We already know that YouTube is the most widely used video library in the world, yet Google has taken the current YouTube app and added several features to make the experience even easier and more enjoyable for users. Google’s new YouTube app is available for both iOS and Android users and features new video multitasking along with a new user experience (UI). There are also other features in the new app that we’d like to discuss here.

The new YouTube app was designed around Google’s “card-style” interface and is much lighter with a “hamburger style” navigation. This means that the left side of the navigation, where the slide out panel is located, features three horizontal parallel lines that create a kind of hamburger appearance. The two platforms (Android and iOS) also feature new different icons which were designed to suit each phone specifically.

Along with the features we’ve mentioned, the new app also makes it much simpler to find and access videos. You can access playlists in search along with your viewing history, favorites, uploads, and watch videos later in the navigation panel. There are also added features to make viewing on tablets much easier and more logical when viewing videos in landscape mode. Gone are the days where you would have to view the video only in full screen. You can now see video comments on the right side of your screen while the video you are viewing plays on the right side. You can still expand the video into full screen if you want though.

One of the cooler features of the new app is the ability to minimize the size of the video you are watching so you can do other things within YouTube on your phone or tablet while you are watching the video. Not only will the video continue to play wherever you move the minimized screen to, but it will also continue playing sound. If you want the video to be blown back up again, all you need to do is tap or swipe it upwards and the video will return to its original size. The video will also follow your finger while its minimized or when you are restoring the video back to irs orignal size. Done with a video? Just swipe it to the left to close out the window.

Overall, the new YouTube app is very impressive and definitely adds to the user experience. You are given the ability to navigate YouTube while video and sound is playing and the navigation is much simpler and more user friendly. There is also support on both smartphones and tablets for Chromecast. The update is now available on Android, iOS, and tablets so we strongly recommend you get the update. It will unquestionably make your YouTube viewing experience much easier and more enjoyable.