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YouTube Tests Mobile UI That Replaces Channel Names With Usernames

Early sightings point to a limited test drawing mostly negative feedback.

Overview

  • Reports and screenshots show a redesigned video page with a larger channel profile image placed beside the title and channel names swapped for @usernames.
  • Action buttons under videos lose their text labels, leaving icons only, and the notification bell now leads the row of controls.
  • Join and notification options are relocated alongside like and dislike, a change some users say makes the layout feel cramped and less informative at a glance.
  • The update is appearing on a subset of devices — Android Authority says some of its phones show it, while others, including recent iPhone and Pixel models checked by reporters, do not.
  • Some Reddit posts also suggest smaller buttons in Shorts, though this remains unverified, and YouTube has not announced the test as broader frustration continues over recent Premium password‑sharing rules.