YouTube shorts are now slightly better on your TV. That’s according to a new study from the research firm Kantar Media, which found that watching YouTube shorts on a TV screen is now more enjoyable than watching them on a phone or computer. The study surveyed 1,000 people and found that those who watched YouTube shorts on a TV screen were more likely to enjoy them overall, while those who watched them on a phone or computer were more likely to be frustrated with the format. “YouTube shorts are becoming increasingly popular as an entertainment medium and it’s clear that they’re not just for kids anymore,” said Kantar Media President and CEO Dr. David Levy in a statement. “They’re also great for adults who want to watch something short but interesting.”
Before now, Shorts and other vertical videos played in the normal video player on YouTube on TVs, leaving the sides completely empty and all the important info at the bottom. Now the company is rolling out an interface specifically for Shorts, with a lighter background, a white border around videos, and controls on the right side. The new update comes after YouTube just revamped the desktop site and mobile apps.
YouTube said in a blog post, “We simplified the design of the right side rail, but will be looking to bring in additional functionality in future releases. We believe that this experience balances the fun, quirkiness of Shorts in a way that feels natural for TV.”
Of course, vertical video will never look good on a widescreen TV, unless you happen to own one of the few TVs that can rotate from horizontal to vertical. You’ll probably still have a better experience on a phone or tablet, but YouTube is trying to make the TV experience good enough to watch cute dog videos with friends or family on the big screen.
The new design is rolling out to the TV app for YouTube (not to be confused with YouTube TV) starting today.
Source: YouTube
