YouTube is testing a new mobile feature that could prove frustrating for many users. The update repurposes vertical swipe gestures in fullscreen mode, replicating the behavior of YouTube Shorts. Users can now swipe up to switch to the next suggested video or swipe down to return to the previous one. This marks a shift from the current system, where swiping down simply exits fullscreen mode.
Currently, YouTube’s gesture controls allow users to maximize or minimize videos, with swiping up to enter fullscreen and swiping down to exit. The proposed change would require users to swipe down multiple times to exit fullscreen from previous videos or use a corner button, disrupting established muscle memory.
This modification seems to align long-form videos with the swipe-to-scroll model seen in platforms like Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram. While this approach works for short, snackable content, it feels out of place for longer videos that users typically watch individually rather than browsing in a continuous feed.
Critics argue that the new gestures encourage mindless scrolling, which could increase time spent in the app and inflate view counts. However, many users are frustrated by the changes, citing broken workflows and confusion. YouTube is likely testing the feature to gather feedback before making a decision about its future.
Still, some users fear that the update may roll out despite criticism, focusing more on engagement metrics than user experience. If implemented, this change could alter how users interact with YouTube's mobile app, whether they like it or not.
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