YouTube plans to implement a TV app redesign over the summer, which is likely to change the user experience, considering TV viewing has now overtaken mobile usage as the primary function of the platform. The functional areas being addressed for the redesign include navigation, content discovery, and video playback. The YouTube ecosystem is anticipating fireworks, as this redesign promises better interactions and transforms competitive app ecosystems.

Multiview Customization: A YouTube TV Subscriber’s Delight

One of the best highlights of the redesign is the customizable Multiview which lets YouTube TV subscribers watch as much as four streams at the same time. Initially restricted to sports like NFL Sunday Ticket and March Madness, Multiview now offers support for non-sports content starting with a handful of popular channels. For many users, this feature provides a way to fine-tune their viewing experience, something that has been very scarce in terms of flexibility in content consumption. YouTube’s broadening appeal is further aided by the addition of non-sports content to Multiview where news and entertainment can now be enjoyed in a multi-screen format.

As YouTube further develops the scope of this feature, it could position itself as a more flexible streaming platform, particularly as the need for customized viewing options surges.

AI-Powered Features: Ask Music and 4x Playback Speed

YouTube is also introducing a number of AI features that improve personalization on the platform. An especially interesting new feature is “Ask Music” which creates tailored radio stations based on users’ music tastes. This feature, currently rolling out to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music subscribers on iOS and Android in select countries, showcases YouTube’s increasing reliance on AI to personalize content that is more responsive on an instinctive level, and easier to navigate. Moreover, a new 4x playback speed option for YouTube Premium subscribers will be available shortly.

The feature is part of YouTube’s commitment, that has been put into place earlier within the year, to improve content accessibility for its users by providing them the freedom to watch videos at their preferred speed.

A Look Ahead: YouTube TV’s Future in an Evolving Streaming Landscape

The TV app redesign by YouTube is essential in its effort to remain the front runner in streaming. The company is, however, faced with mounting pressure from competitive offerings provided by the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. On the other hand, the new Multiview feature and AI personalization tools are testaments to YouTube’s intention to keep pace with contemporary viewer needs. Whether these changes will further evolve YouTube’s competitive edge in the dense market is uncertain, but there is always the possibility that YouTube will end up changing the ways we consume television content in the digital world.