YouTube reportedly testing new homepage layout branded major 'downgrade' by users
YouTube is trialling out a new homepage and a lot of people aren't happy about it.
The Google-owned platform’s algorithm is known for prioritising popular, up-to-date content.
But now, it seems that YouTube is experimenting with a design that removes the upload date and view count from video previews.
YouTube removed dislikes back in 2021 to reduce targeted negativity on videos, which in itself resulted in a lot of backlash from its users.
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And it wasn't until users found a browser extension that allowed them to restore it.
On October 28, VidIQ reported in a post on X that YouTube is testing a new homepage layout that removes view counts and dates.
In the screenshot, you can see six videos that only display the thumbnail, title and channel name.
🚨BREAKING🚨
— vidIQ (@vidIQ) October 28, 2024
YouTube is testing a homepage without view counts and dates. pic.twitter.com/UQEobxSVaR
Whereas, usually you could see the view count and how long ago the video was uploaded before you clicked on a video.
Shortly after the tweet was posted, hundreds of users retreated to the comments to share their thoughts about the potential upcoming change.
"View counts I kinda get but dates? having a more recent video on a topic is really important a lot of the time," one user questioned on X.
"You know this isn’t what people call “improvement” it’s basically downgrading it to the point of what the hell is going on," another X user pointed out.
"View counts and dates matter in selecting between videos on the same topic. I get from a product perspective what they’re trying to do, but this isn’t better for viewers or creators," someone else added.
Tech YouTuber Marques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee also chimed in in response to the news, saying: "Stop chasing Netflix and just be YouTube".
Over on Reddit, similar discussions and comments were happening.
"Why would I ever want less information on what I’m about to watch?" one user remarked.
However, not everyone on the post is against the removal of dates and views. Some users have suggested that the change will make 'a HUGE difference' for smaller channels 'with good titles and thumbnails' that would usually be overlooked.
"Pretty big for smaller channels tbh. Might push me to check out some other channels," another comment read.
This announcement follows YouTube’s recent report of a cheaper Premium plan for users who want fewer ads without the full Premium price tag.
With the cost of the ad-free Premium experience set to increase by up to 50% in some areas starting in November, the video content platform revealed it’s testing a more affordable option, according to Android Authority.