The redesigned subscriptions page is now being launched, ushering in a major transformation in the presentation of content on YouTube’s TV and console applications. In a shift that underscores the platform’s increasing focus on short-form videos, YouTube has initiated the rollout of a fresh layout that positions YouTube Shorts at the forefront of the Subscriptions tab — a modification that has already sparked discussions among users.
The most recent update from YouTube alters its TV and console applications — including those on Google TV and Apple TV — featuring a revamped Subscriptions page. The key alteration is the elevation of YouTube Shorts, which now occupy a specific row at the top of the display. This adjustment implies that users must scroll downward to find conventional long-form videos from their subscribed channels.
In the past, Shorts were seamlessly integrated into the primary subscriptions feed, appearing side by side with regular videos. The updated layout distinguishes the two formats, granting Shorts a more visible position while relegating long-form content further down.
This redesign is in line with YouTube’s overall strategy to promote Shorts — its competitive response to TikTok and Instagram Reels. As vertical video continues to gain traction, particularly among younger audiences, YouTube is focusing on mechanisms to enhance visibility and engagement for its short-form offerings. By featuring Shorts prominently at the top of the Subscriptions tab, YouTube ensures these videos are front and center when users launch the app on their TVs or consoles.
<pThe update has received a varied response. Some users welcome the separation of content types, while others express dissatisfaction with the new design. A prevalent concern is that the new layout hampers usability, particularly on larger screens where space is ample for showcasing both Shorts and long-form videos concurrently.
A Reddit user, u/AtlasMMX, voiced annoyance at not being able to view their long-form subscription content on a 77-inch TV without additional scrolling. They lamented the apparent underutilization of screen space and questioned why YouTube did not implement a split-screen or side-by-side configuration for better accommodation of both content formats.
Other users have resonated with similar frustrations, with numerous Reddit threads highlighting discontent over the enforced prioritization of Shorts. Regrettably, there is currently no feature allowing customization or rearrangement of the content order on the Subscriptions page, limiting user control over their viewing experience.
For viewers, this change might influence their interaction with content on YouTube’s TV and console applications. Those who primarily engage with long-form videos may find the new arrangement cumbersome, as it introduces an additional step to access their preferred content. Conversely, enthusiasts of Shorts will enjoy simplified access to short clips from their favorite creators.
For creators, the redesign could shift viewership trends. Channels that produce both Shorts and long-form videos may observe a change in which type garners more attention, potentially affecting their content strategies moving forward.
As the rollout progresses, it is uncertain whether YouTube will address user feedback with further options for customization or tweaks to the layout. For the moment, the redesign is a definitive indication of YouTube’s commitment to short-form content and its intention to embed Shorts as a core component of the viewing experience — even on larger displays.
Whether this transition improves or complicates the user experience will largely rely on personal viewing preferences. Nevertheless, one fact stands out: YouTube is heavily investing in Shorts, and this redesign is merely the latest advancement in that initiative.
Image credits: Andrew Myrick / Android Central, YouTube
