Google running a secret test for YouTube users – but only some people can see it

GOOGLE is testing out a brand new look for the YouTube app.

It’s being trialled right now on Android phones – but not everyone can see it.

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One popular way to use YouTube is with Dark Mode activated.

This gives the app a blacked-out theme, with white text and a red progress bar for videos.

But Google is now trialling a new look for Dark Mode where the progress bar isn’t red.

Instead, the new design features a white or grey progress bar, as spotted by 9to5Google.

There is some red still in the Android app.

For instance the YouTube logo remains red.

But YouTube may be trying to make the video player experience more focused, by removing any distracting colours.

And the red still remains on the Light Mode version of the app.

Google is currently testing this change on some – but not all – devices.

That means you might not see it, even if you’ve updated your YouTube app.

Google often “A/B tests” features to see how usage compares after a change.

How to watch YouTube in Dark Mode

Turning on Dark Mode for YouTube is very easy.

On Android 10 or newer, tap your profile picture then go to Settings > General > Appearance.

Then select Use Device Theme if your handset has a system-wide Dark Mode, or turn on Dark Theme in the YouTube app.

For other Android users, simply select your profile picture, go to Settings > General, and then choose Dark.

On iOS 13 or newer for iPhone, tap your profile picture.

Then tap Settings > General > Appearance.

Now choose Use Device Theme if you have system-wide Dark Mode turned on for iOS.

Or tap Dark theme within the YouTube app.

For other iOS users, tap your profile picture then go to Settings > Appearance.

Now choose Dark theme to change the appearance of your YouTube app.

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