YouTube Redesign Tests Reveal New ‘You’ Tab

A redesign test is currently being conducted on YouTube for Android, which involves replacing the Library tab with a new tab labeled “You.” In this test, YouTube relocates the user’s profile avatar from the top-right corner to the bottom bar, using it as the icon for the newly introduced “You” tab. This tab consolidates the functionalities of the previous account menu and Library sections. This design change deviates from the consistent placement of the account picture in the top-right corner, which is typical across Google apps. The redesign appears to draw some inspiration from social media apps like Instagram, possibly aligning with YouTube’s Shorts feature.

The “You” tab prominently displays the user’s channel information, accompanied by options to Switch account, access the Google Account, and activate Incognito mode. App settings can be conveniently accessed through a gear icon unique to this page, offering faster access compared to the previous layout.

The page further includes carousels for History and Playlists, with the latter no longer presented as a continuous list, reflecting the shift away from the Library concept. It can be argued that a dedicated Library page is more critical for YouTube Music or TV than the main YouTube app.

The redesigned page encompasses various sections, such as Your videos, Downloads, Your clips, Your movies, Your Premium benefits, Time watched, and Help & feedback.

As of now, there is only one reported instance of the “You” tab replacing the YouTube Library. If this redesign proceeds, it would further distinguish YouTube from other first-party Google apps, maintaining its unique design language, which encompasses elements like its distinct font and icons. It is unlikely that YouTube will adopt a Material You bottom bar, whether tall or otherwise, at this stage.