The YouTube app for TVs and consoles is set to undergo a series of significant upgrades. Google has introduced new features that enhance user experience, including additional categories on the home feed, expanded options for viewing Shorts, and support for looping all content. Furthermore, users will now have access to a dedicated podcast tab. These enhancements aim to make the platform more versatile and engaging for viewers who prefer using larger screens.
Google's recent announcement highlights its commitment to improving the YouTube experience beyond mobile devices. Among the key updates is the addition of five new shelves or category types to the home page. These include "continue your search," which displays the top three searches you've made; "listen again," featuring songs you've previously searched for or listened to; and "live performances, remixes, and covers." There’s also a "Primetime Channels" shelf, showcasing content from channels you’ve recently interacted with, alongside another shelf highlighting content from your favorite channels.
In addition to these organizational changes, Google has incorporated a podcast tab into the console and TV versions of YouTube. This move caters to users who enjoy audio-based content without leaving the platform. For those interested in Shorts, there's now a dedicated row in the Watch Next feed and a Shorts shelf within the subscription tab. An exciting feature addition allows users to loop all content—not just playlists—an option previously limited to playlist settings.
Other notable improvements include inline previews for channel, subscription, and topic pages, as well as immersive channel previews. While these updates are welcomed by many, some users express a desire for greater control over the visibility of Shorts content on this app. This feedback aligns with earlier discoveries indicating Google's efforts to address excessive engagement with Shorts on the smartphone app.
These enhancements underscore Google's dedication to refining the YouTube experience across various platforms. By expanding content accessibility and introducing user-friendly features, the company continues to bridge gaps between different device experiences. Whether it's through enriched browsing options or improved navigation tools, the latest updates ensure that YouTube remains an indispensable platform for entertainment and discovery on TVs and consoles alike.