, often burying subscribed content beneath layers of suggested videos.

The Rise (and Fall?) of the Shorts Feed:

The increased prominence of YouTube Shorts is another point of contention. While Shorts have undoubtedly found their audience, their aggressive integration into the TV app feels forced. The full-screen, often automatically playing Shorts, interrupt the viewing experience and make it difficult to return to regular videos. Many users report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of short-form content, interrupting their intended viewing habits. This design choice feels especially disruptive on larger screens, where the impact of automatic playback is amplified.

Impact on User Experience and Engagement:

This overhaul raises concerns about user experience and potential decreases in engagement. The extra steps required to find subscribed content might lead users to abandon the app altogether, opting for alternative platforms. Furthermore, the aggressive push of Shorts, while potentially beneficial for YouTube's overall strategy, might alienate viewers who prefer longer-form content and a more curated viewing experience. This could lead to a loss of viewers who previously found the platform easily navigable and suited to their viewing preferences.

What YouTube Needs to Do:

• Improve Subscription Accessibility: YouTube needs to prioritize subscriptions and make them easily accessible, perhaps with a dedicated, easily navigable section in the TV app’s main menu.
• Offer More Control Over Shorts: Implementing a setting to disable autoplay for Shorts or at least minimize their prominence would dramatically improve the TV viewing experience.
• Listen to User Feedback: Engaging directly with user feedback and incorporating suggestions will be crucial in rectifying the current issues and improving the overall user experience. The current negative response highlights the importance of user-centered design.

The Verdict:

While YouTube's aim to modernize its TV app is understandable, the execution leaves much to be desired. The changes, especially concerning subscription access and the overwhelming Shorts integration, have created a less user-friendly experience. Unless YouTube addresses these issues with meaningful updates, this redesign could ultimately harm user engagement and potentially impact the platform’s long-term success. Only time will tell if YouTube heeds user feedback and makes the necessary adjustments to improve the app's usability. What are your thoughts on the new YouTube TV app? Share your experiences in the comments below!